JASON Lappin views 2009 as the Magpies’ greatest challenge since he took over as coach.
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The winners of the past two Ovens and Murray premierships have been hit by retirements and key departures including star ruckman Paul Kirby, Nick Trenfield, Ed Clarke, Ben Cosgriff, Dale Carmody and Jon Henry.
But the gains have been significant including silky smooth Wangaratta Rovers’ midfielder Jamie Allan, Shaun Gannon and Scoresby key forward Steve Williamson.
The Magpies are also expecting big things from young forward Jacob Craven, who has committed to the club on a full-time basis now he is finished duties with the Murray Bushrangers.
Benalla product Farran Priest has also signed with the Magpies but do not expect him to play much because of Bushies commitments.
“We’re really excited, in some ways the majority of the group is probably looking forward to this season more than last,” Lappin said.
“I think just the guys we’ve got back to the club and the group that we’ve got are really good and looking forward to it.
“On paper we won’t have as good a side as last year — on paper we will have as good a side as ’07 — which was good enough to win it.
“We finished top that year so anything is possible.”
Lappin remains hopeful reigning best and fairest winner Sam Higgs will remain at the Magpies with the skilful small training at VFL club Port Melbourne.
“He’s going to play the practice games and see where he is in the whole mix,” he said.
“If it looks like he will play seniors I think he will stay down there, but if he isn’t featuring in their plans he probably will play with us.
“He’s still not sure, I hope it works out for him. He’s a bit of a realist as well, he knows it’s going to be hard because he’s a little bit older than some of them.”
Perhaps the Magpies’ biggest challenge will be to find some goal-kicking power after the retirements of Henry and Carmody and goal sneak Ed Clarke.
But Lappin said a tweak in the game plan should help the Magpies score heavily.
“Steve Williamson will be a big bonus,” he said.
“We’re looking for an even contribution from the young fellas like Aaron Braden or a Brendan Keir, or a Xavier Norden to step up, and Jake Craven is going to bring a lot to us, and Jarrod Hayse.
“I think particularly in the second-half of last year we became too reliant on Jon and he was injured and couldn’t really perform to what he was capable of.
“I think with the forward line that we’ll have, I think we’ll be a heavier-scoring side, which is what the plan is anyway.”
