HEATHCOTE\u2019S build-up to another season of footy action in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL kicks off next Wednesday at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve.<\/p>\n
The Saints were runner-up last season and have made some significant signings in a bid to capture their first senior premiership since 2010.<\/p>\n
Newcomers are ruckman James Orr from Kyneton, key position players Daniel Johnstone and Cooper Webber-Mirkin from South Bendigo and Trentham, and Rupertswood midfielder Zac Saad.<\/p>\n
In the lead-up to his third season as coach, Andrew Saladino said the club had more height and marking power.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlans for pre-season are six sessions before Christmas,\u201d said Saladino. \u201cA big focus again will be on skills work.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the players have been given running programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have always believed that running drills do not always have to be part of training during the week. Players can do running before or after work, on a Saturday or Sunday in pre-season.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a trust in the players knowing and doing what they need to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Saladino said a grand final appearance meant it would be later start to pre-season.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a really big year for all the club,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFitness played a big part in reaching the grand final as we had few injuries when it mattered most at finals time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of the team which played Mount Pleasant in the grand final there will be at least four changes.<\/p>\n
Shannon Dowsett and Tom Pain have retired, while Jesse Davies and Lachlan Innes have returned to Wallan.<\/p>\n
The Saints to regain Jack Bruce who missed all of the 2023 season because of an ACL injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cJack can play centre half-back or centre half-forward,\u201d Saladino said. \u201cIt\u2019s about having the right players for a variety of positions. That\u2019s been the focus of our recruiting, not just this year, but since I rejoined the club.\u201d<\/p>\n
The coach said Saints\u2019 fans should be excited about the prospect of Corey Grindlay and Zac Saad teaming up in the forward 50-metre arc.<\/p>\n
\u201cCorey\u2019s been outstanding since he joined the club. Zac is an explosive player, whether in midfield or closer to goal,\u201d Saladino said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
HEATHCOTE\u2019S build-up to another season of footy action in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL kicks off next Wednesday at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve. The Saints were runner-up last season and have made some significant signings in a bid to capture their first senior premiership since 2010. Newcomers are ruckman James Orr from Kyneton, key […]<\/p>\n