Angus Robertson has taken the reins of Finley’s senior football team with his eye on one prize — the premiership flag.
And the former Western Australian Football League player knows how he wants to get there.
His newly-built team is yet to prove itself, but it is already rounding out with some impressive talent.
Returns include Spencer and Lachlan Hawkins, Shaun Kable, Luke Bramley, Reilly Rennick, Nick Lunn and Liam Osborne.
Recruits include Benji Neal, Ethan Reeves, Isaac Corvo, Charlie Ford and Sam Hatty.
Tall man Corvo, who can play at half-back, midfield or forward, spent two years playing state-level under-18 football in Queensland, followed by a stint in NEAFL for the Brisbane Lions.
Last season he was him in form in the Victorian Football League for Aspley.
Reeves, a quick midfielder, played with Corvo in the NEAFL, and most recently Southport Sharks.
His versatile style means he can show up as a pressure forward or midfielder.
He is a hard runner and strong midfield contester.
Neal is a former VFL player for Port Melbourne and strong midfielder who also enjoys a run on the forward line.
At 178cm Neal has a rugby background, which makes him fantastic in the centre contest.
Ford, ‘‘highly skilful with a fierce appetite for a contest’’ will add dominance in the midfield and forward line.
Hatty makes his senior debut after playing for the Cats as a junior.
Robertson got his start with the Cats’ juniors from age 15 to 17 before competing in Geelong Football League for St Mary’s School.
He returned to Finley and played for the seniors under Tom Doyle last season.
A strong pre-season and training tailored to each individual is key for Robertson; he has employed analytics to collect statistics on players and their skills, along with providing a visual training aid for his team.
‘‘I think one thing about a good coach is understanding each person he’s coaching and trying to get the best out of each individual. That creates a team that is not scared to make mistakes and put their best foot forward and so each member can try to get the best out of their own ability as a footballer,’’ he said.
Finley finished 11th on the ladder at the end of 2021, only beating out Echuca United.
It will be put to the test in an away game with Cobram in round one of the Murray Football League season.