Taylors Lake have announced a number of big signings ahead of next year’s Horsham District league season in an effort to strengthen the side and regain some competitiveness after consecutive lacklustre seasons.
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Former Minyip-Murtoa star Kirsten Hunter headlines the list of four new recruits. Hunter played last season in the East Kimberley Football League in Western Australia and has previously represented the Northern Territory at state level.
Head coach Brandon Weatherson said Hunter was a massive coup for the up-and-coming side.
“When he played with Minyup-Murtoa, I won’t say he dominated, but he was consistently in the best and kicked a lot of goals. He’s a pretty well known player and a great get,” Weatherson said.
“He’s a really nice guy and he wants to play at Taylors Lake. He’s keen to play with some mates and really enjoy his footy, so it’s going to be really good for the club.”
Hunter will travel from Western Australia and is unlikely to play the full season, but he could also bring some other new recruits with him to the Lakers.
A number of other quality signings have already jumped on board.
Mitchell Whelan has followed Weatherson across from former club Glenthompson-Dunkeld where he played last season. Whelan was hampered by injury last season, but in the past has shown his quality, finishing second in the Maryborough Rovers best and fairest as a 17-year-old and playing in a number of grand finals with the side.
Young gun Phil Bastick is returning to the club after playing at Taylors Lake a few seasons ago. The exceptionally talented 17-year-old is expected to play senior football but can also play under-17s for the Lakers as well. Bastick also played in the Lakers last senior victory, when they defeated Pimpinio in 2017.
Liam Radlof also joins after a couple of seasons away from football. Radlof is a big-bodied midfielder who has in the past played for the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup as a junior.
Since being appointed head coach only weeks ago, Weatherson has begun a fierce new recruiting campaign in order to revamp the lowly side. While he is realistic about the near future of the club, Weatherson said he was hoping the new recruits are in for the long haul.
“We’re under no illusions that it’s probably not going to turn around completely next year, but we expect not to get beaten by 200 points and to limit the 100-point losses and hopefully win a few games along the way,” he said.
“Already the few recruits we’ve got have spoken about wanting to stick around for a little while and we’re hoping to build on it over a two to three-year period.”
