WITH round one just days away, South Fremantle Football Club captain Dylan Main believes the Bulldogs’ young pups will shine in season 2019.
In just his second year at the helm, Main said he was confident the team’s balance of well-oiled experience mixed with a burgeoning and excited group of young talent can counter the loss of some big names and see the team play exciting football this year.
“Losing so many legends of the club and so much experience was always going to be tough, however young kids bring energy and enthusiasm that cannot be matched,” he said.
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“Once we get couple of wins who knows where young, confident players will take us, the sky is limit and I am looking forward to it.”
The young pups will have big shoes to fill after the retirements of Ashton Hams, Ryan Cook, Shane Hockey, Cory Dell’Olio, Ben Saunders and Jarrod Parry at the end of the 2018 season, taking a combined 680 games of experience with them.
Main said while the loss of so much experience would hurt, youth would bring something different to their game style.
“The team will be quick, not only with leg speed but with ball movement to get the ball into our dangerous forwards as fast as possible,” he said. “Our team defence will also be a feature, anchored by a strong, tall backline.
“With the new rule changes starting six at either end, this will allow our midfielders to get to work which has been a major strength for us in previous years and we look to continue that this season.”
He said it was a good year to be a Bulldogs fan.
“We promise to bring an exciting brand of footy this year that will hopefully result in some cracking games and wins for the bulldogs,” he said.
“With so many fans down to each and every game it really drives us on and gives us another gear, so it would be great to see some big crowds this year.”
South Fremantle will kick off their 2019 campaign in an away game against Swan Districts from 3pm on April 6.