ROOS SET TO POUNCE IN 2012

With two weeks of the preseason already completed, our new Senior playing coach Bernie Dineen, his assistant coach Greg McDonald (Macca) and Fitness specialist Steve Vaughan (Scuba) have worked the young Roos extremely hard as part of a new vision for the ERFC.

Bernie’s has made it very clear to the club and players regarding what is possible in 2012.

“If everyone is willing to test themselves by training harder, smarter and committing to a club culture of success then we can start talking playing finals and more. I’m impressed with the players from U18 Premierships in 2007/09 and the Reserves Premiership team of 2011, however I’ve joined the ROO’s with my coaching team to win Senior Premierships and are absolutely determined to make that happen. Those who know me understand that I set the bar very high and expect players to follow. So far I’ve been impressed with level of support, I can see why the ERFC have spent the last 30 years in Division 1… but we just need to step it up further”

The ERFC recruitment team have been work hard, Jamie Byard, Peter Baker and Paul Fenton are happy to announce the following recruits so far.

• Aaron Fiora (29) – (2009 ERFC B&F) returns from his country stint this year.
• Joel Perry (26) – 196cm (Playing Assistant Coach). Joel played four years at North Melbourne, two in Adelaide and with Echuca this year. Joel is a mobile big man who like Vogels will add great flexibility to the Senior line up as he has the ability to play at both ends of the ground. Joel is only 26 and looks forward to being part of a successful Roos outfit in the coming years. His Assistant coaching role is something he really looks forward to and is excited about what’s possible with the young Roos.
• David Bell (24) – Casey Scorpion. Classy onballer, Belly is a will add some real grit to our mid field. He has a great ability to win his own footy and kick goals when resting forward. The Roos faithful will love watching Belly attack the footy!
• Bernie Dinneen (32) – Tenacious onballer, however some say he is finished, washed up, too old, too slow… After watching he real off 8 x 200 on the minute, this six time competition best and fairest champ might surprise a few in 2012!!!
• Troy Wright (23) – Ex Eastern Rangers, Box Hill player Troy has been working extremely hard, his versatility and height will add real dynamics to senior team.

And more to come in the following weeks…

Joel Perry (back left) and David Bell (three from left in black shorts with red strip)

Other player News

• Brendan Holowick is looking fit and back training hard after his arm injury that cut short his 2011 season.
• Tony Van Rooyen is looking in great shape and has fully recovered from his PCL ligament injury. A fully fit Rooey is a real positive for the Roos and he is determined to have a great 2012 season.
• Adam Gibson won the first beep test and looks set to put his nasty knee and finger injuries behind him. Featuring in the best early in 2011 Gibbo has hopefully seen the end of his bad luck in regards to injury.

Senior List – Training Times

• Monday – (Includes U19’s) 6.00pm to 8.00pm (Croydon Hills Primary School)
• Wednesday – 6.00pm to 8.00pm (Croydon Hills Primary School)
• Thursday – (U19’s Training) 6.00pm to 7.30pm (Croydon Hills Primary School)
Any Senior players looking for an extra skills session are welcome to join in training.
• Friday – 6.00pm to 8.00pm (Croydon Hills Primary School)

• Please note: Bernie has provided a training calendar to follow which includes some sessions and events not at Croydon Hills Primary.
 erfc-preseason-nov-dec.pdf

2012 Teams Challenge (Round 1)

• Brunswick Lawn Bowls
  1.00pm – 4.00pm
  (Involves all Senior and U19 players)
  Bernie Dinneen > mobile 0402 452 924

U19 News

The Eastern Football League have move from u16/u18s to u17/u19s in 2012 to help keep young men involved in football. The ERFC approach will be to leave it up to top age u19 players to decide whether they are ready to play Senior’s or Reserves football. At least know they have the option of another to prepare themselves for the physical challenge of open age Division 1 Football.

Paul Fenton (Froggy) and his team of Mark Cerni and Wayne Ferguson (Assistant Coaches), David Gill (Fitness Coach) and Rob Rose (Team Manager) are continuing in 2012 and excited about leading the first ERFC u19 team. The team is training hard and relishing the opportunity to team with the Senior boys on a Monday night.
I spoke to very passionate Froggy Fenton.

“It’s great to have a coaching team who are committed to help this young group of talented players achieve their best. We had a good 2011 season with many players developing well which will continue, however the boys have already made it clear that in 2012 the goal is to play finals. We have picked up a some skilful players who will strengthen the list and look real good at training.
New Senior coach Bernie is a “ripper”, he has brought a his coaching team and new game style philosophies the ERFC with the full intension of winning premierships. He very keen to be involved with the u19s during both the preseason and normal season which is great and he knows they are very a important part of the clubs vision. Greg and Scuba have also fitted in very well and it’s clearly evident how well they work as a group.”

• Monday – (Includes Seniors and U19’s) 6.00pm to 8.00pm (Croydon Hills Primary School)
• Thursday – (U19’s Training) 6.00pm to 7.30pm (Croydon Hills Primary School)

Froggy > mobile 0412 889 981

We wish Froggy and his U19 team a successful 2012 season.

Go Roos