Gisborne has re-signed three of its premier players for 2021, but one of its most talented big men is on the move.
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Brilliant forward Pat McKenna, star defender Tim Walsh and 2018 best and fairest winner Jack Reaper have re-signed for next season.
Reaper, a BFNL inter-league representative who can play key position at either end of the ground, returns after missing the entire 2019 season because of a knee reconstruction.
However, ruckman/forward Jaiydn Owen has decided to join his brother at Ballarat Football League club Bacchus Marsh.
"We knew there was always a possiblity that Jaidyn might head that way because of the family connection,'' Gisborne coach Rob Waters said.
"Obviously, we didn't want to lose him, but he was up front with us from the start. He's a terrific young fellow and we hope to see him back at the club one day."
Waters said he was confident the Bulldogs wouldn't lose too many players from their 2020 squad.
"We've got some players living in Melbourne which makes it hard to get their signatures at the moment, but overall most of the group has indicated they'll play with the club next year," Waters said.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic hitting, midfield duo Ethan Minns and Matt Goodyear were in doubt for the 2020 season because of overseas travel and injuries respectively.
Waters said the club has had positive talks with Minns and Goodyear about playing in 2021.
"Minns has committed to the club, but hasn't signed yet,'' Waters said.
"Goodyear has enjoyed the year off in terms of resting his body. He's confident, and we're confident, that he'll play at the club next year."
Promising key forward Jack Scanlon had a shoulder reconstruction towards the end of the 2019 season.
A fully fit Scanlon alongside McKenna inside forward 50 poses a major headache for opposition defenders.
"Jack Scanlon's shoulder is fine. He's a chippie and he's been working every weekend. He's going well and looking forward to next year."
Read more: Catch up on all the latest local footy news
While there was little doubt that McKenna would remain at the Bulldogs, Waters said the official announcement was a boost for everyone at the club.
"Patty and his family are class people and they've been involved with the club for a long time,'' Waters said.
"He's a great role model for the kids at the club to see how hard he works on the training track.
"You see on a Saturday the rewards he gets from working so hard. He's a great sounding board for the coaching staff as well."
Waters said the Bulldogs' number one recruiting priority between now and 2021 was a ruckman.
"I guess a lot of clubs are on the lookout for ruckmen,'' he said.
"We've spoken to a couple and we'll see how things pan out."
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