By Tara Murray
It’s been a pre-season of resetting for Point Cook in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
After finishing bottom last season, the Bulldogs know they need to make some changes under new coach Saade Ghazi
Ghazi, who had 12 months off coaching, said he was happy with how things were going so far.
“We have really strong juniors, but we need to set the senior department up again,” he said.
“We are really happy so far and we have the right group that wants to be here. The expectation is to be a bit more competitive and win more games.
“We know we’re coming from a long way back. Next time we play finals we want to have sustained success, playing finals year after year
Ghazi said pre-season had been good so far, with the group returning after Christmas on January 13.
He said they were hoping to have a bit more luck with injuries this year as well.
The Bulldogs have announced a number of re-signings, and recently announced two signings with AFL experience.
Josh Carter joins the club from St Albans.
Ghazi said the pair had a connection from when he was at Williamstown and Carter was at the Western Bulldogs, who were aligned with Williamstown.
“He lives in Point Cook,” he said. “I know Point Cook has spoken with him before about the opportunity to play close to home.
“He knows a few of the guys and has coached some of the guys in the Western Jets. He’s still a good player and will be a good role model for the whole club.”
Ghazi said Carter can play all over the ground, but said his leadership would be massive.
“Hopefully he’ll be here a few years and can be there in a non playing capacity later on,” he said.
“We are not expecting the Josh Carter of seven or eight years ago, more a leader and teacher.”
Carter Michael, who was on the Brisbane Lions list playing one AFL game, has signed with Point Cook as his local club.
He has also committed to Williamstown in the Victorian Football League.
The Bulldogs announced on Sunday, that another former Lion Blake Coleman had aligned with the club while committed to playing with Williamstown.
Ghazi said they were really focused on building a connection with its two local VFL clubs, Williamstown and Werribee.
Point Cook last week also announced the re-signing of young forward Michael Cilmi.
The Bulldogs have already announced its leadership group for this year.
Nick Buykx will again captain the side, with Billy Kolyniuk, Shaun Wyatt and Lochlan Allen again part of the leadership group.
