SEVERAL new recruits have found a new home at the Tamworth Kangaroos ahead of the 2019 AFL North West season.
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Beginning training in November, the Roos have steadily built up training numbers with an eye to a trial match against the Muswellbrook Cats on March 30.
Roos coach Tony Bishop told the Leader there was a "positive feeling" around the club heading into the new season.
"Our numbers at training have been steadily building, which is pleasing to see," Bishop said.
"We have welcomed a few new players to the club during the pre-season as well.
"They are mostly taller guys too, which will be really helpful for us.
"In the past we have been a slightly smaller team, so a few taller guys will help fill our key positions and free up some others to play elsewhere."
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The Roos will open their 2019 season campaign with an away trip to Gunnedah on April 27.
However, before the home and away season begins, the club will also take part in the annual Crossroads Cup tournament on April 6 at Narrabri.
"We're really looking forward to the Crossroads Cup," Bishop said.
"It's always a good day and a good chance to get an indicator on how you're going compared to everyone else in the competition.
"Before that though we will take on the Muswellbrook Cats in a trial match at Riverside on March 30.
"I think it's fair to say we are pretty keen for that game as well, it's always fun to play someone who's not in your league and have a good hit out."
Bishop said the club's women's team, who won last year's premiership, was also busy preparing for the new season.
"From what I have seen they are coming along really well as well," he said.
"I think they were a bit concerned they'd lose a few players when the Swans started their own women's team.
"However, despite losing a couple of players, they have also recruited really well and are looking good for the season."
Bishop said he would be eager to see how some of the club's younger players would progress in 2019.
"We do have some really exciting young players at the club at the moment," he said.
"James Vallender springs to mind, he has just recently been away playing with the Northern Heat in Byron Bay.
"I think he has got a lot of potential and I look forward to seeing him establish himself in our best 18 throughout the season.
"All told, everything is coming together pretty well at this point and we are really keen to get stuck into the season."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
