CHARLTON
CHARLTON hope to hit the ground running this season with a host of returning players making their way back to the club and new playing-coach Mitch Collins at the wheel.
Despite an eighth place finish on last year’s ladder, Collins believes the team will improve with the addition of returning players and a handful of recruits.
“The second half of the year was optimistic for us, where we were able to push teams like Birchip and Nullawil,” he said.
“We had a slow start that was impacted by Melbourne recruits joining the team and it always takes a while for things to adjust and settle, which they did.
“Those boys are back again this year and we should see further improvement.”
Bailey Kemp returns to the side as a big centre-half forward who will prove handy for creating a options and will also spend time in the ruck.
Tom Finlay returns from a knee injury and will create opportunities with his versatility and ability to play anywhere on the ground.
His experience will guide the younger members of the side and allow him to take more of a leadership role.
In defence, Joe Tormy is a key back-man with size on his side which will bolster Charlton against some of the opposition’s big forwards.
The returning players coupled with the younger guys who played their first senior year of football in 2023 have had a chance to mould and we should see a more experienced and confident Charlton this season.
Fast facts
President – Kris Dixon
Senior Coach – Mitch Collins
2023 Ladder position – eighth
2023 Best & Fairest – Jesse Taylor
2023 Leading Goalkicker – Not available
Premierships – 13 (1940, 1946, 1947, 1950, 1966, 1973, 1974, 1989, 1990, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2016)
From the coach – Mitch Collins
I think competitive-wise we hope to be present at every single game we play.
The top sides are very strong units and we will aim to stay in the game as much as we can and try to win a few along the way.
We’re always striving for finals football, that’s what we are all here for but we’re realistic, we know where we are at.
We’ll be giving it our best shot every week and hopefully learning and developing along the way.
Key player – Harry Taylor
Taylor is an inside midfielder who can go forward and back with an elite set of skills.
He gives his all every week and his passion for the game has encouraged a strong pre-season campaign that sees him in top shape and ready for the 2023 season.
Outs: Cobi Fitzpatrick
Ins: James Keeble, Tyler Bates, Oscar Wyrzykowski, Jack Browne, Mitchell Collins.
