Newtown & Chilwell coach Steve Johnson says planning for the 2027 season was well advanced before Sunday’s first semi-final loss to Bell Park.
The ‘Towners exited the premiership race in straight sets for the second year in a row after being held to their second-lowest score in GFNL matchups with the Dragons in a 33-point loss at West Oval.
“That planning’s started probably seriously about a month ago,” he said.
“You start to look at your list, where there might be gaps and where you could maybe just be a little bit stronger.
“And we’ve identified a few players; we’re speaking to a few players already.
“This is the busiest time for a coach, not just because you’re playing finals.
“There’s other players that are out there that are looking for new clubs, and you’ve got to get in first.
“So, we feel like we could be in a much stronger position if all goes well.”
Johnson says the club has three areas it would like to strengthen.
“We’ve identified that we probably need a running half-back flanker,” he said.
“Another big-bodied midfielder would be great, and another key forward.
“(Dan) Lowther would have been great today, but if we’re planning for 2027, we’d probably plan without him in it because we’d probably expect that he might play more VFL footy.”
“But a good local footballer ahead of the ball that can take a contested mark and kick a goal, kick accurately, would be nice.”
Veteran defender Braden Hocking has been a year-by-year proposition in recent seasons, only making up his mind to play once the calendar ticks over to January 1.
But Johnson is confident he will extend his 210-game career into 2027.
“I reckon he’s chips in,” Johnson said. “I know he does that every year.
“But I just see the look in his eye. He seems as invested as any player at our club right at the moment.
‘So, I wouldn’t be surprised if we get him to agree a bit earlier this year.”
Click below to listen to the full interview with Steve Johnson.
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