no hangover at bannockburn

21 Mar no hangover at bannockburn

The premiership celebrations have been going on for 18 months at Bannockburn, but their high profile coach Peter Riccardi is certain that the players will not be resting on their laurels as the season approaches. Speaking on the 2 Blokes Chatting Radio Show on Pulse FM, the former Cats champ was certain a large contingent of new players into the group would ensure a fresh, positive attitude. Riccardi suggested as many as nine new faces could appear in the Black and Yellow for the round 1 clash with Winchelsea under lights on April 10.

A slightly modified game plan will be instigated due to the loss of some height in the forward line, with both Jason Tom (retired) and Keiran Fulton (Leopold) leaving the Tigers Den, however the full ground defensive mindset of the group will still be the centrepiece to the Bannockburn approach. The club has added some strength and skill to their midfield, with Whitley Medalist Matt James and Joey Fama coming into the group, while veteran premiership magnet Daniel Measures will most probably take up a half back sweeping role. Measures has collected triple premierships locally at both Queenscliff and St Josephs and brings the experience needed to keep his fellow defenders focussed.

For Riccardi himself, the wait for the ultimate success in senior footy has taken almost 30 years, with 3 runners up heartbreaks at AFL level being a very difficult pill to swallow. Despite the seemingly massive gap between the stages of the MCG and the St Albans Reserve, the feeling of premiership glory was no less satisfying, but the desire for more has not diminished. Certainly being away from the game in 2020 has helped fuel the enthusiasm, but the club is committed to keep themselves right in the frame for back to back success in 2021.