JOHN James Oval is a fair hike from the sunny Queensland beaches, but Robinvale Euston will have a distinctly Gold Coast flair in 2023.
Quartet Benji Neal, Jack Taylor, Dylan Adkins and Isaac Corvo have all signed on to play for the Eagles this Sunraysia Football and Netball League campaign, as the club vies for its fist senior premiership in 13 years.
All four recruits have experience playing at NEAFL or QAFL level, with Neal also having a two-year stint with VFL side Port Melbourne.
Eagles coach Craig Davison confirmed each player was a targeted acquisition by the recruiting team.
Neal comes in as an inside ball winner, Taylor a key defender, Adkins a ruckman and Corvo a running defender who can play midfield.
They will be fly in, fly out players, however Adkins, who played four games for Red Cliffs during the COVID-interrupted 2021 season, may potentially relocate.
Neal and Taylor met with team mates on Sunday and were set to train with the group Monday before flying out Tuesday morning, with Corvo and Adkins having done likewise a few weeks prior.
Boasting a rugby union background and now living in Sydney, Neal said he was looking forward to playing with long-time mate Taylor for the first time in about a decade.
“We went to primary school together and I think last time we played together would be at under 16 level,” Neal said.
“We’re getting a bit older now and it’s something we’ve wanted to do for a few years.
“Isaac and I played some country footy for Finley last year which was a great experience, and being good mates with all three we saw it as a great opportunity.”
Taylor, who has played his entire career with Surfers Paradise Demons, said they felt like they clicked with the Eagles playing group and hope to bring success to club.
“From my perception so far it’s been a younger group trying to get a few more experienced players in,” he said.
“From what I’ve heard there’s been 35-odd players at most sessions which is a good turnout and I think it’s heading in the right direction.
“Having finished fourth last year with a pretty young group, hopefully with the addition of a few other players coming, I reckon we can take it out this year.”
Davison said the local contingent of players had accepted their new team mates and had already built a “good vibe”.
“We had some of the boys around for a barbecue and meet and greet both times and I think they’re starting to see the quality of people we’re going to have on board,” he said.
“We’ve selected players that we need, so a key defender, couple of mids and another ruckman. I think we can build a nice spine and in terms of running players, we have an abundance of those who can play at half forward, half back and on the wing.
“We sat down with the boys and flipped a few magnets around and there’s so many different options as we’re pretty versatile, and our fitness levels are tracking well.
“Everything being equal, providing we can stay fit and have a bit of luck with injuries and keep our best side on the park I think we’ll be competitive.”
Robinvale Euston host Wentworth in their opening contest of the season on April 22.
