New Romsey coach Justin Sherman discusses recruits, ambitions for 2023

Romsey finished fourth, almost 20 points behind the top three, last season and new coach Justin Sherman is confident the Redbacks can break the triumvirate.

Jack Jedwab in action for Romsey. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Romsey will look to break the top-three stranglehold in the Riddell District league this season under new coach Justin Sherman.

Premier Riddell, runner-up Diggers Rest and Wallan didn’t lose a game to the other six clubs in the competition in 2022 and finished almost 20 points clear of the Redbacks in fourth.

However, Sherman is adamant the opportunity is there in 2023 to crack the top three and compete for a premiership.

The former Craigieburn coach has been impressed by his players buy-in since being announced last year and believes his team will be cherry ripe come Round 1 when its hosts Wallan.

“We’ve got a really good group, it’s been overwhelming how the guys have handled it and bought in strongly,” Sherman said.

Nathan Blair in action for Romsey. Picture: George Sal

“There’s a real opportunity and we’ve spoken about that.

“Top four last year and they’ve come back with a real appetite, we don’t just want to be a top-four side, we want to aim higher.

“We want success at the footy club and to do that we’ve got to make sure we’re in the best spot fitness wise, how we want to play and developing our junior and senior players.”

Romsey has been busy during the off-season, securing a number of quality recruits.

Jax Kinnear (Kilmore), Billy Goodwin (Glenroy), Jack Slavich (Coburg Districts), Gavin Cathie (Craigieburn), Neeson Cook (Broadford), Brandon Dimech (Huntly) and Chris Petroro (St Mary’s) have all jumped on board.

Gisborne under-18 premiership captain Darcy Lockens and teammate and Calder Cannons representative Sam Wilson have also returned to their junior club.

Importantly, key players Matt Burkett, Nathan Blair, Jack Jedwab and skipper Nathan Hoy are also re-signed.

Sherman said improved depth had been a major goal for the off-season.

Mitchell Caddy in action for Romsey. Picture: George Sal

“We feel like we’ve added some genuine depth and you’re only as good as your twos set-up,” he said.

“Our twos struggled last year so we wanted to build the club’s depth to allow to guys to fight for spots and from that hopefully we get a really strong reserves side.

“We’ve signed everyone, I made the move early when I was appointed to get all the key people signed.

“Culturally, it speaks volumes about how good the club is, we’ve got good guys at the top and that filters down through the leaders and makes it really easy for guys to jump back on board.”

After finishing fourth, Romsey was bundled out of the finals in an elimination final loss to Macedon last season.

Sherman replaces Paul Kennedy after stepping down at Craigieburn mid-season.

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The former AFL player had intended to take a season off from coaching but was lured to Romsey Park by the quality of personnel.

“Romsey sought me out and wanted to have a chat and by the second chat it was pretty evident that the culture was good and they were great people,” he said.

“It had to be perfect for me to change my mind and once I saw all the pillars in place and it was a club striving for success it made it an easy choice to jump on board and be a part of it.

“I’m really glad I did because I’m really excited to see what this group can do over the next couple of years.”