Modda adds depth to boost hopes of flag

IMPROVED depth both on the field and off it will be the key to Modewarre’s continued development this year in its bid for another grand final appearance.

That is the message from Warriors coach Josh Finch, who enters into his third season in charge ready to make the club a force to be reckoned with in the BFL again.

Finch has been joined at the helm by close mate and former Modewarre junior John Meesen, who spent time on AFL lists with both Adelaide and Melbourne across six seasons and will be a vital addition in the ruck.

The Warriors also have a host of other inclusions that Finch said should make them extremely competitive.

“We’ve added more depth to our list, which is always a positive,” Finch said.

“It’s been a building phase over three or four years and as everyone knows with the points system you need to maintain your list, and we’ve kept about 95 per cent of the list from last year and added about nine players to it, with some good quality home grown players.

“We’ve also added a lot more quality to our coaching structure, which will help me out enormously.”

One of those home grown players Finch speaks of will be 2007 Geelong premiership player Nathan Ablett, who made his senior debut with Modewarre back in 2004.

Finch said Ablett would be a handy addition inside 50 and would help ease the load on some established players.

“Last year we had a four-pronged attack and he’ll just add another dimension to that,” he said.

“(Chris Mamalis) will probably have a delayed start so Nathan will come in, but we’re mindful he hasn’t played consistent footy for the last few years. We’ll be mindful of that throughout the season and play him in the games he needs to.”

Modewarre opens its campaign against arch rival and reigning premier Torquay on Good Friday.