PROFILE
THE lure of home looks set to propel Boort to greater heights – with a homecoming of former champions holding the key to their 2023 fortunes.
After finishing last season sixth on the ladder with a 5-11 record, the Magpies have opted for change, with former Bridgewater coach Dale Cameron taking over the reins at his junior club.
The return of Cameron is a major coup, with the former Strathfieldsaye player bringing along a number of former Magpies – including Jarrod Fitzpatrick, Jonathan Lanyon, Tim Rhook and Ryan Mcghie.
Also arriving at Boort this year are former AFL players Shane Biggs (Western Bulldogs) and Jesse Smith (Carlton), with Smith also taking on the role of assistant coach.
Joining them will be midfielders Fraser Millar (Marong), Natnael McLaren and Brayden Aitken (both Maiden Gully YCW).
But perhaps the biggest recruit for the Magpies – both physically and metaphorically – could be former Bridgewater ruckman Cameron Ross.
Having played under Cameron at Bridgewater, Ross will form a one-two combination with last year’s club best and fairest Nathan Twigg.
While an improved performance on last season is the first step, Cameron was also realistic about how far his Magpies could progress – while at the same time looking beyond 2023.
“We won five games last year, but probably didn’t push any of the top three sides,” Cameron said.
“Our aim is to beat one of Birchip, Sea Lake or Donald, they’re the top teams at the moment and we want to be competitive with them – but realistically, we’re coming from a fair way back.
“While we’ve brought a few recruits in, a lot of them have either played at or have a strong connection to the club.
“The aim is to set the club up for sustained success, because it’s something that Boort hasn’t had before.”
With one eye still on the future and having featured at senior level last season, expect Tom Potter and Fraser Holland to continue their development under Cameron – with Matthew Chisari and Jesse Muscatello also set to play key roles.
FROM THE COACH
“We just want to build a good foundation this year. Everyone talks about finals, but we just want to win more games than we did last year and push the top three. If we put in the work and do the basics, we’re going to win more games than we lose.”
KEY PLAYER
Nathan Twigg
The Magpies club best and fairest and dominant ruckman will be equally important for Boort’s prospects of playing finals. Dominates games not only with his tap work, but also with his presence around the ground.
INS & OUTS
INS
Jarrod Fitzpatrick (Golden Square)
Ryan Mcghie (North Heidelberg)
Shane Biggs (North Heidelberg)
Natnael McLaren (Maiden Gully YCW)
Brayden Aitken (Maiden Gully YCW)
Jonathan Lanyon (Cairns City Lions)
Cameron Ross (Bridgewater)
Fraser Millar (Marong)
Jesse Smith (Portarlington)
Tim Rhook (South Rovers)
Matt Rice
OUTS
Ben Knight
Pat Bogers
Brodie Leonard-Shannon
