Seven Yackandandah thirds premiership players from the past two seasons are starting to make their mark at senior level this year.
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The Roos experienced a significant turnover of key players during the off-season, including Barton Medallist Lee Dale and 100-goal forward Trent Castles, but they haven’t had to go far to find young talent.
Johann Jarratt, Adam Bullivant, Malachi Owers, Hamish McInnes, Dan Smith, Jock Shannon and Josh Bankes are among those names staking their claim for spots each week.
Roos’ coach Brent Lillis has been pleased with the impact of the young brigade, with narrow losses to perennial finalists Mitta United and Kiewa-Sandy Creek in the first two rounds.
“They’re making us really competitive every week,” Lillis said.
“They’re all little fellas, so they’re predominately on-ball or flankers, but collectively they provide us a fair bit of pace, enthusiasm and excitement.
“We’ve had a bit of a funny summer losing Trent Castles and the Dale boys (Lee and Jay), so we’ve almost had no choice but to try and develop some of these younger guys, which I think we are.
“We took it right up to Kiewa on the weekend and I felt we probably should have knocked off Mitta the week before.”
We’ve had a bit of a funny summer losing Trent Castles and the Dale boys (Lee and Jay), so we’ve almost had no choice but to try and develop some of these younger guys.
- Yackandandah coach Brent Lillis
Jarratt was named among the Roos’ best players on both occasions.
“He’s a really impressive kid,” Lillis added.
“He’s always asking questions about his game and where he can improve.
“He’s worked really hard over summer and I believe he was unlucky to miss out on the Murray Bushrangers squad.
“I’ve still got blokes knocking on the door in the twos as they haven’t lost a game.
“I was always going to give these guys opportunities and a good three of four of them give me no choice but to play them.
“They’ve locked themselves in positions for the short-term anyway.”
Lillis is hoping there will be some reward for their hard work in the opening fortnight with victory against Wodonga Saints at home on Saturday.
“We’ve been in winning positions in rounds one and two and I think they understand those times where we could have done things better to win those games,” Lillis said.
“We’ve been getting better every week, so we’ll be all guns blazing trying to get a win on the board.”
Beau Greenway
I like to tell the stories of great people in our communities. Email: beau.greenway@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I like to tell the stories of great people in our communities. Email: beau.greenway@austcommunitymedia.com.au
