Camperdown Magpies bolster ranks

CAMPERDOWN’S successful off-season is gathering pace with the Magpies adding more forward power for 2013.

Camperdown, which finished the Hampden league season second on the ladder, was eliminated in straight sets last season.

But coach Bernard Moloney said the Magpies had wasted little time in boosting their list in a bid to improve next season. 

On top of signing key forward Dan Casey from Colac, the Magpies have regained former Camperdown player Tim McKenzie who has been playing with Monash Blues in amateur ranks.

Moloney said McKenzie could play across half-forward or as a key defender.

He said the Magpies were keen to bolster their forward options with young gun Sam Gordon, who had been invited to an AFL draft screening session but was sidelined through injury, keen to pursue VFL options, and former AFL top-10 draft pick Luke Molan’s future unclear. 

The Magpies, while losing ruckman Heath Moloney (overseas) for next season, re-signed the league’s reserves best and fairest player, Lew Kelly Medal winner Marcus Powling, who is expected to shoulder the bulk of the Magpies ruck work.

Speedy wingman Fraser Lucas, who started 2012 with VFL club Werribee, has commited to the Magpies for next season.

Moloney said Camperdown had been bouyed by the recovery of match-winning midfielder Luke Mahony from a knee reconstruction, saying he would be like a new recruit in round one. Mahony is back bike riding after suffering the injury in round six and having surgery before the mid-way point of the season.

Key position player Jacob Mahony, who battled persistent injuries, has undergone hip surgery, similar to North Warrnambool Eagles captain Tom Batten. Moloney said Mahony’s recovery was progressing well but he believed he would be unlikely to be ready to play in round one.

grbest@standard.fairfax.com.au

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