LEOPOLD coach Jason Tom is confident Kieran Fulton can have an immediate impact at GFL level after his Bannockburn premiership teammate signed with the Lions.
A three-time GDFL Team of the Year member Fulton, 24, has been once of the competition’s most consistent players over the past five years and was a reason why the Tigers snapped a 16-year premiership drought.
“He’s got some tricks,” Tom said.
“He’s got a good set of hands, he can kick the ball, he moves well, and he’s pretty aggressive with his approach at the footy, which, I think, is probably the most important thing that we want.
“The ability to bring the ball to ground will be his most important job.”
Tom said it’s now up to Fulton, who will spend the majority of his time as a key forward, to put the time into his football to ensure a smooth transition to the region’s strongest competition.
“It’s all well and good to have all that potential, but it’s now up to him to really put some time into his footy and see what he can get out of himself,” Tom said.
“He’s already started doing that; he’s already been in contact with our fitness coach to get a program.
“He’s aware of what it takes to be a GFL footballer, and I think he’s going to give it his best shot to do that.”
GFL OPEN TO OTHER FINALS OPTIONS
As well as signing Fulton, Leopold has welcomed back experienced duo Mitch Butteriss and Tim Connolly after two years under former Lions coach Steve Clark at Queenscliff.
Tom said having club stalwarts return is just as crucial as making marquee signings.
“Those two are just model Leopold players, in terms of how they conduct themselves,” he said. “They’re both really popular guys among the group.
“Buttsy’s going to play a role with our leadership, and that’s going to be really important for us.
“I’m really excited to get those guys back, and no doubt our fans will be as well.
“It’s three really good inclusions for us, in different ways.”
Tom doesn’t expect departures from Memorial Park.
“We’ve had conversations with everyone in the group, and no one has come to us and said they’re giving it away or that they’re moving elsewhere,” he said.
“We’re confident our list is going to remain the same, plus these guys and whatever else happens.
“It’s a really promising position we find ourselves in.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
