Diggers Rest strengthens its side as it once again looks for an elusive Riddell District Football League premiership

DIGGERS Rest coach Shaun Sims considers his side to be lucky — in a way. In another way, the Burras have been very unlucky in recent times.

Footy Romsey v Diggers Rest

DIGGERS Rest coach Shaun Sims considers his side to be lucky — in a way.

Once again, the Burras have kept almost all of their playing list from last season together in what is increasingly becoming, as Sims puts it, a “complex local footy environment”.

It has been a common theme for Diggers Rest in ­recent times, a club which prides itself on having a healthy culture which has resulted in its group sticking together season after season.

But in another regard the Burras have been unlucky.

Despite having won 47 of 59 matches over the past three seasons — and playing off in the past two grand ­finals — the club has not been able to get its hands on a Riddell District Football League premiership.

Diggers Rest’s last senior flag came in 1993.

“We’ve got fairly close over the last eight years,” Sims said.

“We’ve been there and got ourselves there which is a great effort. We’re always up there playing finals and we pride ourselves on being a hard team to play against.

“But we just haven’t got over the line. Last year, to be completely honest, we were just beaten by a better team.

“But if you’re thinking about that (the premiership) at this time of year, then you’re probably in a bit of strife.

“It looks like all the teams that were up there last year have improved again and we’re hearing that a lot of the teams that were outside the top six have recruited well too and are trying to push up the ladder.

“I think you’ll probably find that it will be one of the most even seasons in the last five years.”

The Burras have done some recruiting, most of which was ticked off early in the off-season.

Dean Smith (Greenvale) signed on as a playing assistant coach while Jamie Lobb (Essendon Doutta Stars) and Jamerson Campbell (Sunbury Kangaroos) were other additions and 2006 Bowen Medal winner Stephen Ruane and Brett Caton have returned.

“If you go in with the same team again, you’re going to be in a bit of trouble,” Sims said.

“You’ve just got to keep improving.”

Diggers Rest will face Riddell in Round 1 on April 11.