UPDATE: The Old Paradians Raiders are gearing up for an exciting season in the Northern Football League with several key signings that promise to strengthen their roster. As they prepare for their first competitive season since securing a place in Division 2, the Raiders aim to build on past successes and improve their performance.
Coach Ben Turner expressed optimism about the upcoming season, stating, “We learned a lot in Division 2. The group was capable, and we might be able to fast track that with the type of guys we were keen to get in front of and secure.” With 95% of the team returning, the Raiders enter this season with a familiarity that has been absent in previous years.
Turner emphasized the significant progress made during the offseason, noting, “It’s been a pretty productive offseason. There were some players that we were targeting, but I don’t think any of us anticipated it would fall into place.” This strategic approach has led to the addition of several experienced players who could make an immediate impact.
Among the notable new signings is Josh Iacobaccio, a former Victorian Football League player who joins from West Preston. Iacobaccio, a former captain of the Parade school football team, is also a current teacher at the school. His leadership and experience are expected to be invaluable for the team.
Additionally, brothers Jesse and Mitch Kane are crossing over from Heidelberg, each bringing a wealth of experience from their respective premiership-winning teams. The Raiders have also secured Adam and Daniel Valeri, both former Parade students, with Adam joining from West Preston Lakeside, where he is a two-time premiership player.
Another exciting addition is Connor McDonald, who comes from Tooleybuc-Manangatang in the Central Murray league. McDonald has an impressive track record, having captained his previous club and won back-to-back league best and fairest awards. Furthermore, Ben Bisset joins the Raiders from Pyramid Hill, where he scored an impressive 74 goals from center half forward this past season.
With such a dynamic roster, the Raiders are focused on setting realistic expectations for the upcoming year. “At this stage, we’re hoping to be better than 2026,” Turner added, highlighting the team’s ambition.
Fans are eager to see how these strategic signings will translate into on-field success as the Raiders prepare for their first match in the league. The community is buzzing with excitement, and the Raiders are ready to prove they are a formidable contender in the Northern Football League.
Stay tuned for further updates as the season progresses and the Raiders look to make their mark.
