CHFL previews 2018 | Skipton on the mend | The Courier

STAR INCLUSION: Former Lake Wendouree forward Andrew Pitson has joined Skipton from Monash Blues and will give the senior side a real target to kick to in attack.

There had been plenty of hope and excitement when Greg Middleton committed to the Skipton senior coaching job at the end of the 2016 Central Highlands Football League season.

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But 2017 was a campaign the past Bungaree premiership coach and Emus faithful would rather forget.

A battle for players was a constant theme of a year that failed to return a single success.

The Emus, which kicked just 541 points for the season, collected the wooden spoon and were 12 points below the second bottom side in Clunes.

Now things are looking a little rosier for Middleton and his squad, which has been bolstered by a successful recruiting drive.

Andrew Pitson has been the big coup for the club during the off-season, with the former Lake Wendouree forward committing from Monash Blues, where he played in 2017.

Pitson booted 60 goals for the Lakers back in 2016.

Among the other new players to arrive is Kal Dubbeldam and Mark Hoare, who are expected to be handy utilities for the Emus.

Youngster Hamish Young shapes as a good ruck option, Xavier Lourey is a former Geelong Falcons player who is likely to be a key defender for Skipton, while a string of past club members have returned, including Andrew Fay, Jack Peeters and Josh Draffin.

There’s a number of departures, but the inclusions appear to have outweighed those that have gone.

Middleton is much more upbeat this pre-season compared to last.

“I think our best 18 to 20 is very, very competitive, but we have got to keep everyone out there. I guess that’s the same with most sides,” Middleton said.

“We will win some games this year. I’m pretty confident of that. How many and against who, I don’t know, but I think we’ve got enough top end (talent) now to compliment the other guys.”

Middleton said the club is definitely taking steps in the right direction.

“I’m a lot more optimistic and I think the feel around the club is a lot better too, which is really good,” he said.

“This time last year I only had 23 on the list and I think we’ve got 54 now.”

Skipton will open its season against Clunes on April 7.

CHFL previews 2018 | Skipton on the mend

Q: What do you see as your key on-field strength?

We are obviously coming from a long way back, but I think our overall depth and flexibility at the club has improved from previous seasons.

Q: What is your key message as coach in 2018?

I am putting a lot of emphasis on preparation, trying to get the players to understand the importance of what is required on a weekly basis mentally and physically to be able to perform consistently. I will also be focusing on enjoyment... players, committee members and supporters enjoying their football again.

Q: How have the pre-season preparations gone?

Better than last season. We are slowly making progress as a club.

Q: Which player are you most excited about?

The new recruits have added the right attitude and fitness expectations at training and this is slowly starting to rub off on the existing group. I am looking forward to seeing last year's players improve due to this. Mike Young and Adam Romey are two that have had very good pre-season preparations.

Q: Which is the team to beat this season?

Beaufort or Gordon.

The Emus’ Fact File

COACH

Greg Middleton (returning)

2017 SEASON

Last position

No wins, 16 losses

Leading goal-kicker: Mitch Weadley, 10 goals

Best and fairest: Lakota Stranks

Geoff Taylor Medal top vote-getters: Thomas Breed 2, Curtis Townrow 2

KEY ARRIVALS

Andrew Pitson (Monash Blues), Kal Dubbeldam (South Barwon), Mark Hoare (South Barwon), Daniel Zinn (Barwon Heads), Hamish Young (Wy Yung), Xavier Lourey (Belmont), Andrew Fay (Belmont), Jack Peeters (East Point), Josh Draffin (East point), Joe McKinnon (North Ballarat City), Angus Mason (returning), Lachie Wilkie (returning), Michael Slater (returning)

KEY DEPARTURES

Jarrod Crabtree (Waubra), Patrick Walsh (Monash Blues), Cameron Mitchell (Chirnside Park), Sam Lehmann (Rokewood-Corindhap), Luke Jongebloed (Quambatook)