Border Mail |
KADE Stevens and Matt Pendergast are hoping their decisions to sign on at Lavington now, rather than the end of the year, helps the club get itself in a strong position for next season.
The champion Panthers, who have won seven of Lavington’s past 11 best and fairest awards between them, committed to the club this week.
Stevens, co-captain of the Panthers, said he didn’t have to be asked twice about signing on.
Coach James Saker has also extended his contract, agreeing to another two years at the helm of the club.
“A lot of times I probably haven’t committed too early but I just wanted to confirm it all,” Stevens said.
“Sakes is obviously on board again and we want to keep the same group and support crew together.
“It creates less hassle later in the year and stops a few other phone calls I might get later in the year.
“It’s nice to secure it all and hopefully makes it easier on the club to focus on trying to get other guys.
“We’re very specific with what we try to recruit and we’ve seen how fantastic somebody like Adam Flagg can be already.”
Pendergast echoed Stevens’ sentiment and said there was no reason to leave.
“It’s an exciting time at the club,” Pendergast said.
“You wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“The hardest thing these days is keeping a list together and hopefully this gets the ball rolling from the top.
“It’s an honour to play here.”
Pendergast and Stevens are both assistant coaches at the club, meaning Lavington has now locked away three of its most senior personnel leading into next season.
St Kilda ruckman Justin Koschitzke, close friends with Stevens, has been linked heavily with the Panthers for next year.
Flagg, meanwhile, had scans yesterday on his troublesome hand and will miss this afternoon’s clash with Wangaratta.
Saker said the move to leave the dangerous forward out of the side this week was precautionary, more than anything.
“We don’t want a possible one-week injury turning into six weeks,” Saker said.
