A CORE of established stars has returned to the Eagles’ nest to help nurture the next generation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Centre Elisha Carter, defender Rachael Ryan and twins Skye and Jordyn Billings will line up for the Jody Roth-coached side in 2017.
Carter and Ryan are back in yellow and blue after maternity leave, while the Billings sisters have overcome knee and back injuries respectively to regain their spots.
Roth is confident that quartet’s return, along with Old Collegians recruit Sophie Ballinger, will complement the Eagles’ teenage talent.
“Last year although we had a good team, we were very, very young and we lacked that experience,” she said.
“That was very evident when it came to finals as well.”
Roth, who led the Eagles to a premiership in 2015 and semi-final last season, said Carter would work as her assistant.
Carter helped Roth on the sidelines last season.
“I am really excited that Elisha has stepped up to that role when she was asked to,” she said.
Roth will also use former Eagles junior mentor Jackie Smedts as a sounding board.
“I know that I can ring Jackie at any time and seek her advice,” she said.
“I not only got mentored by her the last two seasons but formed a really good friendship with Jac and I know she is very much respected at this club.”
Roth is excited about the Eagles’ top-five prospects given their depth.
“We have a really good vibe and a good bunch of under 17s coming through too and I don’t see any reason why a few of those girls won’t get to play in open as well,” she said.
Arrivals
Elisha Carter (maternity leave), Rachael Ryan (maternity leave), Sophie Ballinger (Old Collegians), Jordyn Billings (injury), Skye Billings (injury)
Departures
Laura Lafferty (Port Fairy), Indi Morrison (Melbourne), Sophie Chow (university), Kira Bussell (boarding school), Laura Blackburn (work commitments)
2016 best and fairest
1st: Kate O’Meara
2nd: Laura Blackburn
3rd: Kira Bussell
Player to watch
Sophie Ballinger: A goal shooter-wing attack prospect who has crossed from Warrnambool and District league club Old Collegians. Will bring finals experience, having played in a number of September campaigns for the Warriors.
Prediction
Justine McCullagh-Beasy says: The addition of a host of familiar faces back into the line-up will give the Eagles a boost. Elisha Carter, Rachael Ryan, Jordyn Billings and Skye Billings will help ease the pressure on the Eagles' plethora of junior talent. A finals certainty, a premiership is not beyond the Eagles' reach in 2017.
