Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes have kicked off their recruitment drive with the signing of Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong speedster Zac Wiencke.
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The Goannas beat a couple of Farrer League clubs to the signing of Wiencke, who was looking for a fresh start after three seasons at the Lions.
MCUE coach Jeremy Rowe was thrilled to get Wiencke across, who he thinks will add some much-needed speed to the Goannas' squad.
"We're stoked to have him on board," Rowe said.
"When we sat down after the season and put together our recruitment plan we came up with three specific areas that we really needed to build on that would assist us move forward and be better from 2019 to 2020.
"Some pace on the outside and a goalkicking wingman, or someone who could really give us some forward pressure and goalkicking prowess from a crumbing perspective forward, was one of the roles that we needed to fill and Zac definitely fills that.
"So from a practical perspective he really ticks that box for us and whilst I've only met Zac on a few occasions, he really comes across as an impressive character and someone that we're really looking forward to bringing into our group."
Wiencke managed 44 first grade games for GGGM across three seasons, where he was named in the Lions' best on 16 occasions.
He missed a chunk of this season through injury but was one of the Lions' best in their elimination final loss to MCUE.
Wiencke's arrival puts MCUE off to a good start in recruitment given they will lose best and fairest winner George Kendall and defender Jack Carey next year.
Lachie Kendall did look like heading away also but is now likely to stay, while Ethan Schiller is also a possibility to move.
"These are young men that are potentially going to move outside the area to spread their wings in regards to their life. They're not leaving our footy club, they're leaving to grow as people and if they end up leaving, we will wish them all the best," Rowe said.
In a boost for MCUE, assistant coach Nick McCormack is likely to stay with the Goannas despite an impending move to Goulburn to join the police academy.
Rowe is also giving Canberra-based recruits Blake Chapman, Dom Bunyan, Nick Collins and Jacob Taylor time before discussing their plans for next season.
"All of the guys loved their time with Mango and have communicated the fact that they would love to have another year at the footy club, however the travel factor is a big factor for anyone who does it and we respect the fact it is a very unique situation," he said.
"The guys are enjoying a little bit of time off at the moment and they'll consider their options through November and we'll work forward from there."
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