Former Sandringham skipper returns to Rovers

Former Sandringham FC captain, Heath Tregear, is returning to play for the Hampton Rovers in 2005.  The 27 year-old played all his junior footy at the Rovers and played in the 1995 senior premiership before playing 123 games over 7 seasons at the Zebras in the VFL, including 2002 and 2003 as captain.

After spending 2004 in Sydney for work, Heath has returned to Melbourne and will boost the Rovers in their drive for the C section premiership.

Talking to hamptonrovers.com.au, Heath said he’s enjoying being back at the club. ?It’s still early days, but I’ve really enjoyed pre-season training so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of the old faces once the season kicks off.?

?The club is in great shape at the moment, with a really good mix of people involved and first class facilities.  There’s definitely a good vibe around the place, and it’s exciting for someone like me to come back after such a long time away and still feel at home.?

Following his return to Melbourne, Hampton Rovers wasn?t the only club in contention, however there was little doubt considering the past. ?Everyone I knew as a kid had something to do with the Rovers, so I used to spend a lot of time at the club – initially as a supporter, and then as a player.  I played all my junior footy here and I’ve always said I’d come back once I finished up at Sandy.?

’so now that I’m back in Melbourne, Rovers was always going to be the natural choice.  Having said that, a handful of my best mates from Sandy are playing together at Chelsea in the Mornington Peninsula league and they were pretty keen to get me down there, which I considered.  However, I know a lot of people involved at Rovers, and my long-term future was always going to be here, so I figured there was no point in delaying the inevitable.?

With a number of returning players in 2005 and great numbers at pre-season training, hopes are high for the new season. Heath went on to comment about the clubs prospects this year and beyond. ?There’s a really healthy enthusiasm around the club at the moment, and that’s coming from both on and off the field.?

?There’s no doubt that Brett and the coaching staff have got everyone moving in the right direction, so the expectation has got to be finals at the very least.  Beyond that, it’s hard to say … it’s probably too soon to start talking A grade premierships!?