Eagles seek to end downward spiral

NEW East Geelong coach Jeremy Power has been around local football long enough to understand just where his side sits.

The mastermind of the GDFL’s interleague victory last year takes on this new task with a wealth of knowledge from assistant roles at both Barwon Heads and St Joseph’s.

But the season will prove no easy task, particularly after the departure of reigning club best-and-fairest Ruben Vesikuru, who finished fifth in last year’s Whitley Medal.

“Ruben had pretty much already decided to leave even before I was appointed, given he has the opportunity to play in a flag at his junior club,” Power said. “He had a great year for us but we now get to bring some guys in to fill his spot.”

Apollo Bay recruits Ryan Rich, Sam Lowe and 2014 Tansing medallist (GDFL reserve level) Mick Condon are all tipped to slot into the Eagles’ senior side. However, the Eagles will also be without influential co-captains Earl Cody (injury) and Ash Brown (work), with their 2018 successor to be announced this weekend.

“You want to aim for as high as you can, we’d love to play finals, but realistically we’ve been on a downward spiral for a while,” Power added.

“So for us it’s really about riding that (spiral) and playing a style of footy that will hopefully come together this season. Every session we have, the group appears to understand more and more, so we don’t want to put a limit on where we can get to.”

Former St Mary’s midfielder William Cann has also proved to be an impressive ball-user ready to make his club debut against Werribee in Round 1.