FAST FACTS
COACH: ANDY O’CONNOR 2022 FINISH: EIGHTH (6-5) 2022 BEST-AND-FAIREST: JOSH KEZERLE 2022 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: PAT McMULLAN (34) HOME GROUND: DOOKIE RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: THUNDER
PLAYER CHANGES
Ins: Henry Wedding (Undera), Joel Bee, Kyle Orchard
Outs: Kane Thompson (Shepparton), Mason Irvine
Incoming Dookie United coach Andy O’Connor says he is ready to put last year’s frustrations to bed as the Thunder look to play finals football in 2023.
O’Connor, stepping up into his first senior coaching role, said the talent was there for Dookie United to feature in the post-season.
“Last year was such a frustrating one for us. We had a few injuries and just dropped a couple of games we could have won,” he said.
“My aim this year is finals, that’s the pass mark for us. We have got the potential so I can’t see why we can’t push for a spot in finals.”
O’Connor revealed the Thunder had maintained the majority of last year’s squad and welcomed new faces in ruckman Henry Wedding and athletics talent Joel Bee.
The Thunder will look for promising teenager Lachy Ludeman, who won last year’s under-18s league best-and-fairest, to make an impact at senior level.
“There’s been plenty of commitment from the group which has helped me a lot (in the first season as coach),” O’Connor said.
“We’re happy with where we stand. It’s always a hard slog in pre-season but we’re looking forward to this year.”