Sunbury Kangaroos putting faith in new coach and improved fitness

SUNBURY Kangaroos are hoping a new coach and some better luck with injuries will help them climb back up the Riddell District Football League ladder next year.

RDFL footy: Sunbury Kangaroos V Rockbank

SUNBURY Kangaroos are hoping a new coach and some better luck with injuries will help them climb back up the Riddell District Football League ladder next year.

Widely tipped as a premiership contender entering this year, the Kangaroos had a wretched run of injuries to finish seventh on the ladder with a 9-7 record.

Coach Chris Meacham announced in July he would step away to allow a fresh voice to lead the group, starting a search for a new coach which ended with the appointment of Kangaroos’ life member and former coach Jarrod Dixon last week.

Dixon coached the club in 2009 before Meacham took the reins and has been an assistant to Collingwood premiership player Mick McGuane at Essendon District Football League club Keilor for the past five years.

“We had quite a few interviews, but unfortunately lost a few to other clubs,” Sunbury Kangaroos president Alan Walters said.

“But Jarrod put his hand up. He’s still got a lot of friends at the club and still pops into the club quite often.

“He showed a bit of interest and we think he can bring back a bit to the club.

“Hopefully what he’s learnt under Mick McGuane the last five years, he can instil that at our club.”

Dixon has not wasted any time since the appointment, meeting with most of the current list over the past week.

Walters said indications were the Kangaroos would lose few players from this year’s squad.

Former Geelong VFL midfielder Jay Cheep is the only confirmed departure, announcing his retirement after an injury-interrupted season.

“We’re looking at offering him some sort of role at the club. With his experience, while you’ve got it you want to try and hold on to it,” Walters said of Cheep.

“We’ll lose a couple of others, no doubt.

“But of the guys we’ve already spoken to, half of them have already signed and Jarrod’s met with the last couple over the last couple of days and they’re happy to sign on, so we’ll keep the majority of the list.”