EAST Loddon Rams, the Loddon Valley’s under 18 football premiers in 2024, have a new coach.
Calivil’s Cameron Roulston has upgraded from team runner to coach after the departure of flag-winning Jade Clymo.
Clymo signalled before last season that he would pass on the mantle at the end of the finals, leaving on a high note after the Rams defeated Marong in the grand final in only their third year in the league.
“When Jade left, I saw the opportunity to get involved with the boys and the communities and to help them stay involved in footy,” Roulston said.
He has no grand expectations of going back-to-back, noting that eight members of the premiership team have graduated from the juniors.
“The stars aligned for the Rams last year, with the 18-year-olds coming through at the right time who combined to win the premiership,” Roulston said.
“I won’t be putting pressure on them to go back-to-back, when the main game is helping them to develop.”
Roulston said the Rams were keen to see more juniors make themselves available for the club given the turnover in players since last season.
The Rams – formed from juniors from Calivil, Mitiamo and Bears Lagoon Serpentine – may play in an expanded league in 2025, with Maiden Gully expected to field a team and Newbridge exploring the possibility of having an under-18 side.
Roulston, 46, played most of his football as a defender for Calivil, and this year will coach his son Aidan at the Rams.