SFNL: Murrumbeena adds to forward stocks with ex-Richmond player Todd Elton
New Murrumbeena coach Michael Kinsella’s wanted firepower, and he feels he’s successfully done that with their new recruits, headlined by an ex-AFL Tiger.
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Firepower was high on new Murrumbeena coach Michael Kinsella’s priority list this off-season.
And he feels he has gained it with the Lions’ latest recruit.
To go with Wade Lees (Deer Park), Ryan Farmer (Caulfield Bears) and Harry Lagastes (Noosa), the Beena has signed ex-AFL Tiger Todd Elton.
Elton becomes a Lion via Deer Park, where he kicked 55 goals in a premiership-winning season, including four in the grand final.
While they were a sturdy defensive unit last season, Kinsella wanted more options in the front half.
“It was incredibly important,” he said of gaining more forward options.
“We probably matched East Brighton in a lot of areas but we didn’t make the most of our inside 50s like they did.
“They had some serious firepower, so it was definitely an area we wanted to improve on.
“We really relied on Daniel Willis and Steve Toolongs, whereas now adding Todd alongside those two, and adding a bit of midfield depth – Jordy Pollard and Max Holmes will spend a bit more time up forward.
“That was a luxury East Brighton had in the grand final; playing guys like Sean Downie and Ryan Semmel in a forward pocket really puts a lot of pressure on your backline.
“We were 15-3 and had a lot of games under control, but we didn’t put many teams to the sword – hopefully this year we can find a few more avenues to goal.”
In addition to his forward presence, Kinsella said Elton brings a stack of professionalism to the group.
“Well obviously professionalism, he was on an AFL list for six years and I think he played seven or eight games in 2017 when Richmond won a premiership,” he said.
“He is going to bring a huge amount of professionalism and knowledge – he’s really nice, a good fella, he’s keen to get involved with Murrumbeena as a community club.
“I think it’s going to be a great inclusion overall.”
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