Tara Murray
St Albans is ready to go full tilt into the Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
After a slow start to things 12 months ago with uncertainty where the team was going to play in 2023, things have been a lot smoother this off season.
Coach Zammy Muhtari said things were looking good early in the pre-season.
“Numbers have been great, we’re averaging 60 on the track that has been really good,” he said.
“Obviously this time last year we didn’t know where we were bowling and it made it hard in terms of recruiting.
“It all worked out in the first year and we really enjoyed it. It’s a good competition and we expect the competition to get better this season.”
The Saints finished fifth in their first year in the competition, knocked out in an elimination final having led at half time, as injuries took a toll.
Muhtari said they wanted to make finals in their first season.
“We set the goal to play finals and we didn’t know what that looked like,” he said. “We came in with Deer Park and we knew Deer Park was going to be the benchmark come finals time for us.
“It was a pass mark. It was our first time playing finals in 10 years.”
The Saints have been busy on the recruiting front to add some more experience to their list.
Tyler Bell joins the club from the Shepparton Bears.
Former Hillside captain Jackson Volpato has joined the club, as has his former teammate Brandon Coletta, who has been playing at East Keilor.
Young Western Jets gun Alex Tsia has made his way across as has Reece Tompkins who joins the club from Deer Park.
The biggest signing though is former AFL player Atu Bosenavulagim, who signed with the club last season but didn’t end up playing a game.
“We were keen to get some guys in in their mid-20s with good senior experience to help some of the younger guys,” Muhtari said.
“They will complement each other. With a few younger guys the experienced guys can help nurture them,.
“Atu was fortunate to have an little call up for something that he wanted to do. He will be great for us next season. His knowledge will help everyone at the club.”
The Saints have also boosted their off field ranks. Former Deer Park president and assistant coach Matthew Pratt is one who has signed on as an assistant coach.
Shaun Thompson moves into an assistant coach position having been the club’s reserves coach the past three years.
The Saints have hit the training track as pre-season kicks off with a few sessions before Christmas, with the club to also host its annual Christmas party.
