McMahon strives for top-five position

A THOROUGH recruiting process addressing some gaping holes leaves Newtown & Chilwell coach Damien McMahon wanting his side to push into the top five this season.

More size and experience were on McMahon’s shopping list after exposing a squad mainly made up of emerging 18-to-21-year-olds to the rigours of GFL football last year.

“We were a bit light on in key position players as well as experience, but we’ve managed to add to that with Luke Maddock as a key back,” the second-year coach said. “Will Robinson is a key forward who is a genuine lead-up target, which adds some more firepower, as well as Jy Lane, who is a notable goal kicker.

“Add Matt Boag coming into the midfield giving us another strong body, so overall we think we’ve added more experience, speed and more key-position depth.”

Fraser House is another key defender who has come across from Claremont with former Falcon Maddock. House won the WAFL club’s Colts best-and-fairest last season, while feel-good story Lochlan Dhurrkay has aligned with the Eagles after earning a spot in Geelong’s VFL squad. Dhurrkay’s late uncle, Gary Dhurrkay, played 72 games for Fremantle and North Melbourne from 1995 to 2000.

Work started on 2018 as soon as last season ended with the club’s sixth-placed finish, and its ability to attract 15 new players to the squad has bolstered the Eagles’ finals hopes considerably.

The off-season recruiting drive complements a young list already boasting talent like Mitch Diamond, Lockey McCartney and Alex Cincotta, as well some experience like reigning Mathieson medallist Matt McMahon. But silky veteran Rob Condy’s availability is uncertain after joining the Geelong Falcons’ coaching staff.

“They’re more drilled, better educated and certainly fitter, so overall the group is fitter and quicker than they were last year,” McMahon said.

“So we like to think their natural progression, added with some high-end talent, will improve the group.”