Roos can rebound with depth

ANAKIE coach Chris Moore has labelled his outfit a four-goal better side heading into this season.

But where his side’s improvement compares to its rivals is still to be determined.

Moore had limited stocks to select from in 2017, but his early reappointment went a long way to resigning his senior 22.

That paved the way for him to bolster the club’s playing stocks to ensure the Roos will be competitive in 2018.

“We had a group of probably 25 senior players to choose from (last year),” Moore said.

“It was (a challenge) keeping them healthy and if we got injuries we were in a bit of strife.

“That’s why this year we’ve recruited some depth which has helped us out.”

Jamie Pitman (North Geelong), Tim Van Zyl (Corio), John Gillett (Lara) and Brad Gerrard (North Shore) are certain starters for Round 1, but Moore said as many as eight new players could play.

“In the past, it’s been a revolving door in picking up eight and losing eight, staying around the same mark,” he said.

“Because I was appointed early for this season, I signed all the players up by Round 10 last year.

“They all committed to the football club, which gave us a huge advantage to go and exactly know what and who to get.

My biggest selling point was player involvement; I wanted the players to feel like they’re part of the decision making of where we’re going, not being told.”

Jamie Phillis will again captain the club this season.