The Brock-Burrum Saints have made significant strides in enhancing their squad for the upcoming season, securing over ten new players during an impressive off-season recruitment drive. Coach Jed Brain expressed confidence that the club will avoid any issues related to player points, thanks to careful planning and a strategic focus on maintaining a balanced roster.
Among the notable additions is Will O’Donoghue, a promising midfielder from Benalla, who leads a strong list of recruits. Other key 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 Saints have also enhanced their depth with the arrival of Kyron Lourens from Cardiff Hawks and the return of Jaryah Pilkington, who is coming back after a hiatus from competitive play.
Brain, who will be coaching the Saints for a second season, highlighted that the club will comfortably operate under the total player points (TPP) cap of 40. “We won’t have any dramas with points pressure,” Brain stated. He noted that returning players like Luff and Beesley will only count as one-point players, easing the burden on the roster.
The Saints’ 2024 season ended with a disappointing 11th place finish, recording just one win and a draw. However, a turnaround occurred in 2025, when the team improved to seventh place with eight wins. Brain emphasized the importance of retaining players, stating, “The key to re-signing the majority of the list is to create an environment where you haven’t got a high turnover of players.”
Retaining nearly the entire roster, except for Corey Pearse, has allowed the Saints to strategically target new recruits needed to elevate their competitive standing. Brain reflected on the club’s rebuilding process, noting that when he took over as coach in 2025, the plan was to re-establish relevance within two years, with aspirations to contend for a championship by 2027.
“Honestly, given how things have unfolded over the off-season, I am confident that we can push deep into finals this year,” Brain said. He acknowledged the need for a measured approach, stating, “We won’t get too carried away and just take it week by week.” The positive atmosphere at training since returning from the Christmas break has been a testament to the players’ commitment.
The Saints will kick off their season against Henty, followed by matches against Holbrook, Howlong, and Osborne. As the team prepares for these challenges, Brain remains optimistic that their hard work and new acquisitions will translate into success on the field. The enthusiasm surrounding the squad suggests that they are ready to make an impact this season.
