KANGAROO Flat will recognise its past this weekend with its 150th anniversary celebrations, but already has an eye to the future by announcing the re-signing of its coach and six key players.
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Having improved from wooden-spooners last year to the cusp of a Bendigo Football League finals appearance this season, coach Jason Stevens has been reappointed for a second term in 2015.
The Roos have also locked away onballers James Saville, Simon Davies and Corey Greer, ruckman Nick Lang and forwards Matt Giri and Braydan Knox for the 2015 season.
The re-signings provide an extra boost for the Roos ahead of their 150th weekend.
The Roos - who sit sixth on the ladder with a 7-7 record - host South Bendigo at Beck Legal Oval this Saturday.
“We need a big win over South Bendigo on Saturday if we are to keep alive the very real opportunity that we have to play finals football,” Stevens said on Wednesday.
“I’m very proud of our performance in 2014, but we haven’t finished yet.
“We’ve improved from the bottom of the ladder to a potential finalist, but our goal was finals footy and we must continue to work towards that.
“We need to continue to build on the performances of the past two weeks and take some confidence into the finals if we’re good enough to make them.”
Last Saturday’s performance against Sandhurst showed the steps the Roos have taken forward in pursuit of the top five.
While the Roos were beaten by the Dragons, the 23-point deficit was a vast improvement on their previous three games against Sandhurst, which they had lost by margins of 107, 120 and 122 points.
A week earlier the Roos defeated Eaglehawk at Canterbury Park for the first time since 2002.
Stevens says the Roos are determined to build a sustainable football club that will be respected and a regular finals contender.
“As a club we thought it was timely to announce the signings as part of our 150th celebrations to show past players, current players and supporters that we are moving forward with a strong playing core,” Stevens said.
“Personally, I’m delighted the club wants me to continue past this season.
“Success will come if our players are prepared to work hard for it and I am happy to be part of that journey.”
Kangaroo Flat’s 150th celebrations kick off this Friday night with a book launch and social gathering at the Kangaroo Flat Sports Club from 7pm.
A Legends Lunch will be held at the Kangaroo Flat Sports Club from 11.30am on Saturday ahead of the clash against the Bloods.
A Gala Dinner will be held on Saturday night at the All Seasons from 6.30pm.
The 150th celebrations will end with a Pleasant Sunday at the clubrooms from 11am.