SFNL: Doveton Eagles ‘will be no slouch’ in 2024 according to coach Rob Marks

Doveton Eagles identified the area in which they lacked and feel it will help in their aim to be more competitive in 2024.

Doveton Eagles coach Rob Marks.

According to Doveton Eagles coach Rob Marks, everything is falling into place this off-season.

The Eagles started 2023 strongly, winning two of their first three games, before falling away disappointingly.

Marks attributed the falling away to a lack of depth, particularly in the area of experience.

He pledges new recruits Tim O’Shannessy, Matt Clinton (Chelsea Heights), Adam Machnikowski (Koo Wee Rup) and Harry McLean (Kilcunda Bass) will drive the Eagles forward.

“The plan was to get some quality and experience in with these young fellas we’ve got,” Marks said.

“You can go and play footy as much as you want, but we want to be competitive and start winning games.

“That’s why we recruited these older players, to help out the younger ones.”

Doveton Eagles were once a powerhouse - Rob Marks wants to take them back there. (Sean Garnsworthy/AAP).

Marks agreed the Eagles had to reach rock bottom to bounce back up and believes next year will show improvement in the win-loss column.

“We got rid of the dead wood that was there, now we can actually start being competitive and winning games, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

“We have some of the older guys that left halfway through the year coming back, they’re quality senior players too.

“With the new guys we have got, it’s working well.

“We’ll be a competitive side, we will be no slouch, we’re going to hit the ground hard.”

As for what to expect from the Eagles, Marks’ answer is simple: “Some pretty good football,” he said.