CLASSY forward Trent Castles will co-coach Yackandandah this season.
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Castles will share the top job with Jindera premiership teammate Ash Sibraa, who signed with the Roos before Christmas.
After finishing ninth last season with a 6-12 record, the Roos have snared several key signings as they look to return as a finals force.
The recruits are headlined by former Port Adelaide rookie John Walker, who spent the past two seasons with Picola United and is a 190-centimetre wingman who has the ability to push forward and kick goals.
The Roos have also signed Myrtleford key defender Jayden Carroll, teammate Jay Dale, former junior Danny Atwell from Wodonga Raiders, Matt Osborne (Jindera) and North Albury trio Jonathon and Jeremy Grove and Hayden Key.
Glenrowan best and fairest Kyle Roberts and brother Beau have also returned alongside eight army recruits, including Brodie Knee and Jake Winter.
Albury businessman Allan Endresz will also sponsor the club, with his company Ezybonds already one of North Albury’s biggest sponsors.
Sibraa said there was a real buzz and a sense of expectation around the club.
“There’s a great atmosphere and Trent and I couldn’t be happier with how the recruiting has gone,” Sibraa said.
“We have been able to add a stack of experience with most of the recruits coming off Ovens and Murray backgrounds or having played in grand finals at district level.
“We are aiming to play finals and to be honest if we don’t, Trent and I probably haven’t done our job right considering the recruits we have got.
“All up there are 17 new recruits so we will have a lot more depth than previous seasons.”
Castles signed as assistant coach of Wodonga Raiders in July before having a change of heart in October and committing to the Roos for a third season.
The strong marking forward booted 146 goals in the past two seasons despite spending plenty of time playing outside the 50-metre arc.
“Getting Trent back was a huge coup,” Sibraa said.
“He will spend most of his time deep in attack this season where he is at his most dangerous and see if he can kick his 100.”
The Roos will play practice matches against Howlong and Tarrawingee before their season opener against Dederang Mount Beauty on April 5.
