With the Christmas and New Year celebrations now behind us, i thought it would be nice to update our supporters on how the senior pre season is going.

Training will continue at Westminster College with sessions being conducted on Monday, Wednesday & Friday nights commencing at 6-00pm until the cricket

commitment’s finish at Challenge Recruitment Oval.

Mark and his coaches are working diligently with the players, who appear to be enjoying the program that has been put before them.

There have been a few structural changes with our Coaching Staff:   Mark as Senior Coach will be joined by former Reserves Coach Jon Symond’s who will replace Peter Caven as his assistant Coach, Matthew Nicks formerly of the Sydney Swans will take up a Development Role, whilst Rowey and Chris Groom will also continue in their roles as assistant coaches. Martin Millane will remain as the Skills Coach.  The reserves players will again be coached by Michael Godden with support from the popular Ben Wade, Damien Raidis will control the Fitness program leaving Adam West, Jared Jackson and Brian Gates to look after the Rehabilitation.

Leon Holme the Weights Coach will continue to ensure that the playing group push ahead with their programs on every Tuesday & Thursday sessions.

Overall the Coaching Staff is well balanced and will provide Mark with all the assistance he requires.

Our new interstate recruits, Todd Grima and Damien McCormack arrive on Monday January 7th to commence training as will Matthew Bode after opening his new Lifestyle business on Brighton Road.

Todd from the Geelong Football Club has been recruited to play as a tall forward, Damien from the Western Bulldogs as a running winger, midfielder whilst Matthew will also provide many options through the midfield and up forward.

Paul Adlington from Horsham in Victoria has not missed a beat since he arrived in early November of last year, and Wade Ryan the leading goal kicker from the North Gambier Football Club will relocate to Adelaide within the next two weeks.

Also it is very pleasing to announce that young Ed Curnow representing the Crows was the Club’s selection at the SANFL Mini Draft held in December.

These new players will hopefully compensate for the losses of Ben Moore (retired), Jeff Smith (Moved to Cairns) David Mitchell (Returned to Victoria) and Josh Mahoney (Moved to Melbourne FC as Assistant Coach)

 It is also pleasing to report that the club is most fortunate to retain the majority of the outstanding support staff who officiated in season 2007.

Hopefully with everything in place now Season 2008 will present the club with another huge challenge, one that I am sure that everyone involved is looking forward to. The club wants to continue to build on its strengths from season 2007 and looks forward to your support, as we attempt to improve our standing as a “Top” 3 Club in 08.

“Go Tigers”

Ken Applegarth

Football Manager