Shepparton Swans announced on Monday that senior coach Paul Hawke had re-signed for the 2021 season.
Heading into the third campaign of his second stint as coach, the experienced mentor will be out to lift the Swans off the bottom of the Goulburn Valley League ladder.
“Like everyone we were disappointed to miss out on playing this year,” Hawke said.
“We thought we were on track to improve on our 2019 performance. But we just have to put that behind us now and work hard.
“We've started pre-season and that was more for our mental well-being, there has been plenty of fun which is great.
“All of our young crop of players from the 18s have stuck around which is great news and I know that it excites everyone at the club.
“I'm really looking forward to seeing our growth and I know everyone is itching to get out there.”
And Hawke will have additional troops at his disposal next year.
The Swans have lured multiple players to Princess Park, with former Tatura speedster Charlie Hill, youngster Angus Harrington and former player Ryan Pfeiffer all set to don the red and white.
And the club has announced Russell Eden, Jessie Finnen, Jordan Gattuso and Darcy Collins have recommitted for next year.
“Angus has got a bit of height about him and he's only a young fella, so he still has plenty of room to grow,” Hawke said.
“Charlie is a strong running player and he will bolster our on-baller brigade.”
Looking ahead to next season, Hawke touched on the unchartered waters he — and the rest of the GVL coaches — must face due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“There is always going to be that unknown of how things will look,” he said.
“Especially when you look at our guys aged 20-21, they have missed out on 12 months of experience and growth.
“One area we really focused on last summer was our fitness and we saw some real improvement in that area. I don't want them to feel like they have lost that.
“And hopefully it excites our young guys being back in a club environment, you just forget how important clubs are to the community.”
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