Wanderers aim to build

Former players add vital experience to club

FOOTBALL: The building blocks are in place for a big 2020 season at West Wanderers.

Premier Men’s coach Robbie Fowler is eager to see what his squad can do now the Hume St club has welcomed back some “old stars”.

“We had a very young side last season,” Fowler said.

“They really developed and came together as a team over the course of the season.

“We’ve lost a few players, some to other clubs, some have moved away for work or family, but we’ve also picked up a few new players.

“The young players who are continuing on will be better for the experience, and the new players bring experience and skill.”

A majority of Wanderers’ newest additions will slip straight into the fold, according to Fowler, due in part to the fact they are former players.

“Some of the blokes we’ve picked up are old Wanderers players,” Fowler said.

“They were juniors at the club up until under-18s and a little bit older and for one reason or another stopped playing or moved away.

“They’ve come back to the club and bring with them some handy skills and experience.”

Wanderers opened their pre-season earlier this month in a 4-0 Win Stanley Shield loss at Willowburn.

“We didn’t start well – Willowburn bagged a goal very early on,” Fowler said.

“It makes it hard when you go behind early like that and the conditions didn’t help.

“We can’t blame the conditions, though, and we’re not using that as an excuse because both teams have to play in the same conditions.

“I thought we grew into the game, though, we showed some good passages and the second half was better for us.

“Willowburn are a very good team and they took their chances, but there are positive signs there for us.”

jason.gibbs@thechronicle.com.au