Newly re-appointed Narrandera captain-coach Jarred Lane expects some imminent signings will help propel the Eagles up the ladder next year.
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Lane has agreed to take on the Narrandera coaching job for a second season, extending his stay to a third year at the club.
The talented key position player had the hardest job in AFL Riverina last season as the Eagles went through the season without a win.
But with a couple of signings confirmed and more on the way, Lane will head into Narrandera’s 2018 campaign full of enthusiasm.
“It’s a good result. We worked a few things out, a bit of support, and I’m really looking forward to getting back into it,” Lane said.
“I needed a bit of a break to try and pick myself back up but now I’m really looking forward to it.
“We’ve picked up a few and should have a few announcements soon.”
Shaun Light is one player that will return to Narrandera next season.
He has signed with the Eagles after two seasons with Coleambally in the Farrer League, including a best and fairest in his first year at the club.
“Lighty’s come back, which is good. We’re trying to get a few more local blokes because local guys are the people we want playing at Narrandera,” Lane said.
“He will play through the wings. He’s obviously got good leg speed and has played at this level before so he knows what it’s all about and will add a fair bit to our group.”
Narrandera’s under 17 team played finals this year and the club is confident the future is bright with those teens coming through the ranks.
The Eagles now want to add some key recruits into the mix.
“We’ve got a good group of young players coming through, we just want to add some experience around them,” Lane said.
The club hopes to be in a position to announce some of the signings very soon.
With a handful of quality players coming on board, Lane expects improvement from his team in 2018.
“The number one priority for us will be being competitive for 16 games,” he said.
“That’s the main goal then the next steps will take care of themselves after that. Our focus is to start pre-season, get ourselves fit and go from there.”
Narrandera will begin pre-season training next week and plans to get five weeks in before Christmas.
It leaves Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong as the only Riverina League club yet to appoint a coach.