WEST PRESTON-LAKESIDE has signalled its intent to climb the Northern Football League Division 1 ladder with the signing of former AFL livewire David Rodan.
The 31-year-old has committed to the Roosters for the next two years, becoming one of the first signings of new coach Leigh Cole’s tenure.
Rodan joins former Werribee player Kirk Lang at J.E Moore Park, bolstering a squad that narrowly missed out on playing finals last year.
Cole said Rodan, who played 185 AFL games for Port Adelaide, Richmond and Melbourne, represented a significant signing for the club.
“It will be great for the club, obviously it’s a benefit to have him on the field but what he brings off the field will be great for us as well,” Cole told Local Footy.
“He was signed with us last year, he has a connection with someone else at the club.
“Obviously he couldn’t play because of his knee, but we’ve done a bit of work in the off-season to try and get him across full-time which has come about in the last couple of days.”
While the Roosters welcomed another ex-AFL player — Aaron Davey — for six games last year, Rodan has signed on a full-time basis.
“He’s made himself available for the next two years,” Cole said.
“Having spoken to him, he’s keen to have input into what goes on and mentor young players.
“He obviously sees himself as a leader as well, the type of person that will stand up and do that thing without having to be asked to do it.”
Cole said Rodan would train with the club for the first time on Monday night, although he is expected to undertake a modified program as he returns from injury.
“His program is a little bit modified, he’ll have to do some things a little bit different to other players,” he said.
“But obviously he knows his body better than anyone else, he’s still looking to get a little bit of strength back into his leg.
“But he should be right to go in Round 1.”
Cole said the club remained in discussions with other potential signings, adding the Roosters had maintained most of their squad from 2014.
This article is courtesy of Leader.
