On the eve of the first 2014 WRFL Grand Final match tomorrow, we hear from the four Senior coaches ahead of their big match this weekend.
DIVISION TWO:
FINAL WORDS FROM THE COACH- PARKSIDE
The season so far for Parkside has been a success however we all understand it means nothing unless we win the premiership. The first half of the year was frustrating due the unavailability of players as a result of injury and travel, but as a positive we were able to play 37 players through our senior side. I was very pleased with the progress of a couple of young players in Brent Kelly and Dyson Stevens, who both have bright futures ahead of them. The club is excited about being part of another Grand Final, however we are keen to ensure we finish the season with a win. The preparation for the big match has been no different than any other. We utilized the week off to freshen up the boys which led into a solid week on the track this week. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Parkside Football Club for placing faith in me again to lead and coach this club in Season 2014. I would also like to thank all players for the commitment and dedication throughout the whole year as well as thank our staticians, match day support staff and all our assistant coaches. A special thanks to club Captain Chris Muratore who has been a great support to myself and the club for many years.
Nathan Juegan
Parkside Senior Coach
FINAL WORDS FROM THE COACH-WEST FOOTSCRAY
Originally coming to the club in the 80s, I was part of the 1982 A-Grade Premiership side before taking up a coaching role in 1996-97. After that I also had a number of other coaching stints at St. Albans, Altona and Williamstown VFA before returning to West Footscray at the start of the year to lead the senior squad. This season, we set our expectations on the playing group to play in Division Two. With nearly 40 new players to the club it has taken time but the group has gelled really well over the season. The playing group has exceeded the expectations that we had in November last year, which is a credit to the all. Everyone is really excited around the club and believe that the Grand Final is a winnable game. If we play the way we have over the last two weeks, anything can happen. A few players who the spectators should keep an eye on are Brenton Turner at full-back plus our consistent performers Michael Kennedy, Jadyn Trowsdale, Mark Speakman and Rhys Bucktin. I would like to give a BIG thank you to our Committee, Coaching Panel, Match Day Staff and everyone else who has contributed to making our season as successful as it has been this year. There has been a lot of work that has gone on behind the scenes of the football club by volunteers that hopefully can be repaid with a win this weekend.
Trevor Davies
West Footscray Senior Coach
DIVISION THREE
FINAL WORDS FROM THE COACH- ALBANVALE
I have been involved with Albanvale FC/ Albion CC (co-tenants) for approximately five years when I coached the Albion CC, however it has been my first year of coaching football. Our co-coach Adam Borg has been part of this club for just on 10 years and while he has had numerous coaching roles in the past, this is his first time as a senior coach. Season 2014 has been a tough one in regards to injuries and players being unavailable, but on the whole it’s been enjoyable. Nothing ever really goes the way you anticipate, but you make the best of it. I don’t really like to individualize players but as a whole I’m happy for the boys to get an opportunity to play in a Grand Final. We’re (the team) keeping pretty calm about Saturday to be honest, we’ve set some ground rules for the guys to follow and they’ve been fantastic with it. As far as the club goes I’d say they’re pleased to be in with a chance to take home our first senior premiership. Nothing has really changed for us in regards to preparation, training has been the same and we’ve tried to keep it as normal as possible. In anticipation of the big match, I’d like to thank the players/staff partners and families for their support this year as I can be quite demanding of the group. Thanks also goes to the club and all of the support staff, the trainers and water carriers, all of the people that come to watch the boys play, the committee and especially the players.
John Thrush & Adam Borg
Albanvale Senior co-coaches
FINAL WORDS FROM THE COACH- BRAYBROOK
I’ve been at the Brookers for the past 20 years, however this is my first year as a senior coach. This year has been by far the most challenging and rewarding season. With the influx of so many new players from all different environments, the main focus all year has been trying to get everyone to gel together. Our results probably reflect that throughout the year but I think we have got it right when it really counts. Both the club and team are thrilled to be part of the Grand Final experience and feel privileged to be part of such a special day. With both our senior and reserve sides losing the first final in week #1 has meant we have had to do it the hard way to get here, but I wouldn't want it any other way as our club really thrives on hard work. In regards to having any standout players, we have a very even team across the board. But players like Hung Lai, Frank Hoang, Anthony Hoang and Jason Tran are inspirational players to watch. I think you may even see two players going to a much higher level next year as well, that being Lachlan Sidebottom and Paul Cutajar- Milosev. So much work goes in to putting two sides on the park each week so I’d like to thank everyone involved who do such an amazing job. Whatever the outcome is, it is all done for those who are Braybrook people through and through, both old and new. One special mention must also go to my mate Polly-cheers.
Michael Shepperbottom
Braybrook Senior Coach
Last Modified on 05/09/2014 15:53