PLAYER CHANGES
INS: Tom Barker (Tocumwal), Charlie Ingham, Charlie McGaw (Caulfield Grammarians)
OUTS: None
Barooga coach Luke Jarjoura isn’t pulling punches when it comes to knockout aspirations.
The Hawks leader has “expectations to go deep into September”, and after skipping out on finals by just two plots in 2023, the sting of under-performance and injury woes have been left in the rear view mirror.
“Last year was a consolidation year for the club after hitting rock bottom the year before,” he said.
“Our emphasis was on making our club attractive for people to come to, almost a destination club, and I think we were able to do that over the last 12 months through our local community making our new recruits feel most welcome.
“Once you’ve retained everyone, you can cherry pick what you actually need in terms of being competitive and trying to get into the top two or three teams which is our goal for this year.”
A regimented Hawks’ list - identical to last season bar a few inclusions - is fit and hungry for reward according to Jarjoura.
Adding quality and mobility in the form of Caulfield Grammarians duo Charlie Ingham and Charlie McGaw bolsters Barooga’s midfield and forward line, while Tocumwal gem Tom Barker firms things up down back.
Expect the Hawks to make a splash this season.
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