How Romsey coach Paul Kennedy is rebuilding his team in 2021

Romsey will blend youth and experience this season with first-year coach Paul Kennedy saying the club is rebuilding on the run after several star players departed.

Matthew Burkett is tackled by Matthew Krul. Picture: Aaron Cook

First-year Romsey coach Paul Kennedy admits he’s rebuilding on the run after several stars departed since the end of 2019.

Reigning Bowen Medallist Jaidyn Caruana (Diggers Rest), key forward Joel Naylor (Hurstbridge), Ayden Tessari (Mallee Eagles) and Jack O’Sullivan (Seymour) are all gone.

Coach Corey O’Sullivan stepped down in August with the club appointing former Hurstbridge, Diamond Creek and Heathcote mentor Kennedy.

Despite the talent drain the experienced coach is confident the club has enough depth to remain at the point end of the Riddell District ladder.

“Like every club we expect to play finals,” he said.

Ayden Tessari flies high for Romsey. Picture: Hamish Blair

Joel Naylor in action for Romsey. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Yes, we’ve lost some key players but we’ve got plenty of youth and if we can surround them with our existing talent then we’ll remain competitive.

“We’re rebuilding on the run but we’ve still got quality players, I’d be more worried if I was sending a bunch of kids out to slaughter.

“We’ve made the decision to promote youth, it’s going to be a learning curve, but I believe they’re going to be good players for this club for a long time.”

Michael Tinkler is Romsey’s biggest addition this off-season.

The new recruit brings invaluable experience and leadership having previously captained Avenel and won premierships at Shepparton Swans and Assumption College.

Redbacks stalwart Ben Way is also expected to return in the coming weeks after stepping away from the game after 2019.

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Nathan Blair will captain the club after a successful return in 2019.

The star defender returned after five seasons with VFL outfit Coburg and was named in the RDFL Team of the Year and won the club best-and-fairest.

Kennedy said several players had delayed pre-season due to cricket commitments but was confident it wouldn’t be an issue once the season started.

Romsey begins its 2021 campaign on the road against grand finalist Wallan at Greenhill Reserve.