PROFILE
AFTER going winless last season, Charlton will be hoping an influx of new recruits brings about a change in fortunes – and starts their climb up the North Central ladder.
It’s fair to say 2022 was a disaster for the Navies, finishing dead last and with an average losing margin of 90 points per game.
But while the stats don’t read well, they were more than competitive against the lower ranked sides and could perhaps consider themselves unlucky to have not recorded at least one win.
Andy Nisbet will return for his second season in charge and will have a vastly different playing group to work with.
A key recruiting focus has clearly been on the midfield, with Jed Carey, Rhyen Woods, Tyler Bruns (all Brunswick), Jaydon Cowling (Huntly), Harrison Taylor (Lancefield) and Sam Woods (St Bernard’s OC) all capable of rotating through there.
Add in key forwards Travis Baird (Mt Pleasant) and Chris Gavaghan (Brunswick) and it’s clear that improvement should be on the cards.
While the recruits will help improve Charlton’s competitiveness, they won’t be the main focus for Nisbet, who’s intent on continuing the development of the younger members of the team.
“We’re not concentrating on wins and losses or playing finals, but rather just looking to take small steps and to keep improving,” Nisbet said.
“As much as we’re excited to have the recruits, we’re also focusing on keeping our juniors flowing through the senior ranks, which was probably the only positive of last season.
“While the seniors had a tough year, our under 17s were rather successful and quite a few of them got a taste of senior footy – a few of them will be in our best team this year.”
Among those juniors expected to feature include Bailey Dixon, Angus Johnstone, Nick Thompson and Elliott Fitzpatrick, while Darcy McCallum and Jackson Zagame can also expect increased minutes.
Last year’s best and fairest Rhys Thompson will also move back to his customary role at half back, after spending much of last season as an onballer.
FROM THE COACH
“Bringing a few new players into the club has created some optimism, but we’re also realistic in that we’re coming from a fair way back. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but it’s definitely exciting off the back of what was a tough year.”
KEY PLAYER
Jaydon Cowling
Having spent last season plying his trade with Huntly, Cowling has made the move over to Charlton in 2023. Will play predominantly in the midfield for the Navies, but can also push forward with great affect.
INS & OUTS
INS
Travis Baird (Mount Pleasant)
Jed Carey (Brunswick)
Jaydon Cowling (Huntly)
Sam Woods (St Bernard’s Old Collegians)
Tyler Bruns (Brunswick)
Harrison Taylor (Lancefield)
Chris Gavaghan (Brunswick)
Rhyen Woods (Brunswick)
OUTS
Bailey Kemp
Benjamin Roberts
Charlie Patullo
