Tigers rebuilding after busy summer

SIMON Riddoch will take charge of a Grovedale side for the first time in Round 1 that is barely recognisable to the one that turned out this time last season, let alone the Tigers side that made the 2016 preliminary final.

A mass exodus of players in the off-season following a disappointing 2017 included Luke Delaney (retirement), star forward Jordan Erskine (Anglesea), Adam Donohue and Brad Surkitt (Geelong Amateur) and rising star Matt Boag, leaves Riddoch and captain Nathan Deans with a largely young and inexperienced group.

“The group is a young one, but GFL lists are very young now,” Riddoch said. “I don’t know how many guys there are over 30 playing GFL at the moment, and I don’t think we’ve got anyone over 30 playing senior footy on our list. They appear to be very receptive to the directions given to them and (are) responding.”

Riddoch, who was controversially sacked by Lara last season, says the opening month of fixtures against South Barwon, Lara, Leopold, reigning premier St Joseph’s, St Albans and Geelong West are vital.

“I think the draw is fair, and we’ll know exactly where we’re heading after Round 6,” he said. “Internally the expectation is to be very competitive and turn up every week. The more times we’re competitive the better we’ll be.”

Werribee VFL-listed Cassidy Parish and ex-Bendigo Pioneer Keelin Betson will add some class, while former North Ballarat VFL players Billy Jones and Jacob Cooke-Harrison have recommitted.