LAVINGTON has received a considerable boost, with confirmation key forward Justin Koschitzke will stay at the club for a third season.
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I love loyalty and I love everything they stand for.
- Justin Koschitzke
The former St Kilda star was weighing up several playing and coaching offers before re-committing to the O and M premiership contenders.
Koschitzke had minor knee surgery after the grand final loss to Albury and could reduce the number of games he plays next year, in order to better manage his troublesome knee.
“I’ve had it cleaned out again which is a management thing,” the 33-year-old said.
“I won’t get any worse, or better.
“I might manage it again by playing less games.”
The tall forward played 18 games this year – six more than his first season at the club – and finished with 58 goals.
He kicked just two in the grand final, and said the loss still haunts him.
“Every day,” Koschitzke said.
“It’s a missed opportunity.
“I feel more for the committee and the guys who put so much effort into it.
“That’s the guilt that you feel.”
The Panthers have added to their already potent forward line by signing star forward Luke Gestier from Corowa-Rutherglen.
Gestier rejected a rival bid from Yarrawonga to go to Lavington, which hasn’t won the flag in 10 years.
“I want to win it, we are not far off it,” Koschitzke said.
“I love loyalty and I love everything they stand for - the committee, the players, how they go about it.
“I love the direction Sakes (coach James Saker) is going in.
“Some of the relationships I’ve formed over the last few years is fantastic.”
Lavington has managed to keep its grand final side largely in tact.
Myles Aalbers (Rand-Walbundrie), Mitch Palmer (coaching) and Jay Banks (Wollongong) are the only confirmed losses.
