Sam Anson takes the reigns at Natimuk United | Footy and netball focus 2017

The 2016 wooden spooners can only go up this season.

They won just two games in the previous year. 

Anson said he had high hopes for a side he says has recruited well and had looked good on the track during the pre-season. 

“Our goal for this year will be to just be better than last year,” he said. “To make finals will be a huge effort for us.” 

Anson hopes to implement more structure and discipline within the young side. 

It will be a season for juniors to step up in the yellow and blue and Anson says at least four players – Zach Smith, Riley Jervis, Ash Sampi and Kai Wilkinson – will get that chance at senior level. 

New faces have graced the Natimuk oval with Anson believing his side will be better than last year. 

“Improvement will come from across the board,” he said. 

Callum Cameron will have a big role in the side for the 2017 season and will be moving up the field and into a forward line position to cause headaches with his height and strength. 

Cameron has played at interleague level and will look to use his experience to lead from the front. 

But with positives comes negatives – the side lost new recruit Jack Ford to an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury in a practice game. 

What are you most excited for in the 2017 season? 

All the boys are just excited for the year to commence and give it a crack as we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

Any players you expect to take a step up this season? 

Expecting juniors such as Zach Smith, Riley Jervis, Ash Sampi and Kai Wilkinson to come through the ones at some stage. 

Any players you will have to work hard to cover? 

Losing best and fairest Ricky Wild to work commitments will leave a dent.

Where will improvement come from? 

Improvement will come from across the board. We will be a better a team.