WFNL: Laverton coach Tony Jofre on his side’s hopes for the 2024 season

Laverton isn’t planning on changing its course during a “three-year rebuild” with one key factor standing out during pre-season according to coach Tony Jofre.

Matt Vorbach has signed on for another season with the Magpies. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Patience remains the key theme at Laverton.

Heading into his second year in charge of what coach Tony Jofre describes as a “three-year rebuild”, the Magpies have seen their plans somewhat accelerated in the off-season.

They’ll play in the new look division two of the Western Football League after competition officials elected to merge the bottom two tiers for the 2024 season.

According to Jofre, it hasn’t changed the approach he was tasked with leading.

“The club has put a lot of faith in me in going through this process which I am really appreciative for,” he said.

“I brought in a game plan which we want to keep building on this year.

“It’s going to be great experience for all of the boys and it’s all part of the three-year rebuild the club set out before the start of last season.

“Teams like Albion and Sunshine who have come from division one just a few years ago, it’s going to be fantastic playing against them.

“It’s going to be a good challenging year for us.”

One of the key differences for Jofre and his coaching staff this off-season has been the stability in the playing list.

Only Ubil Chol has departed giving the Magpies a stronger base to build off compared to previous seasons.

Laverton’s coaching staff. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Retention has been a big issue in the past and we’ve managed to hold to everyone but one player which is almost unheard of for Laverton,” Jofre said.

“Last year we had a really good improvement based on 2022. We want to have senior mentors for our junior kids so that they stick around with the club long-term.”

The Magpies have been boosted by the arrival of several off-season recruits, most notably Shaydon Bloomfield and Deer Park premiership player Kevin Klix.

Alex Grigg has crossed from Pook Cook where he played in last year’s division one grand final.

Josh Cole, Frasher Johns and Shaun Evans are also among the new faces.

“We’ve got quite a young list so bringing in more mature bodies and experienced players was good for us.

“They’re going to be helpful with leadership roles.

“Shaydon Bloomfield has been a great recruit.

“He’s kicked 100 goals in a season before, he’s a great mentor and brings a lot of value to the team.”