WERRIBEE Centrals coach Rhyce Prismall has hailed the impact of the club’s new faces, with two arrivals at Galvin Park earning spots in the 2023 leadership group.
Fresh from a training camp at Bancoora on the Surf Coast on the weekend, Prismall has confirmed off-season additions Harley Kilby (Werribee Districts) and Jarryd Scotland (Sunshine) along with Chad Buck will serve as deputies to first-year captain Daryl Chesterman.
“It was a combination of the coaches and also the players’ votes,” Prismall said.
“Harley’s attention to detail, in terms of his fitness and workrate, and his footy knowledge, he really talks, acts and trains like he’s been a higher level.
“Jarryd’s a bit more of an older head, but with Harley, they drive a really high standard at training, and you can already tell they’re good club people, which is important to us.”
Prismall is also a massive rap for Bacchus Marsh recruit Michael Culliver.
The midfielder, who has also played at Werribee Districts and Old Westbourne, averaged more than 25 disposals per game for the Ballarat League club in 2022.
“He had the nickname ‘Pendles’ for his poise and class,” Prismall said. “We’re really excited because he’s a real leader.
“He’s come in as our midfield and stoppage coach.
“He’s having a major impact on us already.”
Chesterman’s elevation to the captaincy as the replacement for the long-serving Blake Quarrier caps an impressive comeback from a serious knee injury.
The Centrals’ junior had his 2021 and 2022 seasons ruined by injury, managing just four reserves games in the closing stages of last year.
“His attention to fitness and competitiveness is second to none,” Prismall said.
“Blake Quarrier’s been our captain for a long time, and he’s stepped down. He thought it was time for someone with a bit of youth to take over for the future.
“Daryl’s only 24, and he’s already played in this comp for a few years and been a really positive player.
“It’s a real credit to him. He’s up the front in all the running, and he loves the gym.
“We’re looking forward to how he will lead the group.”
Like Chesterman, Brad Carlton, who is also stepping down as co-captain, will be a virtual recruit after suffering season-ending knee injuries in Round 1.
However, Darcy Insall, like Carlton, who was injured in Round 1, is a question mark to wearing the green and gold this year.
“He had his surgery a bit later – a more conservative approach,” Prismall said.
“I think he’s travelling a bit this year. He’s training with the group, (but) I’m not sure on his intentions playing-wise.
“Maybe after a month, he’s looking to come back.”
Blake Taylor, whose season ended in Round 2, is unlikely to play.
The Centurions, who struggled to a 5-13 win-loss record in 2022, will warm up for the season with practice matches against Keilor Park and North Footscray before a trip to Victoria Park and a meeting with two-time reigning premier Bannockburn in Round 1.
Prismall says Centrals aren’t daunted by the challenge of taking it up to the Tigers in a twilight clash.
“You don’t want to be playing bottom sides every week; you want to see how you go against the best of the best,” he said. “We’re really excited.
“All the new players to the club are saying, ‘grouse – Round 1. Let’s just go in with an underdog attitude’, which I think we’ll have all year.
“It’s a great day for them, but we’ll be ready to make it a hard day.”
Twitter: @krockfootball
