New Norseman: Former Croydon utility Brad Kelleher, with the ball, is one of Norwood’s recruits for the coming EFL season. Picture: Sam Stiglec
NORWOOD has used the cheapest recruiting tool of all, mateship, to net some important signings ahead of the Eastern Football League division 1 season.
The Norsemen, who will be coached by Denis Knight this season, have signed former North Melbourne player David Trotter along with AFL Queensland key position players Troy Armstrong and Kurt Scown and Croydon trio Daniel McConnell, Brad Kelleher and Dale Bull.
Knight said several of his club's recruits came to play with mates, a move which allowed the club to focus on preseason training and preparation for the coming campaign.
Knight said several of the Norsemen's recruits had played together at VFL club Box Hill while other players had connections for previous clubs.
"[Our recruits] pretty much all know each other and have played together, which makes things better in terms of harvesting some camaraderie in the group." The signing of Trotter, who has spent the past year living in Canada, has caught a few looks, with the former Kangaroo giving the side quality and athleticism.
Knight said that Trotter, who had continued playing Aussie rules in the AFL Ontario competition, was in good form and would be ready to go in round 1.
"He is in pretty good nick. He has only been with us for about two weeks but having been at that level you don't worry about fitness, you know he will be ready.
"He is not an old player at all; he should put us in good standing."
The Norsemen have also netted some quality players from Croydon's relegation to division 2 but Knight wasn't getting too carried away about his side this season.
"I think we have done OK. We are happy with what we have picked up but we have lost a couple as well, which is always the case.
"We have a couple of big blokes. We should be quite tall this season, which is unusual."
One tall who may not be playing is high-achieving ruckman Jon Wynn, who was one of the side's best players last season. Knight said he was unsure if Wynn would play.
The Norsemen will play preseason matches against NFL clubs Montmorency and Greensborough, although Knight is not impressed with the timing of Easter this year, which arrives two weeks before the season begins.
"Easter comes at an awkward time," he said.
"We will play a mix of preseason matches and have match practice at training as well.
"We are not actively chasing anyone else, but as these things go I'm sure we will have someone walk in the door and start playing as we get closer to the season."