SFL: Cygnet coach Lachy Watt on his recruits and the players he’s excited by

New Cygnet coach Lachy Watt is excited by his side’s potential in 2024 as he opens up on why recruits will be key and the duo lighting up the track in pre-season.

Last year’s premiership success only has Cygnet hungrier for more according to new coach Lachy Watt.

The former captain and senior assistant has stepped up into the top job as the Power look to remain on top of the Southern Football League mountain in 2024.

With so much unknown about the future of the competition and how it will shape up heading into 2025, Watt is determined to once again lead his beloved club to the promise lands.

“We just want to make the most of every opportunity we’ve got,” he said.

“One of the best things about the group we’ve got at the moment is we’re still quite young. No one is sure where everyone could be playing footy next season but everyone has come back hungrier in pre-season.

Lachy Watt has stepped into the coaching role. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“The transition period has been pretty easy for me having been an assistant coach last year. Being familiar with the group has made my life a lot easier as well.

“It’s been a big pre-season. There has been no complaints from the players about what we’re asking them to do.

“I’m excited about the direction we’re heading in.”

In order to give itself the best chance of defending last year’s flag with three high quality additions.

Jackson Gordon, known by the nickname Pastey, has returned after a two-year stint with Wilston Grange Gorillas in the QAFL and will slot in across half-back.

George O’Neill has also returned to the cub after a stint with Kingborough, winning a Tasmanian State League premiership, and will add more depth to the midfield.

Meanwhile, big man Cooper Sawdy will be a playing development coach and also has TSL experience.

Sawdy can play at either end of the ground and returns to footy after a year off.

“We really targeted players we thought could target key gaps in our side,” Watt said.

“Obviously you don’t have too many you win a premiership. These guys will come in hungrier wanting to have their own success and they’ll create more competition for places as well.”

Jesse Cowen has impressed during pre-season. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

As for the group who remains after the 2023 premiership, Watt has credited the group for the condition they returned in to start pre-season.

But he’s most excited about two guys including newly appointed vice-captain Will Cleeland and rising star Jesse Cowen.

“It’s been Will’s first full pre-season in a few years and he looks like he’s gone to another level,” Watt said.

“Jesse is only 16 but he’s had a ripping summer, putting some size in the gym which is only going to help him with his footy.

“The buy in across the whole group has been super impressive.”

After Watt’s appointment as coach, Joe Direen and Nathan Duggan have been appointed as the new senior co-captains.

Elle Brereton will captain the senior women’s side with Sammy Kluga his deputy.