On top of an impressive recruiting spree in the off-season, the emergence of a talented group of younger players could be the catalyst in getting Macleod back into the finals according to senior men’s star Lucas Hobbs.
The Roos fell six points short of a top five finish last year after tasting defeat to their upcoming Good Friday opponents, Greensborough, in the final round of the home and away season.
Macleod lost both matches to the Boro in 2022, one of those being a disappointing 107-point defeat on Good Friday, however Hobbs believes that with some new names leading the midfield battle, as well as some fresh faces across the park, his side can turn the tables on Friday.
“There’s are a bit of a change of the guard down there, so I think the likes of Reid and Kobe Brandt as well as Haydon and Kurt Manuel are looking to take the next step in the competition,” he said.
“In the last round, we ended up playing for a finals spot, there were a couple of goals for the game, and we got real close in that last quarter. So, I think that as well gives us more confidence in facing them this time.”
Haydon Manuel had a career best season with the Roos, playing 17 matches and being named in the side’s best on seven occasions, meanwhile 23-year-old Kurt took home the 2022 Macleod best and fairest after making an appearance in every game last year, being named in the best 10 times.
Kobe and Reid Brandt also stood out for Macleod throughout the 2022 campaign, with Kobe making his sides best players list in eight of 18 matches while Reid kicked 19 majors in 15 games.
The Roos however have had to deal with the loss of some key personnel from the senior side over the last few months. Ruck duo Chris Long and Patrick Flynn have departed the club while Jack Bianchin has made the move to St Mary’s.
But one player who’s exit may hurt the most is former captain Hamish Paynter after he joined Drysdale in the transfer period. Crossing over from Heidelberg in 2009, Paynter played 187 games with the club, winning the club’s 2014 best and fairest and playing a starring role in Macleod’s 2015 flag.
Hobbs conceded Paynter’s departure would be the toughest player to replace and as a result, Macleod will look toward a new crop of players to step up.
“Obviously it’s (Paynter) a big loss, he’s a club legend, premiership player along with Longy and Jack Bianchin as well. They’ve all left as premiership players but there’s a lot of leadership and senior experience going out of the side.
“It’s a big hole to fill, but I think the club’s done pretty well in trying to bring more senior leadership back into the group with a few of the recruits. Some of the lists in the competition are really strong and probably some of the strongest I’ve seen in fifteen years of footy.
“So, we can’t really replace them but hopefully we can try our best to.”
One of those recruits who will provide a massive boost to the club is former Essendon star Michael Hurley.
Hurley returns to De Winton Park after playing with the club as a junior and in four senior games as a 16-year-old. After being selected at pick five in the 2008 draft, the defender played 194 games with the Bombers between 2009 and 2022, making two All-Australian appearances.
Hobbs explained how quickly and seamlessly Hurley’s has fitted into the side, providing his expertise both on and off field.
“He’s already got good relationships with all the guys, and everyone knows him pretty well, he’s already had a big impact. Being involved with Essendon VFL, he’s helped us recruit a couple of the younger guys to the club as well including Solly McKay,” he said.
“His work off-field with his coaching and structures to assist Haysey (coach Craig Hayes) has been great, and it’s already starting to work in our practice matches.”
As well as Hurley, the Roos also added young St Mary’s tall Zac Hudson, Williamstown VFL listed midfielder Jack Lipscombe and talented Lower Plenty duo Billy and Darcy Barden to their list.
Hobbs was pleased to see some fresh names at the club and is excited to work with his new teammates throughout the season,
“Jack’s (Lipscombe) a bigger sized midfielder and is probably what we need at the moment, so hopefully he can get a few games into us and helped us win a couple,” he said.
“Darcy’s (Barden) come off a league best and fairest, he’s pretty well known around the competition, so he’ll slide nicely into the backline for us,” he said.
“Obviously he brings that leadership, as well as a lot of senior experience alongside Billy which is beneficial.”
Hobbs has kicked 117 goals in 111 games for the Roos since joining the club in 2015 and in 2022, produced his highest season goal tally since 2017, kicking 21 majors.
As the 32-year-old enters the twilight stage of his career, he acknowledged he may not be such a prominent figure in the midfield, adding that his focus is now directed towards educating the younger members of the playing group while also enjoying the potential of a new change of scenery up in the forward line.
“I know there isn’t that many years left in my career, so I’m just trying to make the most of it, sort of really enjoy it,” he said.
“I want to try to help and guide a few of the younger guys… we’ve got some real good young one’s coming through.
“As the body gets a bit sorer, I might end up down in the goal square a little more, hopefully I can float between the midfield and the forward line. But sometimes it’s easier to kick goals in the midfield with a little less attention.”
