Deer Park coach Marc Bullen has every right to be ebullient as the reigning Western Region Football League premier gears up for its flag defence in 2014.
The Lions have signed two-time Hawthorn premiership star Brent Guerra and 10-year Carlton defender Bret Thornton fresh out of the AFL, as well as former Western Bulldogs 200-gamer Ryan Hargrave.
There’s also Jack Purton-Smith, from Werribee’s VFL side, and the return of former coach James Condos, who booted 150 goals for Deer Park two seasons ago.
“I’m a very excited coach,” Bullen said. “I’m really looking forward to getting among the playing group and working with these guys.”
Guerra is the club’s marquee signing.
After announcing his AFL retirement following the grand final this year, he joins brother Luke at John McLeod Oval and will be available for selection most weeks.
“I’ve known Brent a long time,” Bullen said.
“We played representative footy together back in the under-16s and we would have been mad not to inquire about his services. He adds a terrific amount of experience and we’re thrilled to have a player of his ilk.
“He may have a couple of commitments with his junior club [Koondrook-Barham] and down in Tasmania, but he’ll put his hand up for selection pretty much the whole season.”
Guerra will remain at Hawthorn in a part-time coaching role and will do pre-season with the Hawks.
As for Thornton, Bullen has him earmarked as a key forward. “We’ve been searching for a key forward and Bret fills the void. He can play forward or back and is still in his prime.”
Bullen estimated about 90 per cent of the players had re-signed for the 2014 season and said the club was looking to set itself up for the future.
“Looking back on 2013, we had a really good year,” the coach said.
“Our under-18s played finals footy, we played some under-18 kids in the seniors, we had junior sides and we had two female sides.
“The guys we’ve brought to the footy club . . . when you’re a young kid and you’ve got a decision to make it’s good to see these guys on board as figureheads.
“We’re cementing a junior base and making sure that once people have moved on we still have a very strong club.”
