With the 2025 season on the horizon, Scoop has caught up with all our senior footy coaches as we build towards an epic Round 1!
Finally, It's Rohan Brown back at the helm for the Lakers as they look for vast improvement across the board with a strong group coming through together.
SCOOP: Last year Angus Gove made a comment on 'The Presser' the group was done being referred to as 'young and developing'. Do you echo those sentiments ahead of your second season in the job?
ROHAN BROWN: Absolutely, we all do. What's young these days anyway? Everyone is young to a degree. There'll be no excuses from our group as most prepare for their third and fourth season of senior footy. Time for these boys to stand up at the BFNL level.
S: Jaydo Wright is a versatile, interesting work in progress at the BFNL level, capable of breaking open a game. In what role do you see him as most beneficial to the side?
RB: Down back as an intercept defender this year and a fifth mid option depending on how we're travelling. Jaydo has had an injury free pre-season, and we're excited about what he can deliver.
S: Bailey Thompson is a freakish talent. How does he manage to get off the chain and continue hitting the scoreboard regardless of the opposition?
RB: Well, he's underestimated for a start and has what every player wants - SPEED. Bailey finished third in our club B&F last year and deserved a train-on invitation with Essendon VFL over the Summer. He's now at Port Melbourne VFL with Brendan McCartney gaining more experience.
S: How do you go about coaching a side to 'stay in games for longer'? Has there been a focus on team defence over the Summer or have you explored building on other avenues to score?
RB: It's been a balanced approach. I think it's more about maturity and leadership 'in game' that can identify shifts in momentum. Capitalise when in favour but minimise damage when against - ie back-to-back goals which we were victims of far too often last season.
S: Have you managed to find an extra experienced quality mid to aid ruckman Tom Zampatti and your depth stocks at ground level and around the ball?
RB: Jake Lohmann - while we hope he gets his chance at Werribee we'll welcome him into our side with open arms. Jake is nearing his prime now in his mid 20s.
S: In a nutshell tell us about the players you have added over the Summer and their projected roles...
RB: Liam Hepworth (key forward target), Lincoln Koliba (exciting 17 yo mid-forward), Jake Lohmann (classy mid), Jed Knight (defensive role), Jake Millen (inside mid) and Nathan Haliburton looks a progressive type up from our Under 19 premiership team.
S: What player type(s) were sort after in the marketplace you were unable to fill?
RB: Doesn't every club want another key forward and classy mid?
S: Which player(s) can we expect to rise a level and impact games against quality opposition?
RB: Will Clark (mid) and Timmy Collins (mid) have had super pre-seasons and should be ready to go to the next level.
S: What would validate a successful year on field for the footy club?
RB: Winning as many games as we can.
S: Ahead of your second year in charge - what was to like most of the group in your first season?
RB: Very united and close group willing to compete and crack in despite recent struggles on win/loss front. Essentially, they're a good bunch of mates!
PLAYER INS
L. Hepworth (Cairns), L. Koliba (Rebels), J. Lohmann (Morningside QAFL), J. Knight (Waubra), J. Millen (SA)
PLAYER OUTS
M. Foster (retired), B. Hayes (retired)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS
Jake Lohmann (Werribee)
PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE
March 15 vs Port Fairy @ Derrinallum
IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF LAKERS)
RB: Sunbury
FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF LAKERS)
RB: Melton
