FOOTBALL: WITH the 2015 South West Football League season looming, Busselton is looking to improve on its 2014 campaign.
At the helm is coach Greg Hodson who will be looking to some of the club’s colts players to step up to league football after an impressive 2014 colts campaign.
However, the Magpies have been dealt a loss with Kyle Hams requesting a clearance back to the West Australian Football League, along with midfield dynamo Damian Lee and Joshua Hewett.
On the plus side, a clearance is still pending for Woodville-West Torrens Eagles player Chris Kane from the South Australian National Football League, who is expected to arrive in Busselton shortly.
Other losses have included Tim Ioannou, who has returned to the Lower South West Football League to play with Deanmill, dynamic youngster Mason Hislop (WAFL – Swan Districts) and stalwart Sean Trombetta.
However, heading into his third year at the Busselton helm, coach Greg Hodgson said his players had been through an intense pre-season and were ready to push for a top three position in 2015.
Hodson admitted, although losing a number of players to the WAFL it spoke volumes of the club’s standing and development of its players.
“My job as head coach is to get these young fellas to a position where they can play at WAFL level, so losing them although disappointing it is exciting for them,” he said.
“I thought half way through last year I wasn’t going to coach again but the passion is still there and I believe this club can push for a top three spot this year.
“The players have that extra year and we’re making significant improvements.”
Hodson said he expected a number of colts players to continue to push for league spots which would put extra pressure on league players to perform.
He said it was healthy for his players to have to prove they deserved to be playing league games.
PREDICTED FINISH: Third.
PASS MARK: 13 wins and a win in the finals.
BEST PLAYER: Daniel McGinlay and Chris Kane.
