Arrivals: Beau Ryan, Ben Lee, Will Kenny, Matt McConnel, Ben Mutimer, Paul McLeod and Andrew Cameron
Departures: Dave Kent
Retirements: Jason Gobbert and Dick Gleeson
Coach: Darren Bailey
Joint Captains: Matt Harrison and Chris Whitton
2008 Country Energy TAFL runner ups, the Inverell Saints, will go into their 2009 season under only their second coach since their inception. Darren Bailey steps into the huge shoes left by Dick Gleeson. Glesson has moved on to become the Saints' President replacing inaugural President Gerry Taveira. Glesson has set the bar high for Bailey by taking a team of boys with limited AFL knowledge to an Elimination Final in their first year, Preliminary Final in theur second year, Premiership in their third year and runner up in their fourth year. Bailey comes from Tasmania were he played in 7 or 8 Grand Finals in as many years through all grades for several Premierships. Bailey then moved to the South Coast of NSW to play there before being a foundation player for the Labrador club in the strong Queensland AFL.
The Saints will enter their first full year without man mountain, Jason Gobbert, who has succumbed to injuries sustained in the 2007 season. Gobbert had a limited number of games in 2008 but received the 3 votes from the umpires in the Tony Gillies Medal in his firdt game as the focal point in the forward line. Glesson will also be missed because of his ability to be were the ball is going to be rather then waiting for the ball to come to him. Alex Walker left half through last year but the full effect of his departure will be felt this year. At his best Walker is a match winner on his own. At his worst he is still worth 3 goals a game.
The Saints will take some time to get used to the style of Bailey's coaching but having retained most of last years team so they will have that as an advantage. The Saints have a new recruit in 19 year old Beau Ryan who comes fom Hepburn in the strong Central Highlands Football League. Ryan played every game last year that ended with being in their 2008 Premiership team. Ryan was also one of the favourites in the CHFL's rookie of the year. Ryan will be a big boost for the Saints in 2009.
The Saints will again be competitive in 2009 but they will not be as strong as the previuos 2 seasons, though I do expect them to finish in the 3 this year.
Saints Media Officer, Gerry Taveria, said "The Saints are again hoping to have night football in 2009". It will be good if they can because the Saints home ground, Varley Oval, is a picture anytime, but particularly at night.
Last Modified on 27/05/2009 08:45