SFNL: Ashwood’s exciting list changes ahead of the 2024 season

Ashwood has bolstered its list with six more recruits, including an ex-VFL midfielder, in preparation for a big 2024. Coach Michael Decorrado explains the Magpies’ recruitment strategy.

Ashwood

Ashwood coach Michael Decorrado wanted to find a balance.

After having already added a host of young recruits, Decorrado worried his list was “getting too young”.

He sought after some experience to compliment the youth, and is now confident the Magpies are a well-balanced outfit.

St Paul’s premiership player, and ex-Sandringham Zebra, Lachie Butler has crossed from Maryborough to lift the midfield, while Matt Simons (St Paul’s McKinnon), Yianni Billias and George Billias (Doveton), Lachlan Imeneo (Donvale) and Luke Fraser (Waverley Blues) have also signed.

“We wanted to bring a couple of boys – mid-to-late 20s that have that senior body – that can look after the leaner and younger boys,” Decorrado said.

“We thought let’s get three or four guys that have plenty of footy left in their career … we were just trying to get that balance right.

“We’ve rejuvenated the list which is really good.”

Ashwood captain George Lithotomos acts as an in for Ashwood this season by returning from an ACL injury. Picture: SUPPLIED

Yianni Billias booted 53 goals in the reserves for Doveton last year, which included a haul of 11 in one game.

Decorrado expects Billias to work well with Magpies current goal kicker Nick Lowrie

“It is important (adding goals), especially considering we’ve had a retiree who has kicked 130 or so over the last five years,” he said.

“We had Nick Lowrie kick 53 last year, it will be really nice to have another dangerous foil for him, that’s why we wanted to add Yianni to the forward mix.

“Now we have two sharpshooters in attack as medium forwards, Yianni can turn a game in a quarter so it’s really exciting to add him to the mix.”

Ashwood takes on reigning Division 4 premier South Mornington in Round 1.