RDFL: Woodend-Hesket captain Tom O’Loughlin in great shape to have big impact in 2018

CAPTAIN Tom O’Loughlin is primed to lead Woodend-Hesket’s push for a breakthrough finals appearance, says new coach Tom Carland.

Woodend-Hesket's Danny Harrison marks against Rupertswood. Picture: Josie Hayden.

CAPTAIN Tom O’Loughlin is primed to lead Woodend-Hesket’s push for a breakthrough finals appearance, says new coach Tom Carland.

Carland, who has taken over the top job from Ross Sleight, said O’Loughlin “hasn’t put a foot wrong” since the coach arrived at Gilbert Gordon Oval from Birchip-Watchem.

“He’s a good footballer but I think we will see him back to some of his best football this year,” Carland said of O’Loughlin, who has been reappointed as skipper for 2018.

Best and fairest winner Daniel Toman, Ben Toman and Tom Gawthrop join O’Loughlin in the club’s leadership group.

Daniel Toman has been named in Woodend’s leadership group.

The Hawks have not finished higher than eighth in the past seven Riddell District Football League seasons.

Yet Carland is optimistic about the club’s chances of challenging for a finals berth in his first year in charge.

“If we didn’t make finals it would be quite a disappointing year,” he said.

“The boys are ten times fitter and they are just keen to learn which helps out massively.

“Injuries and things can happen but if the boys stay on the park finals would be a must.”

Woodend-Hesket logged four wins last season, each of which came against bottom-three sides Lancefield, Rockbank and Broadford.

The Hawks struggled against top-six teams, beaten by an average of 56 points in their nine games against finals sides.

Woodend’s Paul Podbury dispossesses Romsey opponent Jackson Mills.

Carland said the return of Trent Laverie (Avondale Heights) and the addition of Strathmore duo Alastair Rae and Dean Bramley had provided valuable intel from the Essendon District top flight.

“He’s learned what those EDFL clubs do with professionalism and all that type of stuff,” he said of Laverie.

“He’s not a big talker but he’s getting around to a lot of the younger boys and just imparting his knowledge and experiences over the last couple of years.”

The Hawks open their 2018 campaign with three fixtures against non-finalists in Lancefield, Melton Centrals and Rockbank, presenting them with an opportunity to make a flying start to Carland’s reign.

Woodend-Hesket’s Round 1 clash against the Tigers is on Sunday, April 8 at Lancefield Park.