State League 2: Geelong Rangers inject youth ahead of new season

Geelong Rangers will enter tomorrow night’s Australia Cup with a new-look outfit, having recruited heavily in the off season. Take a look at the ins and outs here.

Geelong Rangers are preparing for a “good test” as they kickstart their 2023 season campaign against fellow regional club Shepparton South in Round 3 of the Australia Cup tonight.

The Cup tie, to be played under lights at Myers Reserve, will serve as the ideal pre-season hitout for the Rangers’ upcoming State League 2 campaign, with the new look ‘Gers having recruited heavily in the off season.

Several reinforcements from NPL youth ranks will add talent and depth to the senior squad at Myers Reserve with Tyler Collins crossing from Geelong SC, while Nicholas Baric, Charlie Johnson, James Lamsom and Harry Waugh have all arrived at Rangers from the North Geelong Warriors’ under-21 team.

Bailey Pilgrim has crossed to Rangers from Bell Park.

Other notable signings include Bailey Pilgrim from Bell Park, returnee Ricky Murase, ex-Corio player Patrick McKenna and Aris Nicholas, a former Werribee City junior who has come off an overseas stint with Spanish amateur outfit CD Llosetense.

On the flip side, veteran utility Col Hamilton has moved to NSW, another veteran Ronnie Clayson has hung up his boots, youngster Aiden D’Andrea has moved to North Geelong, while American trio Rene Collazos, Matt Liotta and Joey Garcia have returned to the United States.

Friday night’s clash will also be the first competition fixture with newly appointed co-coaches and club legends Troy Hardy and Michael Bothwell at the helm.

Former Surf Coast star Aris Nicholas has joined Rangers.

Bothwell, in particular, is eagerly awaiting tonight’s Cup fixture which presents the new coaching tandem an opportunity to try out different formations and tactics ahead of the season proper.

“The Australia Cup game will be a good test for the lads transitioning from under-21 to senior mens,” Bothwell said.

“Playing against a free scoring Shepparton South team will be a great indication of our strengths and weaknesses.”

Geelong Rangers players celebrate a goal against Western Suburbs in State League 2 last season. Picture: Mark Wilson

As far as the upcoming State 2 campaign is concerned, the Bell Post Hill club’s gaffer is aiming to improve on the team’s 10th place finish last year.

“We will be trying to continue our form from the tail end of season 2022, which saw us undefeated in six games,” Bothwell said.

“This year we have targeted accountability as a major factor within the playing squad.

“The players themselves watch game footage to identify positive and negative parts of our game and our competitors. They all have very high expectation of themselves as individuals and as a team.”

The Rangers kick off their State 2 campaign on Saturday, March 18 with a home fixture against last season’s relegated State 1 outfit Clifton Hill.

Meanwhile, tomorrow night’s kick off in the Round 3 Australia Cup clash is 7.45pm.

ARRIVALS:

Tyler Collins (Geelong SC)

Aris Nicholas (CD Llosetense, Spain)

Bailey Pilgrim (Bell Park)

Nick Baric (North Geelong under-21s)

Charlie Johnson (North Geelong under-21s)

James Lamsom (North Geelong under-21s)

Harry Waugh (North Geelong under-21s)

Ricky Murase (Free Agent)

Patrick McKenna (Corio SC)

DEPARTURES:

Colin Hamilton (Relocated to NSW)

Ronnie Clayson (Retired)

Aiden D’ Andrea (North Geelong under-21s)

Rene Collazos (Returned to USA)

Matt Liotta (Returned to USA)

Joey Garcia (Returned to USA)

Liam Mizzi (Released)

Originally published as State League 2: Geelong Rangers inject youth ahead of new season