TWO highly-rated recruits will help boost the chances of the Dimboola Roos moving up the Wimmera Football League ladder in 2018
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Justin Beugelaar and Sam Godden will both join up with the club after completing the Northern Territory Football League season with the Waratahs.
Beuglelaar has spent the last five seasons playing for the NT Thunder in the North East Australian Football League. He said he was excited for a breath of fresh air.
“I just thought that it was a time for a change,” he said.
“I have a couple of Waratah teammates who were down there last season – Jaré Krnjic, Jayden Clayfield and Tim Mosquito.
“They said plenty of good things about the club and it all went from there.”
The 28-year-old was picked in the 2017 NEAFL team of the year at full back and will likely fit into the Roos side at centre-half-back. He is also capable of drifting forward or playing through the midfield.
“With the Thunder I’ve predominantly played in defence and I’ve modelled my game around that mostly,” Beuglelaar said.
“As I’ve gotten older I’ve been a bit more of a utility and I’ve really liked the challenge of being up forward but I see myself as a true-blue defender.”
Godden comes to the club as a midfielder who has spent time at both the NT Thunder and Glenelg in the SANFL.
Beuglelaar said making the move with players he already knew made it easier to commit to Dimboola.
“I’ve played with Sammy for years,” he said.
“He came through the NT Thunder program as well when he was really young and we’ve obviously played together at the Waratahs.
“I was looking to go down south but I wanted to do it with guys I knew. It makes that integration into the football club a lot easier.”
Dimboola president Col Campbell said the pair would be massive additions.
“They will bring both quality and leadership tot he side,” he said.
“Justin has had to play against some very good sides in the NEAFL and his leadership is clear given he’s been the vice-captain at the thunder.
“We’re pretty stoked to have Sam on board as well because he is another one that has played at really good standards.”
The pairs high-level experience will be invaluable to a side that will be without Ben Miller, Lachie Watts and Jayden Kuhne.
“Tom McGee has gone overseas as well so we’re not sure whether or not he’ll be back for the season,” Campbell said.
The club is looking to secure more players in the coming weeks. Campbell said it seemed players were leaving it to sign each season.
“The window used to be October and early November seems to be pushing more and more toward late November and early December,” he said.
“I think half the reason why it happens is because blokes don’t want to commit to pre-season.”
The club also announced it full list of coaches for the coming season.
Jaye Macumber will be the club’s coaching director as well as an assistant to senior coach Al McKinnon while Chris Ross will continue with the reserves, Terry Reid will guide the under-17s and Matt Everett will coach the under-14s.