By Trevor Jackson
AFTER a fall from grace in the 2021 Mid South East football grand final at the hands of Port MacDonnell, it would be fair to suggest Kalangadoo has a score to settle.
The Magpies were undefeated heading into the post-season but two losses to the Demons ended their season in the decider.
However, senior coach Kevin Stark appears to have put that experience behind him and is forging forward, with the aim to again reach the final game of the season.
With pre-season now in the rear-vision mirror, the Magpies appear to be heading in the right direction, with a good turnout on the training track.
“I am really happy with how things are ticking along,” Stark said.
“It has been a good balance this pre-season.
“We are happy with the numbers we have had and they have built through pre-season.
“We have a few boys living away and travelling a bit this season but they have been putting in the hard work themselves, so it will be good to get the season started.”
As for recruits, Stark suggested the club had done a good job to add to the list.
He said there were about 10 new faces and returning players which should all add to the depth.
“We have a broad range of A-graders, B-graders and Senior Colts,” Stark said.
“It will filter through all three grades, so we should have a lot of players pushing for A Grade selection.
“We have an exciting group of Senior Colts who are high-calibre players and will put pressure on spots which is great for the A Grade side.
“It will keep people accountable and I think we have some exciting talent, which should be fun to watch.”
As for last season’s grand final loss, Stark said it had been addressed and he looked forward to a renewed effort in 2022.
“When we lost Michael Kreiger it was a huge loss for us,” he said.
“But we spoken about a few things we were doing with our game plan, through the pre-season and with a couple of practice games.
“I am really happy with the group with some of the changes we made.
“Hopefully we have everything firing come September.”
Pre-season has been good for the Magpies, with hit-outs against Dartmoor and Naracoorte.
That helped iron out some of the changes Stark has made, which he said was pleasing to see in action and showed the depth of the club.
“The most pleasing part for me was we could turn up with a mix of A-graders, B-graders and Colts players, which really reflected in how easily anyone could slot into any spot and understand their role,” he said.
“We have Glencoe at home in Round 1 which is always a spicey affair, so we have to be on in Round 1.
“I think depth is important in a standard year and it could come into play this year with Covid.
“Last year it was almost week to week and you didn’t know what was going to happen, so you just have to be prepared.”
