WRFL 2019: West Footscray sticking to its plan under Shane Lucas

West Footscray is taking a slow and steady approach after making significant progress in WRFL Division 2 last season.

West Footscray’s David Ismail fires off a handball last season. Picture: Local Legends Photography

West Footscray is taking a slow and steady approach after making significant progress in WRFL Division 2 last season.

After claiming just three wins in the previous two years, the Roosters finished the campaign with five victories and knocked off 2017 premier North Footscray.

CENTURY GOALKICKER SIGNS ON AT NORTH FOOTSCRAY

They have enjoyed a strong pre-season, but coach Shane Lucas is not making any bold declarations as the club looks to put its past struggles behind it.

“Expectations are to just keep improving,” Lucas said.

“We’ve brought in probably three or four different things we want to use during the year, so I suppose expectations are if we can get at least half of them down pat and use them in a game, then we’re moving forward.

“Every year you think you’ve improved, which we have, but there’s seven other teams that have improved as well.”

West Footscray coach Shane Lucas calls the shots. Picture: Kylie Else

The flag race is wide open in the second tier, with Yarraville-Seddon, North Footscray and Parkside all strengthening their line-ups, while Wyndhamvale has come down from Division 1.

Manor Lakes and Newport Power will also be looking to improve.

The Roosters have signed experienced on-baller Brenton Quinn as a playing assistant coach from Sunshine and he has made an immediate impact. Quinn played juniors at West Footscray and his family has a long association with the club.

“He hasn’t really trained a lot,” Lucas said.

“He basically has taken the first five weeks after Christmas, which has been a breath of fresh air for everyone. A different voice and different little ideas.

“Everyone has responded to him really well.”

Callum Buchanan, the brother of Sydney premiership player Amon, has also put pen to paper. Buchanan has crossed from Lorne and can play as a half-forward, half-back or midfielder.

Hayden Bray has moved to Hoppers Crossing and is the only departure of note.

The Roosters also expect to see more of key senior players Ben Douglas (one game last season) and Kamtorn Kenny-Jones (10).

“I think come Round 1, we’ll probably have five or six new faces on the ground,” Lucas said.

“We only wanted to pick up two or three. We’re just taking it nice and slow. We know where we’re at.”

West Footscray will meet promoted Point Cook Centrals in Round 1 on April 6.