North Ballarat Roosters have re-signed the experienced trio of Orren Stephenson, Lachie George and Andrew Hooper.
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Roosters coach Marc Greig announced the retention of arguably the most important three players on his list on Tuesday – the same day North Ballarat Football Club confirmed it would battle through financial stresses and remain in the VFL next season.
Greig said it was just the news the club needed in what had been a difficult time.
“They were always going to sign. It was just a matter of when.”
He said the close-knit trio wanted to sign on together – waiting for George to return from work commitments in Western Australia to allow them to put pen to paper at the same time.
The signing of 34-year-old Stephenson ends months of speculation about his possible future, with the former Geelong and Richmond ruckman linked with several clubs.
His retention is particularly important given the departure of fellow talls and key position players Rowan Marshall to St Kilda, Matt Eagles to Brisbane Lions and Sam Hooper to Essendon’s VFL team.
Former North Ballarat Rebels, Hooper, 25, and George, 28, also boast a wealth of experience.
Hooper spent time with the Western Bulldogs and Glenelg in the SANFL, while George has other VFL experience with Box Hill and Tasmania.
Greig said Hooper would be like a new recruit, with a run of various injuries restricting him to seven games this year.
Greig said it had a difficult few days for the player group after media reports at the weekend suggested the NBFC board would be voting on the Roosters’ immediate future on Monday night – with speculation that it might pulled out of the VFL because of financial problems.
He said he had fielded phone calls from players uncertain as to what their football future might be.
Greig said while they had been aware of the financial difficulties the club was experiencing, this was the first time the the issue had had an obvious impact on the players
He said despite this, the group had stood firmly together, training as usual on Monday night.
Greig said now that there was certainty, it would be much easier for the players as they continued their pre-season training program.
With North Ballarat a certain starter next season, AFL Victoria will now finalise the 2017 VFL fixture.
It is expected to be released next week, with the opening round for April 15 and 16.