Wilson, formerly of Northcote Park and the Essendon District Football League, knew he needed to add to the Demons’ arsenal before he’d even pocketed his premiership medallion on grand final day last year.
After all, the step from the Northern Football League Division 3 back to the mid flight is an almighty one, especially when the likes of Whittlesea and North Heidelberg roam the second-tier grounds.
Mernda, in truth, is hardly a newcomer to the competition, but rather returns to its long-time home after a tumultuous 2011 prompted relegation and a subsequent 2012 flag.
‘‘We’ve put a lot of work into recruiting and we’re pretty excited about it,’’ Wilson told Leader.
‘‘There are some big clubs in the competition this year. There’s North Heidelberg, Whittlesea have come back down.
‘‘It will be hard going up a grade this year but we’ll be competitive. Hopefully we’ll surprise a few people with how we track and how we go with our game style.’’
Mernda has welcomed a brotherly duo to the fold, inking deals with Anthony and Krystopher Douglas from Katunga in the Picola District Football League.
The pair are hardened utilities, gifting Wilson’s younger flock protection in the engine.
‘‘They came down to our flag last year. They wanted to play with each other in the bush but they were pretty impressed with what they saw on grand final day,’’ he said.
‘‘They’ll help the kids learn. They’re older guys who’ve been there and done that so they’ll help our list for sure.’’
Young gun Mitch Kerslake has caught Wilson’s eye in practice matches after joining from Pascoe Vale, while Andrew Smith has landed from Oak Park. Smith was named best afield when the Kangaroos won the B-Grade premiership in 2009 to earn promotion to the top flight.
Mernda plays Lalor at Lalor Reserve in Round 1.
