Newlyn will mount its attack on the Central Highlands Football League season with a group of recruits from the country's top end.
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The Cats, under the new coaching regime of Dan Wehrung and Chris Dwyer, have lured five players from the Northern Territory to aid their 2017 campaign.
Wehrung spent the summer months playing with Southern Districts in the Northern Territory league and has signed some of his teammates for a season in Victoria.
Onballers Dylan Fishwick and Alex Morrish join after playing in a Sunraysia league premiership with Ouyen United in 2016, while key position player Nathan Hura featured for Irymple in the same competition last season.
Dylan McLachlan, a NT local who has played with Woodside and District in 2015 and 2016, adds to the midfield options, while Liam McGregor is described as a skillful and athletic utility.
McGregor played two games for the NT Thunder in the NEAFL last season.
Wehrung said all five imports are expected in the region ahead of the Cats’ round one clash with Hepburn on Saturday, April 1.
“I'd be pretty hopeful that all five of them will have a real impact for us,” Wehrung said.
“Obviously, there is that element of unknown. The Central Highlands is different footy to even the Sunraysia league, where three of them are from.
“But I think they've all got the skill set and the body type that will cope with that more contested style of footy.”
The quintet will join a Newlyn side that has not played finals since 2012 and finished 12th on the ladder last season.
Former coach Kal Young and his brother Will were among the significant departures for the Cats during the off-season.
- Football previews, pages 18-22