GREATER Western Sydney, the most recent expansion team added to the AFL, begins its two-year introductory course on Saturday afternoon at Blacktown Olympic Park.
Northern Knights, one of the most successful clubs in the 19-year tenure of the TAC Cup, enter the annals as GWS first opponent.
Just what the Knights can expect is unknown, but Alan McConnell, the GSW High performance Manager and TAC Cup coach, acknowledges it is an exciting time for all involved at the fledgling club.
McConnell, the last person to coach Fitzroy in an AFL match, views this season as a “development year” for a team he describes as “very young and very inexperienced.”
GWS have relocated five boys from southern NSW/ACT and Northern Territory that come under its jurisdiction from the AFL list establishment rules.
It has contracted Alex Carey from South Australia and Tom Hill, the Northern Knights captain from last year.
There are 30 players who are on scholarships to existing AFL clubs while invitations were extended to another eight from the State zone trials held in Coffs Harbor in January.
During the course of the season, GWS will ‘blood’ another 10-15 players from southern NSW/ACT and Northern Territory zoned to it under the list establishment rules.
And, to add to such a diverse group, GWS also boasts a South African Bayanda Sobetwa!
McConnell expects GWS will play about 55 players during the season with their age ranging from 15-18.
“It’s a very diverse group, very inexperienced. Everyone is new and foreign so it’s a massive challenge, but also a very exciting one,” he said.
"We are very small and very light, but they will not be lacking courage nor commitment. We have three over age boys, but we are going to play very few 18-year-olds.
“The bulk of our list will be younger boys. Subsequently, we will need to play a quick brand of football otherwise we’re going to play into the opposition’s hands.
“I’ll be telling them to enjoy the experience and play for the team. Just beat your opponent and use the ball."
After five years as the AIS/AFL Academy High performance coach, McConnell became the first employee of GWS when he accepted the position as High Performance Manager.
He’s been in the position since July last year with the responsibility of recruiting and football department infra structure.
Former Brisbane General Manager ‘Gubby’ Allen has now assumed the later role earlier in the month.
While well aware of the enormity of the challenge awaiting GWS, McConnell is also excited about what the future holds.
“It’s a privileged position to be in,” McConnell said.
Asked what expectations he held for the club this season, McConnell replied: “None”.
“With expectation often comes burden for young players. I’m really open minded about what we’re going to get and how good we will be.
“I certainly have an understanding of what I want us to work towards – the values and skill set that we need to develop.
“But, how successful we will be is something that will be determined by the ability of the playing list to embrace that.
“We will get better over the course of the year, but what level we get remains to be seen. How many games we might win or if we play finals takes the eye off what we are about and that’s developing a football club and young boys who aspire to be part of it.”
Last Modified on 07/04/2010 16:17