A host of player clearances for CSU isn’t unusual at this time of year but the sight of smart forward Tom Jeffery exiting for the Picola League was enough to alarm the Bushpigs faithful.
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Fortunately for CSU there was no need for panic. Jeffery’s move to Katandra in the Picola League is only short-term, to gain match fitness while at home during the Farrer League pre-season.
“We’ve got two trial games in April but he’s going to play with some of his mates and treat it as a trial rather than travel four hours for a practice match,” CSU president Tristan Robinson said.
Jeffery kicked 34 goals in 15 games last year, including 11 in two weeks in the middle of the season.
With the bye first-up, followed by Easter, the Bushpigs’ first game is not until April 22 at Temora.
With more than 20 clearances in March for new players, coach Daniel Athanitis is still assessing their stocks.
Jake Raves, who was a model of consistency for Mangoplah-CUE’s reserve grade side last year, Mason Collins (Rand-Walbundrie- Walla) and Damien Dore (Billabong Crows) will have a crack at the Farrer League.
Oliver Mangan (Sunraysia League), Brendan Gray (East Gippsland), Liam Sweeney (Goulburn Valley) and Jack Thompson-Gardener (Wollongong) are also generating interest, along with ruckman Vas Seker, who comes from a basketball background.
“We haven’t got a heap of big names coming,” Athanitis said. “But I’ve got no doubt our depth will be better – we’ve got a squad there of probably 30 blokes who can step up and play senior footy.”