Bundoora coach Phil Plunkett told Leader Newspaper his side will need to shift its mindset from being the hunter to the hunted as it prepares for life as the reigning NFL Division 1 premier in 2014.
Plunkett said most of the Bulls side that took home the 2013 premiership would remain at Yulong Rserve, with only a few fringe players indicating their interest in moving on.
He said he expected to be the reappointed coach for the next season, but nothing would be official until the club’s AGM.
The club has been working on securing several recruits, but Plunkett kept names of potential new players close to his chest.
“We’ve been trying to speak to different people, but at this stage it’s all just the silly season,” he said.
“Until they front up to the first pre-season day, you haven’t really got them.
“We’re trying hard, not leaving any stone unturned and we’ve got to make sure we’re really competitive again next year.”
Plunkett said the club was waiting to hear whether vice-captain Ben Shelton would play again next season.
He said the Bulls were likely to target at least one key defender for next season, but could be in the hunt for two if Shelton retires.
“We probably need one or two more big backmen,” he said.
“We’re not sure what Ben Shelton is doing, whether he’ll retire, but there will definitely be a big hole if he does.
“I don’t think (Ben) has made up his mind. I’ve got the utmost respect for him and I’ll allow him to make up his own mind on whether to go on one more year or go out on a high.”
Plunkett said Bundoora’s pre-season focus would be maintaining the same fitness levels which allowed them to storm home to claim last season’s Grand Final against Montmorency.
“The team has gone from being the hunter to the hunted,” he said. “We know everyone will be out there trying to knock us off.”
This article is courtesy of Leader Newspaper.
