Now that the negotiations for the new collective agreement seem well and truly behind, the Montreal Alouettes are ripe for a little football. Head coach Khari Jones is also preparing to launch his men in preseason matches for the first time since 2019.

• Read also: CFL: players ratify the collective agreement

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"It's my first preseason game as head coach, which is weird after three years," he admitted on the phone on Friday. I can't wait to feel the game and watch all of our new players. We have a lot of guys competing hard and some will potentially play for us.”

The Sparrows take on the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton on Saturday. It was the Ontario team that ended their 2021 season in the first round of the playoffs.

"It's always nice to battle with Hamilton. They've been to the Gray Cup for the past two years. I know it's preseason, but we want to play hard and show what we're made of, ”said Jones, who will play all his men in uniform.

Some, like quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., will be left out against the Ti-Cats. Instead, they will see action against the Ottawa Redblacks next Friday.

“We will try to spread that over the two games to see everyone. We will want to give more minutes to some, to have them on the pitch longer. And in the second part, we will have other guys”, confirmed the American pilot.

A relief

On Thursday evening, the Canadian Football League Players Association ratified the collective bargaining agreement proposed by the Ambrosie circuit. After training camp was temporarily put on hiatus, it was with great trepidation that some greeted the news.

“I had faith. I felt we were close. I was hoping there was a resolution and I'm glad they did. I didn't really have a plan B, I didn't think about it," Jones confessed.

“Already, we had no preparatory matches in 2020 to prepare properly and have a good training camp. It sure is a relief. I think it had to be because we needed to negotiate, and I think the two clans are happy now,” said defensive lineman Vincent Desjardins.

Due to the rain, the Alouettes trained indoors at the Complexe sportif Alphonse-Desjardins in Trois-Rivières. The players will soon move on to Hamilton, intent on proving their worth.

“They were quieter today [Friday], it's the nerves that get on board, explained the coach. They are ready. You look them in the eye and you see that they are ready to play football."

Vincent Desjardins enthusiastic about the challenge

After two seasons away from home with the Calgary Stampeders, Vincent Desjardins will begin a new chapter in his career with the Montreal Alouettes, much to the delight of his loved ones.

The 27-year-old defensive lineman agreed to a one-year contract in February. He will wear the Sparrows' uniform for the first time in a game situation, Saturday in Hamilton, against the Tiger-Cats.

“I grew up watching the Alouettes, and to wear their jersey is an honor for me. I have been looking forward all off season to being able to wear it and play a game in front of my fans and my parents, who are going to watch on television,” Desjardins said on the phone on Friday.

"I think my parents and my friends were even more excited than me," he added. When I was in Calgary, they couldn't watch the full games."

In a supporting role, the Quebec native played 20 games with the Stampeders in 2019 and 2021. He intends to force the hand of coach Khari Jones and get a lot of playing time this season.

"I'm a working player, I'm going to show up at every game. My goals are to break through the formation of dressed players and play all the matches. I want to be a resource. I want people to be able to count on me,” said Desjardins, who should play a role on special teams, among others.

For Quebec

The Quebec product and belonging to La Belle Province are the watchwords of the last off-season with the Alouettes. More than ever, they are determined to become the Quebec team and this is a message that Vincent Desjardins greatly approves of.

“We really feel the enthusiasm of the fans here in Trois-Rivières. People are present. They are proud of their team and we can say that it is the team of Quebecers. The other clubs, like Toronto, they represent a city. We are really the province,” he said.

On the ground, the local product will also be highlighted. Desjardins is a former Laval University Rouge et Or player, with whom he won the Vanier Cup twice. He is happy to see that many of his former teammates and opponents in the college ranks are back together in the pros.

"It's really a nice atmosphere. It's good for the team spirit," he said.