Kangaroo Flat coach Tyrone Downie.
KANGAROO Flat’s senior playing stocks have been depleted by the loss of star quartet Hamish Dahl, Simon Davies and Aaron and Ben Walklate.
Ruckman Dahl has quit the Roos to join Essendon District Football League club Doutta Stars, Davies has signed with Newbridge in the Loddon Valley Football League, while the Walklate brothers have told coach Tyrone Downie they’re going to play with Charlton in the North Central Football League.
“It’s going to be all about playing our kids this year,’’ Downie said yesterday.
“Obviously it’s a blow losing senior players like that, but it does give us more opportunity to give our younger players a go.
“Our under-18s had a very good year last year and we’ve got a few of those players coming through.
“We’re not bringing in many senior players, so the young guys will get a crack at senior footy this year, which is exciting for the club.”
Dahl’s departure tests the Roos’ big man stocks.
“The travel factor and a new role at work was going to make it hard for Hamish,’’ Downie said.
“He was good for us in the ruck last year and we had high hopes for him again this year, but it’s not to be.”
Nick Lang, Dahl’s obvious replacement in the ruck, underwent a hip operation recently and faces a delayed start to the season.
“Jack Bowyer has played in the ruck in the past and we’ve got two young kids in Blake Millard and Brad Evans that have good size that we could push through the seniors,’’ Downie said.
The absence of the Walklate brothers and Davies leave a big hole in the Roos’ midfield rotations.
“Simon (Davies) had a lot of injuries last year, but he has the ability to be a very good midfielder in the BFNL,’’ Downie said.
“So to lose him to Newbridge is very disappointing. The Walklate boys were very good for us last year, but they’ve indicated they’re going to Charlton which is a big loss for us.”
Kangaroo Flat opens its 2013 campaign against reigning premier Golden Square at MyJet Oval on Good Friday.