It has taken a little longer than he originally hoped but Steve Burns has got his man.
The newly-appointed Hillside coach has secured the signature of gun Essendon District Football League forward Rocky Ferraro, who crosses over from Northern Saints.
Burns told Star Weekly he had been chasing Ferraro’s signature for a few seasons, dating back to when he was coaching Taylors Lakes.
“I’ve been trying to sign him for years so to finally get him is great. I have a really good relationship with the bloke.,” Burns said.
“Rocky will add the experience and class that we need in the group. That’s what we’re looking for.
“We’re getting him in for that and for his ability to teach. He has already spoken up a lot at training and it’s really good to have him.”
“It has been awesome to have someone of Rocky’s quality around the club.”
Ferraro has been one of the most consistent forwards in the EDFL for the past three years.
He booted 64 goals from 16 games in 2012 and in 2013 played an integral part in Northern Saints winning the division 1 premiership.
In the Saints’ debut year in premier division, Ferraro kicked 35 goals.
He will be joined at Hillside by his brother, Charles, who is returning after a break from football.
“Charles is a really handy footballer. He hasn’t played for a couple of years but he hasn’t missed a beat in the pre-season,” Burns said.
The latest recruiting coups continue what has been a busy pre-season for Hillside.
Burns was appointed head coach of the Sharks in October and for a club rising through the ranks, he looks the perfect man for the job having previously coached Taylors Lakes to a division 1 premiership.
He is wasting no time aiming for similar success at Hillside.
“No disrespect to this list, but they’ve never done anything in this division,” Burns said.
“They’ve won a C-grade premiership but have never finished higher than eighth at this level.
“With the junior program Hillside has got, that’s not acceptable and over the next couple of years we need to bridge the gap and start to become a finals side and put a bit of pressure on these bigger clubs.”
Hillside will begin its practice matches next month, taking on Coburg Districts and Parkside in the lead-up to round one.
The Sharks are still searching for an opponent for March 21 and any interested opposition is encouraged to contact the club.
