MULTIPLE new recruits have Russells Creek bullish it can propel itself back into finals calculations.
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Creek, a Warrnambool and District league battler who hasn't played finals since 2010, is hopeful 10 fresh faces can change its fortunes.
East Warrnambool's two-year recess, signed off last week, has been Russells Creek's gain.
Second-year coach Peter Timms has captured six former Bombers, including star brothers Jyran and Phil Chatfield.
We wanted bigger bodies and we wanted a bit of grunt as we lacked it last season.
- Peter Timms
Former East captain Sam Grinter has joined while ruckman Dylan Burns and midfielder Brad Rees will also wear blue and white.
Allansford's Sam Alberts, Aaron McInnes and Zac Timms have also inked deals at Mack Oval.
Creek has also coaxed ruckman Nick Alexandrou and Jacob Lacy into an on-field return.
Timms said the 10 players would fill specific roles.
"It's pretty exciting for us and we're happy as it has been good, strategic recruiting," he said.
"We wanted bigger bodies and we wanted a bit of grunt as we lacked it last season being such a young side.
"I think we'll be a lot harder to match up on. We definitely have players who can go and get the footy.
"There's also a really good mix of tall and small and inside and outside players."
Creek, however, is grappling with the departure of two-time league best-and-fairest Andy McMeel.
McMeel will next season play at Hampden league outfit Port Fairy.
Timms was "disappointed" to lose the midfielder but had faith his side would cover his absence.
"We were very disappointed to lose him, but it's really changed the dynamic of our midfield," he said.
"I don't think we'll be as predictable and I think we've recruited enough quality.
"The recruits we've brought in are huge for the club and while Andy leaving is disappointing, we think the positives outweigh the negatives."
Fitness is a key focus for Timms through the off-season.
The Kangaroos will hit the track next Monday for their first night of summer training.
"Fitness let us down badly last year," Timms said.
"We were half in games. We'd go well and then fade out in the second half. We want to fix that and make sure it's under control.
"We just need to get as fit as we possibly can. The guys are doing their own work now and are very committed."
He said unavailability and injury were no excuse as Creek strives to better its 10th-place finish from 2019.
"That was disappointing but we just have to get better," Timms said.
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