Hillside has added experience and size to its squad for next year’s Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
The Sharks blooded a number of young players this year, but at times lacked the experience needed to match it with the top sides.
The Sharks have been one of the busier teams early in the pre-season, announcing a number of new signings.
Coach Charlie Denaro said the club was happy with how things had gone so far.
“We haven’t revealed them all,” he said.
“There’s about 12 new faces so far.
“There are some notable ones. Lucas Failli is an awesome kid and comes from Pascoe Vale. I see he will be huge for us as a young midfielder, who can go forward. He is still on Williamstown’s list.
“Bailey Kirkman has come from Caroline Springs and his height is needed.
“CJ and Paris Grampsas will add bit of experience. CJ is a premiership captain with East Keilor and Paris is a 30-year-old enforcer who can play anywhere.”
The club’s first signing was that of goal kicking star Josh Covelli, who has dominated the division 2 competition in recent times.
Denaro said Covelli might surprise some people this year.
“Josh has been flying for quite a few months now. I think he will surprise everyone as he is in the best playing shape the EDFL has seen him.
“He is loving it and we have our first camp this Sunday and he is spearheading it.”
Denaro said the club was still hoping to add another ruckman and a key defender.
On the other side, Denaro said there had been several players, many of them reserves, who weren’t returning.
Of the senior players, Hisham Kerbatieh won’t be back.
About 20 players from the club’s under-18 program will step up into senior football next year.
With all the changes, Denaro said the off field side of things would be massive for the club this year.
“This year we had a lot of talent, but didn’t always gel.
“It’s really been a focus. We’re in the fourth week of training and we’ve been focusing on the off field stuff to get to know each other.
“We’re coming together for a camp in Mt Martha, and there will be quite a few of them.”
The club has also hired a head fitness coach to help build the strength on the field.
