Goal keepers among Warrnambool Rangers' arsenal in 2021

Rangers coach Cameron Pyke said the Ballarat and District Soccer Association division one team could potentially have three goal keepers for season 2021.

Pyke, Cameron Jennings and Ollie Hammond are all adept in the goals.

"We are probably one of the only clubs in the area which has a number of goal keepers at our disposal," Pyke said.

"It's one of those jobs that not many people want to do but those who do really enjoy it.

"Cameron Jennings, who played for us in our premiership year, is not 100 per cent locked in but he's been at pre-season training and been a great help for us.

"He did play at goal keeper. He'll probably have a more run out year in the outfield because we have myself who can keep and also Ollie Hammond, who is young player."

Pyke said Hammond would combine senior and under 17 games when the season kicked off in April.

He will switch between goal keeper and the field.

"He hasn't had any senior games as of yet. We'll look to give him the opportunity (in goals) while he's young and if he wants to pursue that further he can," he said.

"He's a natural leader. A lot of the younger kids, they have all grown up in the same group and they respect him as a keeper and a leader, so they listen to his voice in the back line. He is very positive and always trying to improve.

"It does help that he's tall and athletic as well so he fits the goal well."

The Rangers have welcomed back familiar faces to Jones Oval after their 2020 campaign was a write-off due to coronavirus restrictions.

"We've picked up a lot of players who have either been with us through the juniors, stepping up to seniors, or a couple that have just come in and contacted the club proactively," Pyke, who is also club president, said.

"They've been really good additions. Wade (Griffin's) young girls play in our mini roos and he was going to play for us last year but because the BDSA season was called off, he didn't get the opportunity to get out there.

"He is a more experienced player and can play in a number of different positions and he's left-footed and that's always a benefit because you don't have many left-footers.

"Another player returning for us is Josh Bourke. He left after our premiership year to move to Melbourne and he's moved back into town.

"Before I'd even heard word he was moving back, he had already messaged me and said he was interested in being involved. He's a left-footer and has experience in BDSA division one."

Ryan Bail will provide support to Pyke as an assistant coach.

They are taking pre-season training and have been pleased with the interest.

"We have a lot of young guys from last year still pressing for their place in the senior squad and some of the senior players have picked up their games because they know they're not a lock this year," Pyke said.

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