Coleambally are continuing to search for signings for next year’s Farrer League season but two of their most promising players are gaining experience on the other side of the world, playing International Rules.
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Chris Hayes and Harry Tooth have found football can take you places, touring Ireland, the UK and France with the Australian Wanderers. They’re among two teams of players under the age of 17 taking on local gaelic football sides.
Coleambally co-coach Tom Groves said the boys – who both played first grade last year – had done some training with their teammates before they left.
“Everyone was pretty excited for them,” Groves said.
“They were very excited for it – they had their tongue over the bit by the end of it.
“They’ve played two games. The first one there was no tackling so they found that a bit hard to put pressure on but the next one was full International Rules so they found that a lot better.
“They’re both very talented players. Chris played pretty much the whole season last year and Harry played about half.
“They’ll be both pushing again this year, definitely.”
Groves and co-coach Mitch Carroll are continuing to chase some signings for 2018 but said the travel is proving a deterrent for many prospective players.
But after an injury-hit year, Groves said having players like James Fallon and Dean Pound available will already make a difference, given the pair missed more than half the season with injuries.
The Blues will continue some low-key pre-season training this week.