SFNL: Skye has unveiled a sweep of recruits ahead of the 2024-25 off-season
Skye’s resurgence has taken a significant step forward, with the Bombers securing six new recruits including a premiership ruckman.
Southern
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There’s a buzz starting to build at Skye.
The Bombers have had an influx of recruits this off-season, headlined by former VFL ruckman Michael Boland.
Shane Long (Karingal), Aaron Philp (Pines), Michael Boland (Cranbourne), Chace Struth (Trafalgar), Jordyn Baker (Trafalgar) and Daniel Baker (Trafalgar) have all joined the Southern league club.
Skye coach Paddy Cooke said it was “massive” for the club to get a host of recruits in after a difficult 2024.
“Our recruiting guys have been working on this stuff for a good six months so it hasn’t just popped up out of nowhere,” he said.
“We sort of left ourselves in a really bad spot last year with this sort of stuff but luckily it gave us the time to put work into some kids this year.
“Now we’ve gone out searching for some good people with experience to add to our side, who hopefully can help build on our club for years to come.”
Cooke thinks the Bombers’ “super strong” midfield will be their strength next year and expects far more competitive results.
“They’re good people (the recruits), have all played a good level of footy and will add some leadership, knowledge and lift training standards,” he said.
“It’s a big thing we’re hoping to add to, we’ve got some mids coming in so we think our midfield will be super strong.
“There’s going to be a lot of work and bringing people in doesn’t change the fact we’ve got to improve but it’s exciting.
“Adding these guys just adds to these competitiveness but we’re aware that bringing people in isn’t going to change our results.
“We’ve got to do the work on the track, revamp our game style and that’s the plan.”
Boland played VFL with the then Casey Scorpions before becoming a multiple premiership player at Cranbourne.
He showed his versatility this year for the Eagles, rotating between ruck and full back.
“The big thing is the experience and game knowledge he’s going to be able to help our young guys with and then the first-use as well,” Cooke said.
“He will be an absolute game breaker, so it’s really exciting to get him on board.”
The Bombers are expected to unveil a further handful of fresh faces and are working at fielding an under-19s in 2025.
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