Magpies targets mids, forwards

FORWARD-line depth and class through the midfield have been on the agenda for Merbein for their recruiting spree.

The Magpies midfield additions for the 2023 Sunraysia Football and Netball League season include impressive ex-junior Kyle Stevens and Mildura export Jeremy Rodi, who joins from Bendigo’s Sandhurst.

The duo are set to add spark and class to the on-ball brigade.

Also arriving at Kenny Park are former Nangiloc duo Korey Loechel and Reece Knights, while key forward Andy Silva joins from Chelsea, in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League.

Former Mildura coach Illario Cavallo also returns to his junior club as a non-playing assistant coach.

Co-coach Vinnie Rodi is excited by the recruits the club has brought in.

“Jeremy and Kyle will add a bit of spark and class to our midfield,” he said.

“I think Jez would be a walk-up starting midfielder in any team in Sunraysia and Kyle adds that X-factor and outside run and carry.

“Reece can really play anywhere and provide a cool head with his experience, but he’ll likely play as a forward/mid.

“It will be nice to have some key forward targets (Loechel and Silva) targets as we’ve relied a lot more on our smaller players to kick goals. These guys aren’t guaranteed a game either; they’ll have to work in pre-season and earn their place.

“Having Lars come back as an assistant coach too is great. He is obviously experienced and will be great for Joe (Cavallo) and I to lean on.”

Rodi said the recruits will add more than just on-field prowess.

“Honestly, we don’t recruit anyone who wouldn’t fit into the club with their personality,” he said.

“The guys we have brought in are all good blokes and will add a lot to the club off the field as well as on it.”

The majority of the senior squad from 2022 has re-signed ahead of Rodi and Cavallo’s second season at the helm.

“Joe and I are still learning as we go and trying to refine how we do things and try to fix what didn’t work for us in the past,” Rodi said.

“Our younger guys have come back fitter than they were 12 months ago, which is a great sign. You always want those younger guys pushing for places in the side.”