General News
24 June, 2023
Roos' Reserves issue recruiting plea
Wanted: between 14 and 16 adult footballers able to commit to being the backbone of the Roos' Reserves. Dimboola Reserves coach Dean Toet has reached out to the community outlining his plea for fostering young talent at the club. "After our...
Wanted: between 14 and 16 adult footballers able to commit to being the backbone of the Roos' Reserves.
Dimboola Reserves coach Dean Toet has reached out to the community outlining his plea for fostering young talent at the club.
"After our Reserves' result in round seven against Horsham Saints, we need to make it a priority to have a core group of at least 14 to 16 regular players who can help develop our juniors around that core," Mr Toet said.
"Currently, our core playing group consists of five or six Under-17 players who have already played a full game and after seven rounds have played up to 14 games of footy before the halfway mark of the season."
Mr Toet said while he was impressed by the boys' commitment and enthusiasm, this was not a sustainable long-term option.
"I love the fact these guys are super-keen to play two games but it will take its toll," he said.
"I hate the fact that I can't support them, particularly as we can't rotate them with a bench as we struggle to have one."
He said he feared for the longevity of the side if it failed to attract extra players now.
"When I look throughout 2013 and 2014 Reserves sides, a lot of players are now in their mid-30s, with kids and families.
"If asked, most would say that they've done their time and played enough footy.
"But will our club be around for these sons of past players in the future if we don't support what we have now?
"We run the very real risk of losing these enthusiastic and great juniors next year or sooner to more successful sides or because of burnout."
Mr Toet said he "greatly appreciated the support and help" of players who had pulled on jumpers in recent weeks to boost numbers.
"Your help hasn't gone unnoticed, but unfortunately it isn't the answer in the long term – for our juniors or for the club."
Mr Toet said while he did not have the answer, he was hoping that as a club the Roos could "find a solution or a way forward so that our juniors don't turn away".
"I'm asking for any constructive suggestions to help me and the club as we already have declining numbers for our next game and we're very close to not fielding a Reserves side."
Mr Toet said he was calling on anyone who had played for or been involved with Dimboola to put some thought into how to help the next generation of Roos.
"Ask yourself 'Could I put the boots on myself? Could I suggest or chase someone who could help us get a team on the field and help support our young players, who we want to keep at our club into the future?'
"Our club needs its members – current and past.
"Now is the perfect time to give back to the club that gave to you and, in the process, keep our club going into the future."