Season 10 runners-up Belmont have turned to the transfer market after falling just half a dozen sets short in the league’s grand final decider.
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Having retained their tenth season roster, the Beavers looked to fill gaps in the team sheet, especially after Gorgia Watkins and Liam Janczuk both spent extended periods out of action in the first half of the year.
The club turned to free agency for their recruitment, bringing in Elise Buller and Keagan Jones as their first acquisitions. Both Buller and Jones represented Belmont in the club’s debut season in the league.
The Beavers also added Dylan Preston and Rohan Toole, both of whom are expected to bring a new element to the team’s centre-court in the Season 11 campaign.
The off-season moves now swells the team roster to max capacity.
Club captain Nic Price welcomed the four new and returning faces for the team, and said he believes the transfer window moves will “spark team morale” heading into the opening weeks of the league.
“Especially for the new recruits, Preston’s speed and Tooles’ power throws should be something to watch out for,” Price said. “The club wants to shoot for silverware this season, after coming so close last season. These additions can help us on the way.”
“I know our returning players are keen to return to the Thursday night stage as well, after having played just a handful of first team dodgeball in their first season.”
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Price also pointed to stamina as a key foundation for the way the club wants to move forward as they recover from their grand final defeat.
“Extending the roster is going to improve the squad’s overall stamina,” Price said.
“We want to be able to play at a high intensity from the first whistle to the last, and a longer bench will give us that freedom.”
The Beavers’ will return to the court on Thursday, August 2, when they take on the Rutherford Rovers, according to a preliminary draw revealed earlier this week.
Newcastle Dodgeball League’s official fixture list will be released on July 19.
Isaac McIntyre
Got a story or a tip that you want to send through? Contact me at isaac.mcintyre@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Got a story or a tip that you want to send through? Contact me at isaac.mcintyre@fairfaxmedia.com.au
