Strengthened Macedon chasing improvement in RDFL

MACEDON has had enough of straight sets finals exits, so with an improved list the club is targeting bigger and better things in 2017.

Macedon coach Jeff Andrews. Picture: Kylie Else

MACEDON has had enough of straight sets finals exits, so with an improved list the club is targeting bigger and better things in 2017.

The Cats finished in second spot after the home-and-away rounds in the Riddell District Football League last year before falling to Diggers Rest and Riddell in the finals.

But the recruitment of six-game Carlton player Matthew Dick among a handful of others has coach Jeff Andrews excited ahead of the coming campaign.

“We hope to be really competitive and with a bit more depth, ride out the injuries that inevitably come your way,” he said.

Andrews said the addition of Dick — a former Cat — was bringing more than just a good player to the club.

“His experience is basically unsurpassed in terms of coming from Sydney and then being coached by Brendan Bolton last year,” he said.

“He’s got ready-made AFL experience, a big body and his leadership has been first-class since he got here.”

Others to arrive at Tony Clarke Reserve are Merrigum premiership players Jonathan Barnett and Chris Kilmartin, who played interleague for Kyabram District, while Oak Park young gun Errol McConnell, who has represented Coburg, has also joined.

Captain James Wright and ex-Saint Daniel Markworth are expected play more of a substantial role this season after battling injury in 2016.

Andrews also highlighted his enthusiasm for the ongoing development of young players such as tall defender Sean Reilly, small forward Ryan Fisher and Zach Smedley, who has played 36 senior games in midfield in the past two years while still eligible for under 18s.

However, the retirement of Damien Fitzpatrick will be a “big loss around the club” and stalwart Darren Goodwin is also expected to hang up the boots.

Macedon will start its campaign against Wallan on April 8.