Tuesday 8 February 2011
Former nab QAFL Rising Star winner James Charlesworth is in the best physical condition in his three years at Victoria Point in a promising sign for Redland’s 2011 season.
Charlesworth had a delayed start to 2010 due to off-season shoulder surgery and wasn’t the same presence as in 2009 when his silky skills earned him a State jumper as a 19-year-old.
“He’s fighting fit – the best he has been,” said Bombers club development manager Craig Millar.
A tip-top Charlesworth will add more firepower to a midfield that boasts the likes of Anthony Corrie, Brad Howard, Daniel Dzufer, Matt Thomson and Phil Carse.
Carse, the three-time best and fairest winner, will benefit most from the injection of extra class around him.
While the Bombers’ running brigade and forward structure – with ex-Swan Districts goalkicker Pulman up front – looks imposing, the pressure will again be on their back half.
Willing defenders Adrian Williams and Paul O’Shea have gone to Tasmania for the coming season, leaving some opportunities for the young talent coming through to fill.
Williams is a trainee boat pilot and attending a course that is only offered in Hobart, while O’Shea has moved to Launceston for personal reasons.
Promising youngster Sam Michael is one of a number of young Bombers who could hold down a key position, although Josh Norman is the obvious man to return to defence after making an impact in the midfield over the past 12 months.
Young Western Magpie Zaine Pringle could also play a role there after being recruited by the Bombers.
The entire Bombers list will bond at a training camp at Noosa at the end of the this month.
