JAMIE Macri hopes the Mallee Eagles can give back to a hard-working and dedicated Lalbert community in 2013.
There’ll be a few differences in the team that will run out for round one against Woorinen in eight days, but Macri is confident the preseason has sown the seeds for a rewarding year.
“We’ve had a really good preseason. The boys have trained a lot harder than last year and have been more consistent,” Macri said.
“The senior group is working really hard.”
The Eagles have welcomed Ricky Thomson’s brother Steve to the side this year, as well as the Thomsons’ cousin Jake Mills.
Returning to the Central Murray league after a stint at Kangaroo Flat will be Marty Kelly, a particularly exciting prospect for the Eagles according to Macri.
“I coached him at Kerang and I’m pleased we’ve got another hard midfielder. He’s a quality person and I’m rapt to get him to our footy club,” Macri said.
The Eagles have also picked up James Martin from Mooroopna, as well as Michael Croxford from 2012 premiership team Nathalia.
Departing are Mark Tasiyan to Maryborough, Josh Dwyer to Murrabit and Dylan Wright to Horsham.
Beau Bennett and Ricky Thomson will be available for some games this season but will primarily commit to VFL clubs North Ballarat and Bendigo Gold, while Jake Maher will be in a similar situation as he focuses on playing for TAC Cup team Bendigo Pioneers.
Former coach Daniel Ward will play and coach a suburban team in Melbourne.
Of the local players, Macri said a number had made a big effort over summer.
“Brayden and Wes Bennett have had huge preseasons, as has Jordan Bett,” he said.
“The local boys have just got themselves fitter and healthier and worked hard in the preseason.
“We have to keep working hard — it’s the only way to get ahead.”
Macri said it was now time for the Lalbert-based club to lift to a new level.
“We wanted to get quality people to our footy club and we wanted to be way more competitive and we’ve done that so far. We need to take the next step now,” he said.
“It’s a great place to be around, everyone is really close. The community is full of really hard-working people and we want to repay them.”
