Following the signing of Kyle Docherty to the top job in October last year, the new coach has already made a splash in the player market snaring Rohan Heasley and Ben Landry, who he formerly played alongside with during his time in the MPNFL.
The signing is expected to boost CDHBU’s chance of climbing the Hume League ladder, after the side failed to make finals in 2022.
Rohan Heasley began his senior football career at Mount Eliza but most recently played for Chelsea in the MPNFL.
“He brings a wealth of experience, having played 211 senior games and winning numerous awards, including a league best and fairest and three club best and fairest awards,” Docherty said.
“He has also been named to the MPNFL team of the year five times and represented both the interleague and VIC Country teams.”
Heasley is also known for his tough, physical playing style.
“We are very excited to have ‘Heasa’ commit to our club. His profile is pretty outstanding.”
Meanwhile, the club is also excited to welcome Ben Landry to the Power den.
Landry, a tough in and under midfielder previously played over 150 senior games at Mount Eliza, alongside CDHBU coach Kyle Docherty, and spent a couple of seasons at Redlands in the NEAFL.
Landry is known for his strong work ethic and tenacity on the field and will be a valuable asset to the CDHBU midfield. His arrival strengthens an already talented group of midfielders.
“We are thrilled to have Ben join our club,” Docherty said.
“He is a talented player with a proven track record, and we are confident that he will make a valuable contribution to the team.”
With Heasley and Landry on board, Docherty believes CDHBU is well-positioned for a successful season.
"I knew when I took on this role that we needed to bolster the squad if we were going to compete at the top level," Docherty said.
“While the club always looks to recruit locally, we weren’t having much luck. Thankfully I’ve got a large network with my previous home club Mt Eliza. I had a chat to Rohan and Ben and gathered quickly that they were interested in potentially coming up here for a kick.
“Both are in their early thirties with young families and were looking to step away from high level footy. I sold them the opportunity to come up and play in Coreen with a great club and really be part of a more rewarding environment.”
While it is still early days, Docherty said the club's supporters will be excited by the fresh approach and ambition of the players this year.
“Our goal this year is to play some finals footy which is what our supporters are screaming out for,” he said.
“They’ve stuck by us for many years, and we feel this is how we can repay their loyalty.
“We’ve got preseason camp coming up in the first week of February. So, we will go away, camp out and work on team bonding exercises. T’s something our players really wanted to do, and I think that’s fantastic.
“It’s shaping up to be a good year.”
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