COULD a club that lost arguably its best player at the end of last season actually be stronger this year?
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Ballarat playing coach Shane Hutchinson thinks so.
The Simonds Swans have named three prized recruits — Matt Dawson, Braedon Deary and towering ruckman Chris Howgate — in addition to Thomas Anson from Horsham District club Harrow-Balmoral and returning Central Highlands players Damien Larkin and Daniel Chant for tomorrow’s round one Ballarat Football League clash against old rival Redan at Mars City Oval.
With the departure of 2011 best and fairest Adam Sewell to Newlyn, and two club award winners in Daniel Thompson and Luke Fisher to Springbank, it might have been reasonable to predict Ballarat would drop off the top group of teams in the Red Onion BFL.
However, the Swans’ pre-season form, and that of the recruits in particular, has Hutchinson quietly confident ahead of this season.
“It’s a bit of an unknown but there is more depth and more players pushing for selection,” Hutchinson said.
“We were always confident. Even when those guys told us they were going we had some things place for the recruits.
“Until we play Redan in round one you don’t know where we’re at. They are a really good test because they are the reigning premiers for good reason.”
Dawson and Deary are both described by Hutchinson as small forwards who can go on the ball.
Dawson played some senior football with Ovens and Murray league club Wodonga Raiders, while Deary has crossed from Bendigo league side Golden Square.
“Hopefully they can be the sort of guy player Sam Harkin was a few years ago: a skillful, running player who can kick a few goals,” Hutchinson said.
However, it is 200cm-plus ruckman Christopher Howgate who caught the eye of most observers in the Swans’ practice match against Melton.
“In the past few years we’ve had 6’3” ruckmen doing the job for us. Chris Howgate gives us a lot more options,” Hutchinson explained.
“He’s also mobile but he’s only 20-years old so he’s still learning some aspects of the game.”
Redan, meanwhile, will unveil some recruits of its own, including former North Ballarat Rooster Grant Bell, the newly arrived Brenton Reardon, and Matt Miller who is back in the maroon and gold after two seasons at Dunnstown.
Linlec Lions co-coach Eammon Gill said Miller’s return is timely given the unavailability of ruckman Nick Bye and an injury to Brett Dickinson.
“We’re a bit short on ruckmen so we will be able to play (Miller) there,” Gill said.
Dickinson will miss up to six weeks with a shoulder injury.
PREDICTION: Hard to tip against the reigning premier.