The Brock-Burrum Saints have bolstered their squad significantly ahead of the new season, adding over 10 new players to their roster. Coach Jed Brain expressed optimism about the upcoming season, stating that the team will not face any player points issues thanks to their strategic recruitment efforts.
Among the new arrivals is Will O’Donoghue, a promising young midfielder from Benalla, who is expected to make a substantial impact. Other notable signings include Jeremy Luff from Benalla, Brayden Beesley from Central Broken Hill, Kieran Duncan from North Albury, Jim Lawson from Yackandandah, and Iszac Evans from Barnawartha. The squad depth has also been enhanced by the inclusion of Kyron Lourens from Cardiff Hawks and the return of Jaryah Pilkington, who is back after a few seasons away from the game.
Brain, entering his second season as coach, highlighted the importance of managing the club’s total player points (TPP), which stands at 40. He noted, “We won’t have any dramas with points pressure. A few of the boys who are returning to the club, like Jeremy Luff and Brayden Beesley, will only be one-pointers.” The club’s strategy involved re-signing as many players as possible during June and July to reduce points pressure, which has proven effective.
Last season, the Saints finished in seventh place with eight wins, a significant improvement from their 11th place finish in 2024, when they managed only one win and a draw. Brain emphasized the necessity of maintaining stability within the team: “If we had lost four or five players from last season, we would likely find ourselves near the bottom of the ladder again.”
The coach emphasized that the key to retaining players lies in creating a conducive environment that minimizes turnover. “To keep the entire list apart from Corey Pearse was the biggest tick for us regarding this season,” he said, indicating that this stability has allowed the club to target the recruits necessary for advancement.
Brain acknowledged that the influx of new talent has shifted his expectations for the team’s progress. “When I first signed as coach last year, we had a two-year plan to regain relevance. By 2027, we aimed to seriously contend for the club’s next championship,” he said. “Given the developments over the off-season, I am confident that we can push deep into the finals this year.”
He cautioned against overconfidence, stressing the importance of taking each week as it comes. “Since returning to training after the Christmas break, the commitment from the players has been exceptional,” Brain noted. “If we maintain our effort and energy throughout the pre-season, it will benefit us later in the year.”
The Saints will kick off their season against Henty, followed by matches against Holbrook, Howlong, and Osborne. The new season represents a pivotal moment for the Saints, as they aim to build on last year’s progress and make a significant mark in the league.
