Tara Murray
Youth will lead the way for Melton Centrals in the Riddell District Football League this season.
Under new coach Mark Pederson, Centrals have focused on youth and will look to use that to their advantage.
“We have a really young side, our average age is 23,” he said.
“We will be very young, but that’s good for a running game. We should know more about the squad this weekend after the practice match.
“We look like we will be competitive.”
Pederson said they had signed nine to 10 players, but was keeping most of the signings close to his chest.
He said many of them weren’t big name players, but they were looking really positive.
Among the clearances lodged by the Centrals include Blake Henderson, Ricky Hawkins, Connor and Jake Charge.
“They’ll fit in all over the ground,” he said. “The season can’t come quick enough, I want to see how they can go and get this group to gel together.”
Centrals have lost key forward Dylan Weir in a big loss for the side.
Pederson said recruits Jarryd Underwood and Evan Donoghue would play up forward and be key targets.
He also expected growth from the existing playing group.
“The young guys have had a really good pre-season and we’re expecting a lot of improvement.
“Not just from the new recruits, but the guys who were already here.”
Pederson said they were hoping to play finals football this year. The side finished seventh last year.
After a few years out of the game, Pederson said he was enjoying being back in the coaching hot seat.
“After the last two years with COVID, it’s good to be around people again,” he said.
“We’ll likely be dealing with outbreaks during the year. We’re just hoping no more new strains come and we just get a go at a real season of football with no interruptions.”
Centrals will kick off their season on April 2 against Western Rams.
