With a turnover of players heading into this season, Violet Town’s senior football side will merge the old with the new when it takes to the field this year.
After the exit of several players at the close of last season, the Towners have added some fresh faces to their list, with more still expected.
Jake Cullen, Kevin Kiernan, Jett Bewick and Todd Rodgers are all set to lace up for the purple and yellow, while past players Nick Abley, Ryan Smith and James Bodycoat will make their anticipated returns.
Playing coach Sean Horsburgh is also heading into his sixth year at the helm, with the added assistance of newly appointed co-coach Tim Ross.
‘‘It’s a bit of a changing of the guard, so we are excited to see how the team shapes up,’’ Horsburgh said.
Coming off the back of a tough 2018 season, where they finished 11th in Kyabram District Football League, the new-look line up is hoped to spark a positive change.
‘‘Last year was a tough year with numbers right across the board,’’ Horsburgh said.
‘‘Our main goal was to get consistent numbers, our focus isn’t so much on wins and losses, but just having more of a club approach to get good numbers and a good culture.
‘‘If we can do that then I’m confident we can win some games.’’
And Horsburgh is no stranger to tasting success, having been right in the mix of Violet Town’s last premiership in 2012.
‘‘Once you experience it you always want it again,’’ he said.
‘‘At the moment we’re not really targeting premierships — but deep down we all want to win another one.
‘‘At the moment we’re just looking for good numbers at the club and to give some of the young kids a run.’’
With pre-season training already under way, Violet Town is set to kick off round one at home against Ardmona.
‘‘Like most clubs we are excited for what the year has in store,’’ Horsburgh said.
‘‘We hope to be competitive and are just excited to get into it.’’
6°C