Weekly Times |
MERBEIN has pulled off a much-needed recruiting coup with the signing of former Essendon VFL captain Ben Duscher.
The Magpies confirmed the 26-year-old had inked a two-year deal with the club last week.
Duscher, who won two club best-and-fairest awards at VFL level in 2011 and last year, is a former Merbein junior who is set to provide a huge boost to the embattled club.
The Magpies have collected the last two Sunraysia league wooden spoons and have not participated in a finals series since recording back-to-back premierships in 2002 and 2003.
Despite captaining the Bendigo Bombers (2011), Bendigo Gold (2012) and Essendon (since last year) at VFL level, Merbein has confirmed Duscher will not be taking on a coaching role next season.
The Magpies are expected to unveil a successor to outgoing coach Matthew Walder at the club’s presentation dinner next week.
Meanwhile, Sunraysia league reigning premier Imperials will face Red Cliffs in this weekend’s grand final after defeating Irymple in the preliminary final.
Imps will b e sweating on the fitness of key players Jacson Collins, Jordan Bates and John Coleman, who are all under injury clouds after the win.