WARBURTON-MILLGROVE SENIOR COACH

Peter Johnston 

Season 2008 started with 4 training sessions in December of 2007.  Player numbers were impressive over this period with many of the younger and more senior players turning out.

The preseason phase saw many players making a commitment to the 2008 season and the signs were very encouraging as a core of Senior players was making regular training. Many players surpassed previous Beep Test and endurance run times recorded in the previous year.  Individual and team fitness levels were extraordinary.

The recruiting of new players looked impressive on paper, as much work was undertaken during the off season.  Unfortunately, for varying reasons, some of the key signings were not able to make the commitment to the Club.  This, together with 9 Senior players from 2007 not with us certainly put us on the back foot.  However, the positive to be taken out of this situation was that it created many opportunities for the up and coming younger players who had trained very hard over the preseason.

The front half of the season was all about rebuilding the team, in light of what had and had not occurred over the preseason.  The attitude of the players was first class.  It was always going to be a matter of time and patience in developing a young, inexperienced team, into a team of players who could sustain the intensity and skill execution for four quarters of football.  Whilst the team was showing improvement week by week, we could not translate that into 4 premiership points.

The front half of the season has been a revelation in many respects.  The younger players have gained that valuable firsthand experience and worked extremely hard to improve skill levels.  Many have been asked to ‘punch out of their weight division’ and they have played at levels way beyond their experience.  Another 8 players have debuted and 4 Under 18’s have played in the Seniors.  Six and half wins for the season is certainly an excellent foundation for 2009.  Almost all players have made a commitment to remain at the Club for next year.  With a couple of taller and stronger players in the team, the ability to play with the best in the league can be a reality.

Jonno

WARBURTON-MILLGROVE RESERVE COACH

Matt Grant

After a good preseason and
reasonably good numbers on the
track throughout the year the reserves have been competitive this season, with some very close games against the top teams in Healesville & Monbulk they have shown that they can be
competitive against quality opposition sides.
Numbers on a Saturday have been a little disappointing with only 18 to 19 players available on any one day and topping up with under 18 players throughout the season.
In saying this we have shown we can match it with the top teams and have had some good results throughout the year.
Hopefully this week we can take out Olinda with a great finish to the season. If our cards fall into place and the stars line up together we might “just” sneak into the finals in 5th spot.
I would like to say a special thank you to the Under 18 boys this year who filled in when we needed you to help out and to the committee and everyone at Warby who have made not only myself welcome but also Kate & the 3 kids Molly, Angus & Daisy.

Matt