NORTH Ballarat Roosters are stepping up their efforts to attract recruits with AFL experience.
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We have to be respectful. They’ll be disappointed."
- Gary Buckenara
Roosters football general manager Gary Buckenara said negotiations with prospective players would move to the next level now that the AFL draft process was completed and it was clear exactly who was available.
“Plans are being put in place. We have to be respectful (of the players). They’ll be disappointed. We need do let the dust settle a little.”
Buckenara said while there was some “water to pass under the bridge”, an active market place meant no one could afford to sit back and wait too long.
Former North Ballarat Rebels delisted this year are first priorities for the Roosters, which hope to attract two or three “marquee” recruits to bolster a stand-alone list in the VFL next season.
Former Essendon trio Nick O’Brien, Lauchlan Dalgleish and Kurt Aylett; Louis Herbert from Gold Coast; and Richmond’s Matt Dea are primary targets.
Buckenara said salary cap restrictions and employment opportunities would be among factors determining exactly what shape recruiting took.
He believes the redevelopment of Eureka Stadium will be a drawing power in attracting players as well as existing facilities.
North Ballarat’s major priorities were finding a tall forward and tall defender, and as well as adding experience.
With the Roosters preparing to build their list, James Tsitas is among the latest departures.
He is returning to Geelong – hoping to get a place in the Cats’ VFL list.
The former Geelong Falcon spent two seasons with North Ballarat, playing 29 games, including 16 this year.
He joins Myles Sewell, who announced his retirement late last week, Nick Couch (Springbank), Lucas Anderson (Lake Wendouree), Bryce Curnow (Strathfieldsaye) and Liam Hoy (Redan) among departures.