Oliver Lees
Newport coach Rodney Van Reit believes his club is well placed to go far this season in Western Football League division 2.
Van Reit was named as the club’s new senior in September last year after the Panthers narrow preliminary final defeat to Albion.
The Panthers were one straight kick away from a grand final spot.
Despite being new to the club, Van Reit said he had been keeping an eye on the team throughout the last five matches of the season.
“We’ve definitely reviewed what happened last year,” he said.
“I was able to see where I thought we had a few deficiencies, recruit for those needs and develop a game plan to fit the group.
“I think it gave me a little bit of an advantage knowing what was needed.”
Van Reit was able to draw on his lengthy experience as a player to bring in new players.
This includes brothers Josh, Trent and Heath Rafferty, whom Van Reit played against during his time at Deer Park.
“Once I knew they were interested, I was keen to get all three on board,” he said.
“It’s a really good story that they all get to play together, especially at Newport, which is a very family oriented club.”
The Panthers have also signed ruckman Zach Del Grosso, who has played more than 100 games for Spotswood.
Josh Rafferty’s immediate impact at the club has been recognised with his selection as deputy vice-captain alongside Belal Abouied.
Abouied had a stellar 2023 season that was capped off with him winning the club’s best finals player.
Malek El-Hassan and Sohrob Ismail will serve as vice-captains while Abdul Jawad will return as captain.
Van Reit said Jawad was an easily selection as captain.
“Abdul is really keen to lead us and is one of those guys that has played a lot of footy at a high level,” he said.
“Throughout the pre-season he’s really stood up on and off the field and been a big support for our younger guys coming through.
“He leads the standard at training and when the young guys see that they follow suit.”
The Panthers will play the Western Rams in round one, in what will be the Rams first match in the WRFL after transferring from the Riddell District Football League.
“It’s a bit of a tough one to prepare for,” Van Reit said.
“I’ve been able to make a few calls, obviously they’re coming across to try and be competitive in the west region, so it’ll be a good challenge for us in round one.”
The Panthers start their season on Saturday against Western Rams, who will be making their WFL debut.
