BEARS Lagoon Serpentine are returning to the field after a tight end to the 2024 season.
After an 88-point loss to Pyramid Hill in the first finals round, it seemed they might make a comeback to qualify for the preliminary, until a season-ending one-point loss to Bridgewater in the second finals round.
Coach, Jake Wilkinson, hopes to take the team further this season.
“A lot of things went right and we were able to play some really good footy, unfortunately we weren’t able to capitalise on some opportunities,” he said.
“There were a few injuries we’re still recovering from but hopefully we’ll have a little more of a consistent squad once Kalem Paxton and Darcy Poulter are back in a couple of weeks and have our best list on the field.
“Through preseason we have focused on increasing general fitness and improve on and further embed the structures that we introduced last year.”
Wilkinson lost two players to retirement, but has added depth with a host of recruits.
“My main goal was retention of last year’s list, as well as getting the best footballers in the area to increase our squad,” he said.
“A couple of them had connections with the club through friends which was important.
“Adrian Broham has come back from North Bendigo with the ability to fill ruck, half-back and forward pocket.
“Jarrod Starr has come over from Boort as a half-back and wing, and Luke Crawford has come across from Sandhurst as key forward which has been handy as well.
“I’m looking for improvement in the side for a really solid year, to try and keep working to bridge the gap between the top three teams.”
Joined league: 1945
Ground: Janiember Park, Serpentine
Premierships: 12 (1947, 1948, 1949, 1960, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1982, 1983, 1992, 1994, 1995).
Senior coach: Jake Wilkinson
2024 ladder position: 3rd
2024 best & fairest: Justin Laird
2024 Leading goalkicker: Josh Mellington
Ins: Luke Crawford (Sandhurst), Adrian Broham (North Bendigo), Jarrod Starr (Boort), Tom Hawker (returning)
Outs: James Ripingale (retired), Louis Mott (retired)
Player to watch:
Josh Taig and Jaxson Adlem have had a really good preseason and it will be big season for them both.
