Seagulls’ search for talent

NORTH Shore coach Mark McDowell has described the Seagulls as the region’s “club of opportunity” as they hunt for key players before the start of the season.

The Seagulls and McDowell found themselves on the back foot after former coach Sam Darley walked out on the club and moved back to Tasmania.

They have also lost stars Corey Nankervis, Nathan Peoples, Kane Collins and Jonathon Arcoraci.

But with 47 points to play within their cap, McDowell is hopeful the Seagulls will be able to attract talent before the start of the season.

“We’ve got a few players that we have to cover but that just creates opportunity for players within the club and for players that are looking to have a crack at GFL football,” McDowell, who coached Inverleigh to last year’s GDFL grand final, said.

“We have 47 points and the opportunity is there. We are out there looking for recruits and approaching players to come across to North Shore. The door is wide open for anyone out there to try themselves out at GFL standard.”

McDowell said the club would be looking to take advantage of players at other clubs that might be disgruntled at their lack of playing time due to the points squeeze.

McDowell admits the Seagulls find themselves behind the eight ball after Darley’s exit, but didn’t want it to derail their 2019 campaign.

“It wasn’t ideal, was it? But these things happen and circumstances change,” he said.

“It’s a bump in the road and we will get over it and knuckle down. That’s what we are doing at the moment.

“We are going to work with the players we have and I really see North Shore as the club of opportunity for players who want to break into GFL footy.

“We’ve been working really hard before and over Christmas to find some players. We are hopeful over the next fortnight we will be able to land some handy players.”

Former North Shore players James Chandler and Corey Chapman will be McDowell’s assistants; former Anakie coach Jamie Grace and Tim Ivermee will coach the reserves.

“For any younger players wanting to have a crack at GFL football, there is plenty of support there for them to grow and develop,” McDowell said.