Despite expecting tougher competition for spots in the senior side after beefing up the AFL alignment with North Melbourne, Werribee Tigers have retained most of their players from the past VFL season.
Tigers powerbrokers sensed a case of unfinished business from those recommitting to the club after a season of promise in 2015 came to a sudden halt in an elimination final loss to Collingwood.
“It’s going to be tougher to get a game this season, without a doubt,” Tigers coach John Lamont told Star Weekly.
“But the core group have stayed, so we’re pleased about that.
“They knew they didn’t play well [in the finals], but they had a good year so there’s real confidence [going into this season]. If you talk to them, there’s a group of guys who want to see the club do well this season.”
Werribee will get an early chance to exorcise the demons stemming from the loss to Collingwood when the two sides meet in their first practice match at the Holden Centre on Sunday.
It will be the first of four pre-season hit-outs for the Tigers, who will send out a number of new recruits against Collingwood, with former AFL-listed players Jordan Jones and Kurt Aylett sure to grab most attention if selected.
While both have spent a considerable amount of time on AFL lists, they are at different stages of their careers.
Jones, formerly of the Geelong Falcons, had three years with West Coast Eagles then stayed in Perth to play five seasons for West Perth in the WAFL.
The midfielder or defender returned to Victoria to take up a full-time job and be closer to family and friends so a return to the big league is not seen as a priority.
“After eight years he just felt it was time to come home,” Lamont said.
“That’s what we want – Falcons kids who have been drafted; they come home and still want to play the best footy they can.”
Aylett has fallen out of the professional system after stints with GWS Giants and Essendon but is hopeful his time with Werribee will lead to a quick transition back to the AFL.
The 23-year-old is an elite runner and will be an asset in the Tigers’ midfield.
“Kurt would like another opportunity [at AFL level] for sure but just needs a little bit of luck with injury,” Lamont said.
“He’s got the feeling of unfinished business.”
