By Tara Murray
The positivity is starting to grow at Rockbank ahead of the Riddell District Football League season.
After a couple of tough seasons, the Rams are hoping to be more competitive this year under new coach Marty Weaver.
Weaver said the feeling within the club had changed since he had arrived in November.
“Things are good and we’re starting to really improve with numbers on the track,” he said.
“The atmosphere around the club is exciting. There’s exciting times ahead. We play Melton [Centrals] in round one and we want to go out there and be competitive.”
The Rams have so far added about 12 new senior players, whom they expect will bring some experience and make them more competitive.
Among the recruits is Campbell Walshe, who played in the RDFL many years ago. He returns after stints in the Western Region and Central Highlands football leagues.
Tyler Nesbit comes across from Gordon, while Paul Growcott will be a playing assistant coach.
Growcott has previously coached Caroline Springs and Laverton and will provide plenty of experience.
Will and Mike Gregson, who have both played with the New Zealand side in a World Cup, have also joined the club.
The Rams have lost best and fairest winner Jordan Baumgartner and his brother Mitchell.
Weaver said it was disappointing to lose both of them, but there were family commitments behind the decision.
Weaver said there was still a few recruits that they’re yet to announce. The addition of so many players will flow on to the reserves.
The past couple of years some players have had to double-up and play both seniors and reserves but this season they have enough players to field two full senior teams.
Weaver said players will have to work for spots.
Rockbank kicks off its season on April 18 against Melton Centrals.
