Lalor coach Gary Cutler believes his club can push for a finals spot in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 in 2020, despite winning just four games over the past two seasons.
It’s been a difficult period for the Bloods since dropping from A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2, with all four of their wins in third division coming against Reservoir, who itself has not won a game over the past two seasons.
However, the Bloods are looking to making big steps this season as they aim to turn their recent fortunes around.
Speaking to NFNL.org.au, Cutler said he was pleased with how his team is shaping up for the season ahead, following a massive pre-season in which the club has bolstered its squad with the arrival of 21 new players.
“I’m very happy with our list,” Cutler said.
“We’ve had a massive pre-season. It’s been really solid, and it’s been more player driven. This year the boys have realised where they’ve got to get to.
“We’ve had a lot of new faces come in, we’ve had a few come out. Obviously, that’s what happens at every footy club. One door closes, another one opens.”
Though understanding his side is coming from a long way back, Cutler said the aim was to push for a spot inside the top-four.
“If you’re not aiming to play finals, you shouldn’t be participating,” Cutler said.
“We’ve got a long way to go and we’re coming from a long way back and we understand that. We just want to get into a position where clubs don’t enjoy playing against us.”
With the onus put on the playing list to take the next step in 2020, Cutler said two recruits had stood out over the pre-season, with former North Heidelberg duo Pas Saccuzzo and Louis Hill setting the standard on the training track.
Both Saccuzzo and Hill are dual premiership players with the Bulldogs and return to the NFNL after stints with Portarlington and Yarroweyah respectively.
Cutler has been impressed with the immediate impact the two have had on the track over the summer, which has helped to lift training standards.
Hill’s leadership skills have impressed so much that he has already been elevated to the leadership group.
“We’ve recruited ex-Division 1 players such as Pas Saccuzzo and Louie Hill and they’ve really driven the standards of training,” Cutler said.
“Since their arrival the training standards have been through the roof.
Lalor will enter the 2020 season with a new leader, with Timmy Peck appointed captain, replacing Jackson Freebairn who has moved to Epping.
According to Cutler, Peck has adapted well to added responsibility of the new role.
“He has really taken the leadership on board and pushed the boys really hard,” Cutler said.
Another new addition to the leadership group will be Sam Rexhepi.
The key forward booted 39 goals in 14 appearances in his first season with the Bloods last year and has impressed his coach with his work ethic over the summer.
“He’s gone to another level this pre-season and he’s elevated himself into the leadership group as well,” Cutler said.
Lalor will play three practice games ahead of the 2020 season, with a clash against Yarroweyah on February 29, before taking on La Trobe University and Keilor Park in March.
The Bloods’ 2020 home and away campaign will commence with an away match against Old Eltham Collegians at Eltham College on April 4.
