Rams turn to young guns

Rockingham Rams coach Sean Wrigley believes the injection of young players into senior ranks this season has put the club in a strong position for the future.

A week after a heartbreaking grand-final loss to Waroona, Rockingham has turned its attention to next season in the hope of snapping a 15-year premiership drought.

Key to achieving that goal is the ongoing development of the club’s young players.

Rockingham blooded 11 colts-aged players into its league ranks in 2012, a policy which Wrigley says bodes well for the future.

‘‘It’s really good that as a club, we’ve been able to provide a transition where young players can come through the colts’ system and make the step into senior footy,’’ he said.

‘‘The ability to do that is complemented by the strong senior group we’ve got as well.

‘‘The last few years we’ve been among the top few for the champion club award and that’s a really good indication that each grade is playing good footy and winning games.

‘‘So I think the future is really bright and the junior system we’ve got is going to put the club in a really strong position for years to come.’’

Wrigley expects to retain the bulk of the current playing group for next season.

‘‘The players have indicated they’re really happy at the club and are really united as a group,’’ he said.

‘‘Based on the fact we’ve got a really strong core of senior players and the young guys coming through, I think were in a really strong position moving forward.’’