By Tara Murray
New West Footscray skipper Matthew Grubb is excited for the new challenge with the Western Football League division 2 club this season.
Grubb has been appointed the Roosters new captain replacing Chris Long.
The club said Grubb, who is in his third season at the Roosters, had already shown his natural ability to lead the playing group both on and off the field.
Grubb himself said it was pretty special to step up into the role.
Tom Stelluto, EJ Sharp, Michael Oddie, Matt Turcinovich, James Blackwell and Michael Fitzpatrick make up the leadership group.
“I’m pretty proud to take up the role,” Grubb said. “The first year I moved I was in the leadership group.
“It was something that was always in the back of my mind. A few boys and the coaching committee voted for myself the to take the role which is special.”
Grubb said the Roosters were a really good family club and his time at the club had been really enjoyable so far.
He said while he now has the captaincy, nothing changes for him and how he goes about his game.
“I’ll keep playing the way I have and will step in to help the boys where I need to,” he said.
It’s been a big off season for the Roosters, who are averaging 40 to 50 on the track a night.
The club has also moved to Skinner Reserve, as Shorten Reserve gets upgraded.
Grubb said they believed that Skinner Reserve, where they would play their home games, would suit their game style.
“Everyone is ready to jump into the season,” he said. “Skinner Reserve is a bigger ground.
“We are a quick small team and we’ve very excited to show our skills on the bigger ground.
“We think we are up to it.’
Grubb said a number of the recruits had been setting the standards after making the move across.
Damian Furlong and Jai Haines have both crossed from Williamstown CYMS and have impressed in the off season.
Grubb said he was keen to play his brother Mitchell Grubb again. Mitchell hasn’t played the past two seasons with his last game a WFL division 3 premiership, alongside his brother.
Grubb said Oddie, who is coming off an ACL injury, is looking as good as ever, while Sharp and Fitzpatrick had been really outstanding in the off season.
The Roosters finished in ninth last season when it was a top six.
Grubb said this season they were hoping to play finals.
“We are aiming for the top and hoping to go deep into the finals series,” Grubb said.
The Roosters start their season on April 5 against Laverton at Skinner Reserve.
