Taylors Lakes will take a more attacking mindset into the Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
The Lions haven’t been too active recruiting during the off season, but the one area they have looked to address is the forward line according to coach Sam Tankard.
“It’s been not too bad,” Tankard said.
“We’ve lost a few players and we’ve picked up a few players.
“We’re not spending any more money which makes it hard. The players we have lost we’ve looked to replace with some key forwards to help kick a few more goals.
“It’s something we’ve lacked in my time at the club.”
Samuel Kennedy, Joseph McGrath, Rhys Deacon and Jye Bryan have all come from country leagues and are expected to provide options up forward.
Tankard said they would continue to blood youngsters as well and hoped that they would help the club take the next step. He said their was a number of players who had played around the 20 games, who were ready to step up.
Matthew Morelli has retired, while Adrian Longo, who has gone to St Albans in the Western Region Football League, are the two big outs of the top team.
Tankard said they lost a few others, while their reserves team, which has won the last four reserves flags, would be a bit younger side with a number of retirements.
Tankard said they hadn’t dwelled on last season, when they missed out on the top four and finals, by percentage.
“It’s a new year and we’re hoping to play finals,” he said.
“A lot of sides have brought in a lot of good players and a few sides are looking to give it a good whack.
“It will be a difficult challenge.”
The Lions season gets underway on Friday, as they take on Hillside in their annual Good Friday clash.
Tankard said it was a special day for both clubs, with the Good Friday appeal a focus on the day.
“It’s as close as you go to a finals game and it’s a good experience for the younger guys.”
Off field, Tankard said the club was in a good position with a lot of people putting their hands up to share the load.
