CAMPERDOWN recruits Jordan Bain and Jed Millard have wasted no time making an impression at Leura Oval.
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Magpies coach Phil Carse said the pair has been at the forefront of fitness tests and trials this preseason.
Young gun Millard, 17, has crossed from Mininera and District club Lismore Derrinallum after spending the majority of 2015 playing for its senior side, while Bain is a key forward prospect from Carse’s former NEAFL side Redland.
“(Millard) is probably the fittest guy on our list,” Carse said.
“Jordan Bain … won our 1.2km time trial the other night. His running ability is really good for a big guy.”
Millard is one of three players to have crossed from Lismore Derrinallum to Camperdown, along with Elliot Pyke – who claimed the MDFL reserves’ best and fairest last season – and Grant Place, who is returning to his home club.
“Elliot has shown a lot of natural ability (and has worked hard) … he put in nearly 20 sessions so far this pre-season,” Carse said.
“Grant will help us as another forward target.”
Carse said creating a more potent attack had been a priority for Camperdown heading into 2016 after considerable struggles last season.
The young Magpies were the third-lowest scoring team in the Hampden league last year, averaging 70 points a game.
“The forward line was really our deficiency last year,” Carse said.
“By bringing in Jordan Bain, Paul Messer and Grant Place, along with Jacob Mahony returning from overseas, it just gives us a few more options.”
Camperdown is also set to bolster its defence, with Nick Walsh returning after spending two seasons with Warrnambool and District league club Nirranda.
With six weeks to go before the HFNL pre-season football tournament, Carse said the Magpies’ list was looking close to settled, although they were still open to more potential recruits.
“We’ve still got a bit of room to move with the points system, but we’re really happy with what we’ve got,” he said.
“We think we’ll be a stronger side than what we were last year.”
The Magpies have also brought Nick Hose as a a strength and conditioning coach for next season.