By Tyler Lewis
Casey-South Melbourne has wasted no time in adding to its stocks.
The Swans have signed former St Kilda livewire Michael De Iacovo.
De Iacovo – often pushed down at the result of state and sometime Test players – begun season 2021/22 in the Second XI before a dazzling century in the Vic Super Slam boosted him to the First XI.
He then made 309 runs from 14 outings for the minor premiers.
De Iacovo has signed with the Swans, as off-field commitments have him living in the local area.
Swans coach Will Carr is ecstatic over the signing, believing the right-handed opener brings a wealth of experience.
“He brings experience, he has played five seasons prior to this and 50 odd First XI games at a high quality club,” he said.
“He will bring some really good knowledge from how one of the best clubs in the competition operates.
“We know his batting can be destructive, he will add leadership and he is a quality fielder with a good option for left-arm orthodox, he brings a few things to the table.”
While his intent with the willow is exciting, Carr is the most excited about the knowledge and experience.
“All of the above really,” he said.
“His ability to take the game away quickly from opposition with the bat will be one of the main things.
“His experience and leadership will add to the depth of our club.”
The Swans have added De Iacovo and are yet to lose a player, meaning the jostling for spots come round one will be competitive.
But that is what Carr is aspiring for; to have a club that can be strong through the grades, therefore have fewer qualms in calling players up the ranks.
“That is what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to build that depth and have 15-17 bona fide First XI players, rather than 8-11 that we can call on,” he said.
“That is part of our plans, to build from the top down a bit.
“We needed some experience and quality, which we brought in last year and that’ll help the younger players develop, you know playing with more experienced players, got to get the balance right.
“Guys aren’t going to develop the way they should if they’re just playing with all other inexperienced guys as well, we need a balance, that is definitely high on the agenda – better performances in the seconds, thirds and fourths.
“We want them ready to go at the next level and not have to go through the next level prematurely.”
