UPDATE: Broadford’s football team is preparing for its highly anticipated return to the field, officially kicking off pre-season training on November 10, 2023. However, the excitement is already palpable as the Roos have signed an impressive 55 players for their senior and reserves teams ahead of their debut season in the Bendigo Football Netball League (BFNL).
The club is making a remarkable comeback after two years in recess, tasked with assembling three teams: seniors, reserves, and under-18s. This is no small feat, but the Roos are rising to the challenge with a dedicated recruiting effort. A mix of returning players and newcomers is set to don the blue and white, creating a strong foundation for the season ahead.
“We feel like we’ve recruited a lot of really good people who are going to help us rebuild the club and create a good culture,” said coach Thompson. “If we were to have a game tomorrow, we’d be ready to go. That’s a really important message.”
With pre-season training already underway at Harley Hammond Reserve, the squad is focused on building camaraderie. “We had 40 seniors and reserves on the track for our early training run, and it was great to see everyone getting to know each other,” Thompson added.
A standout addition to the team is Quinton Narkle, a former AFL player with 59 games under his belt. Narkle will play ten games for the Roos this season, bringing invaluable experience to the squad. “The club has been super positive throughout this process, and this is another marker for our community to understand the effort going into what we’re building,” Thompson stated.
However, Thompson emphasizes that the team cannot rely solely on Narkle’s skills. “We want him to come down, be the best he can be, and enjoy the club. He doesn’t have to do it all to win games,” he remarked.
The league’s salary cap has increased from $125,000 to $132,500, providing Broadford with the ability to spend $152,500 under special circumstances. This financial boost is crucial as the club makes its return to the competitive scene.
While the football teams have been on hiatus, Broadford’s netball teams have remained active, providing a platform for community engagement and support. With a solid roster and a mission to foster a robust club culture, the Roos are excited for the challenges ahead.
As the countdown to the official start date begins, Broadford is determined to make a significant impact in the BFNL. Fans and supporters are eagerly awaiting the team’s first match, looking to witness the revival of a beloved local club.
Stay tuned for more updates as Broadford prepares to take the field!
