STRONG marking players are in the sights of Bendigo Pioneers coach Brett Henderson ahead of the next AFL Victoria TAC Cup season.
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Just minutes after Saturday’s final round clash at Rochester, Henderson said bolstering the club’s forward line was a major goal for 2016 and beyond.
“Being able to take contested marks and to lock the ball in our forward 50m for a significant time are two of many areas we have to improve,” Henderson said.
“It’s no disrespect to the players we used as key forwards, but often they were up against much taller and heavier opponents in just about every game.
“We will be working really hard to get some bigger and taller targets.”
Hard work will not just happen off-field, but on the field as well.
“No matter what level of football you play, nothing can take the place of hard work,” said Henderson.
Although disappointed with the club’s win-loss record in his first season as Pioneers coach, Henderson said there were a lot of positives to take from a team and individual perspective.
“The development of all the players will be shown, not just by those going back to the clubs, but also those who go on to play AFL, VFL, or are in next year’s Pioneers program.”
Bendigo had at least 10 players from its under-16 squad play at least one under-18s match this season.
“They have already shown they have a lot of talent and go into next season knowing what’s required to play at TAC Cup level,” Henderson said.
“To only have two wins this season does not cut it, so it’s up to everyone to keep finding ways to improve and to make the Pioneers more competitive a force to be reckoned with.”
The Pioneers pre-season kicks off mid-November.
Meanwhile, Henderson paid tribute to 2015 club champion Lachlan Tardrew.
Tardrew polled 45 votes to finish eight ahead of Leitchville-Gunbower defender Marty Hore on 37 votes, with Rochester’s Joe Atley on 36.
Next best were Maryborough on-baller Bailey Edwards 35, and Golden Square’s key position player Jayden Burke on 29.
“Lachy is one of the hardest workers I have seen. He does all the extras,’’ Henderson said
“He has really developed as the season has gone on.”
“This award is richly deserved.”
As a key defender, half-back or a wing, Hore won a lot of contests.
The 19-year-old from the Leitchville-Gunbower Bombers earned high praise from Henderson.
“Marty was outstanding every week,’’ he said.
“He is an elite kick and did a lot of fantastic things this year.”