With the Xmas break almost upon us, it is pleasing to go into the break with a solid recruiting campaign that has landed the Hornets some quality additions for the 2020 season.
With the Retirement of Ben Warren, Blake Nelis and Jack Stanley from NEAFL, along with the relocation of Conner and Cody Stackelberg, Jake Spencer and Doug Lawrence to Victoria, filling those holes and ensuring our squad is stronger in 2020 was of paramount importance. Thankfully, I think we have achieved this but only time will tell as we once again enter a competition full of quality teams.
Pre-season training has been fantastic with many young local talent (see below) getting a chance to experience a NEAFL pre-season for the first time. Some of these players may not be a part of the official NEAFL squad for 2020, but will remain a part of our extended squad in preparation for 2021 and beyond.
Our coaching and support staff have remained the same except for Steve Wildschut being replaced by Sandgate Head coach from 2019 Jared Marsh. So as we prepare for the Xmas break we are confident that we will once again be pushing for a top 4 spot and hopeful another tilt at a NEAFL Premiership in 2020.
ASPLEY NEAFL LIST CHANGES
In: Abraham Ankers (NT Thunder), Errin Wasley-Black (West Adelaide), Declan Watson (North Melbourne), Sam Weddell (Southern Mallee Giants/Waratah), Josh Mawson (Cairns), Jai Fitzpatrick (Noosa), Aaron Young (Gold Coast), Nick Dodge (Collingwood VFL), Tom Jeffrey (Morningside/Lions Academy), Tom Griffiths (Morningside, Lions Academy).
Out: Ben Warren (retired), Jake Spencer (Doncaster), Doug Lawrence (Port Melbourne), Blake Nelis (retired from NEAFL), Jack Stanley (retired from NEAFL), Cody Stackelberg (Collingwood VFL), Connor Stackelberg (Collingwood VFL), Nate Dennis (relocating to Perth).
YOUNG PLAYERS INVITED TO NEAFL PRE-SEASON
ASPLEY JUNIORS: Josh Chapman, Justice Bentley, Llyton Brown, Lachlan McCormick, Jesse Doherty, Lachlan Sherwood, Will ODwyer, Mitch Howsen, Ryan Fitzgerald
OTHERS;
Jackson Bury, Brodie Finn, Lockie Laing, Carter Michael (Maroochydore)
Kelly Castle, Luca Ford ( Morton bay)
Mitch Crawley, Lachy Haines, Kuot Thok, Lachlan Harrop, Kye McKenzie, Tahj Abberley (Sandgate)
Tom Smart, Myles Lawler (Grange)
Bailey Nikl (Redcliffe)
Daine McDonald (Mt Gravatt)
PIC: Erin Wassley Black, Declan Watson, Aaron Young