PLAYER CHANGES
Ins: Jai Utiger (Rumbalara), Ian Fry, Jai Morrison, Jordan Gattuso (Picola United), Sam Woodward (Stanhope), Tyson Sidebottom, Simon Russell (Strathmerton)
Outs: Duane Hueston, Justin Davies, Kane Handley
Shepparton East coach Rob Osborne is hopeful that his side has what it takes to go one step better this year.
After what was undoubtedly a stellar year, the Eagles suffered a tough loss in the preliminary final to a rampant Murchison-Toolamba.
But with some A-class inclusions over the summer months, the experienced Eagles are set to once more fight for a grand final spot.
Exciting talent Jai Utiger is back in the Kyabram District League, where he was formerly running around with Tallygaroopna, while the inclusions of two Strathmerton guns in Tyson Sidebottom and Simon Russell has bolstered the squad.
“We’ve just been cruising along. We’ve lost three or four and picked up six or seven,” he said.
“We’ll be thereabouts again, hopefully we are playing late in September.”
Sidebottom, one of the more famous names in Goulburn Valley footy circles, has returned to the KDL after a brief stint in the Picola league.
Osborne said it was exciting to welcome a household name into the ranks.
“His footy CV speaks for itself really. He can play anywhere and all the boys know who he is and they look up to him too.”
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