Seagulls scouting to replace top trio
BARWON Heads remains confident it can fill the gaps left by three top-class players as it prepares to raise the recruiting stakes.
With stars Sam Schaller, Lewis Hyland and Lachy Campbell departing for GCA1 club Murgheboluc in a major blow for the BPCA A1 outfit, the Seagulls face a tough task to return to finals action next season.
But Barwon Heads president Paul Summers believes his club can cover the trio with some savvy recruiting.
“We’ve identified a number of guys who haven’t been playing for various reasons and we’re working hard to bring them back,” Summers said.
“Many of them started playing juniors, but they’re not playing at the moment and we want to get them back involved.
“We have reappointed Jonathan Gill as coach, and now we know what the season looks like, we are making sure that other players are available.
“We haven’t recruited anyone else yet … but what we’re looking to do is refocus on local players, some who may not have been playing for a while but they can now see that there’s opportunities for them at a higher level.”
Skipper Schaller exits after taking 28 wickets at 14.04 and blasting 294 runs at 19.60.
Hyland, arguably the competition’s best batsman, plundered 528 runs at 37.71 in 16 matches for the Seagulls, while Campbell was limited to 12 games last year but made 175 runs and snared five wickets.
“It is (going to leave a hole), that’s undeniable,” Summers said.
“Particularly someone like Sam Schaller, who has been one of the best players in the BPCA for the last 15 years, even as a junior.
“Lewy (Hyland) is an incredible batsman and fieldsman and Lachy Campbell has been a great player for us.
“We’re wishing them all the best.
“I don’t think we’ve lost them (for good), I think they are taking an opportunity to see how far they can progress, and in time, I think at least some of them will be returning to the club.
“Sam still considers Barwon Heads to be his club. We hope they are as successful as possible over at Murghe and that opens up some opportunities for guys at our club.”