That’s despite the incoming mentor seeing a number of senior players from 2019 depart the club in the lead-up to the 2021 Murray Football League season.
With that in mind, he has looked to add players who will complement what he described as a “talented group of young men” already at his disposal.
And that includes the arrivals of Michael Caven and Tom Wallis, who the Eagles unveiled on Monday, January 11.
“Both Michael and Tom fit in the philosophy of what we’re trying to build,” Sutherland said.
“There is a bit of a changing of the guard because of the number of young players who are coming through to the senior ranks.
“I think we’ve got a really exciting young list who have a lot of potential and I can’t wait to see them in action.
“I’ve been delighted with the boys’ attitude and application throughout pre-season. They’ve done everything asked of them.
“These two guys are going to help us become a better team.”
Wallis is the son of two-time Essendon player Dean and spent time on the Bombers list in 2016 before he was eventually delisted.
After departing the AFL club, he spent time between Coburg in the VFL and Doutta Stars in the Essendon District Football League – one of Melbourne’s strongest metropolitan competitions.
Sutherland said he expected Wallis to spend a large amount of time in the midfield.
“Tom is an elite runner and knows what it takes to play at a high level,” Sutherland said.
“He has been holidaying in Echuca for a number of years and was thinking about moving up this way to play some footy.
“He told me the idea of playing in the WAFL was a possibility, but the pandemic made that really difficult.
“Through that connection we sat down and had a bit of a chat and we’re really pleased to welcome him to the club.
“I think Tom can establish himself as one of the better players in the competition.”
Caven is no slouch either.
He lands in the Eagles’ nest with a local footy resume some people could only dream of.
Before COVID-19 shut down the 2020 season, he kicked 79 goals in the VAFA’s A grade competition between 2018 and 2019 for St Bernard’s.
It is a league which many people believe to be the best outside of the VFL, including his new coach at United.
“The standard of the (VAFA) Premier competition is unbelievable,” Sutherland said.
“Michael is also a former captain of the VAFA’s under 19 side so his leadership qualities will be very welcoming for us.
“I think he will spend a lot of time in the middle of the ground but if he can go forward and have an impact it will be a bonus.”
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