Tara Murray
There is a buzz at West Footscray ahead of the Western Region Football League division 3 season.
After a winless 2022 season which resulted in the side being relegated division 3, there has been a lot going on behind the scenes since.
New coach Troy Beamond said there was a real vibe that people wanted to be there and help make the club better.
“After the three or four years the club has had, there is excitement,” he said. “Buzz is the key word.
“We’re getting more players to training than we were during the season last year.
“As a coach when you’re seeing young fellows and old fellows with smiles on their faces, it’s really good.”
The Roosters announced a lot of player signings and re-signings last year, but have announced three recruits in recent weeks.
Premiership duo Matthew Grubb and Matthew Turcinovich have crossed from Braybrook. Turcinovich kicked 50 goals for the Brookers last season and was named in the division 3 team of the year last year.
Ruckman Chris Long crosses from Northern Football League division 1 club Macleod. Long, who was named in Macleod’s team of the decade was part of the side’s division 1 premiership in 2015.
“All three are good players, but first and foremost they are three quality people,” Beamond said.
“The two Matthews have shown that they are quality footballers at this level and Chris has division one experience.
“They’re a good fit culturally.”
Beamond said Grubb and Turcinovich were good mates with one of their assistant coaches and the trio play cricket together, which led to them crossing to the Roosters.
The signing of Long was one they weren’t expecting with the big man originally planning to stick with Macleod this year,.
“Chris is huge for us,” he said. “Before Christmas he came down to training and we weren’t sure what we would get.
“He planned to play with Macleod and train with us due to the travel. In the end he enjoyed the club and decided he couldn’t travel to Macleod.
“He has outstanding character and even though he didn’t sign until yesterday, throughout pre-season he has been leading the way.”
Beamond said while they were talking to one or two more players to possibly join the club, but they had finished with their main recruiting.
The Roosters said their season on April 15 against Laverton.
