Experience key for Baldivis coach

Baldivis coach Paul Lenzarini believes the addition of several experienced midfielders can help the Brumbies end Rockingham and Waroona’s Peel Football League dominance.

The Brumbies finished in the midst of the chasing pack in the race for third last year, as the Rams and Demons duked it out for the premiership.

Waroona went on to claim the premiership flag in a thrilling grand final win over their bitter rivals.

The Brumbies have strengthened in the off-season by recruiting experienced performers, predominantly from West Perth, to boost a talented crop of young players.

Dustin Burns and Josh Pearce, who have played more than 300 WA Football League games combined and Tim Radici have all flown the Falcons’ nest to join Baldivis.

Dylan Eiffler has come on board as player-assistant coach.

“We needed a bit more grunt in the midfield, we couldn’t compete with the Waroonas and Rockingham last year,” Lenzarini said.

“Some of the sides had key position players, key forwards, so we’ve addressed that with key defenders.

“We’ve got a couple of young defenders, local lads, who need a bit of senior experience.”

Lenzarini said the club had a “multitude” of player offers but stressed it was important to keep a balance between local players and new faces.

“We had a look at our list and if we had players to play in positions, we didn’t recruit — we wanted to develop our young kids,” he said.

“We only recruited for specific deficiencies and not be detrimental to the development of our young kids.

“We’ve got a couple of good, young midfielders who would benefit from experience.

“We’re hoping by having a couple (experienced players) in there we won’t have to recruit because we’ll have our own.”

The Pinjarra man was also hopeful his new recruits would possess the X-factor to topple Rockingham and Waroona.

“It’s not going to be easy, Rockingham has appointed a really good coach in Craig Otto and I think they’ve added one or two to their list from last year,” he said.

“They’re going to be pretty hard to beat and Waroona, they’re a side that you write off at your own peril.”