AFTER the jolt of Clunes parting ways with senior football coach Dale Cowell, all eyes were on who would be his replacement.
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It seemed no surprise that job went to Ryan Hudson-Morgan, who has returned to the Magpies this season from Carisbrook.
Hudson-Morgan was keen to get started in his role with the Magpies and stressed “effort” was key to developing team success.
“We think we’ve got a lot of improvement to make over the next few weeks. It’s a bit of a free hit for us at the moment because we’re coming from a long way back,” he told The Courier after Saturday’s Central Highlands Football League clash with Daylesford.
“I’ve basically taken the reins today. We’ve got some great kids. They’ve got inexperience. They’ll make mistakes. We’re going to wear their mistakes and let them develop. That’s all we can do.
“It’s a long process. We’ll have to develop everybody individually. Find out what their strengths are, what their weaknesses are.
“I started back here this year. So I haven’t spent a lot of time with the group. That’s why it’s up to me to get to know everybody well. To know what makes them tick.
“We’re not going to be judged by our wins and losses… we’re going to be judged by our effort. That’s where we’re at.”
So how did Hudson-Morgan feel about jumping into the deep end in a coaching position at Clunes after the exit of Cowell?
“I had no worries with Dale. But I haven’t been around the club for two weeks. I’ve been away with work for two weeks. A lot of the stuff that’s happened with me has been by phone. So I made myself available,” he said.
“I don’t know what’s in store for me as a coach here. What happens, happens. But if I’m in charge, I will pass on as much experience and knowledge as I can.”
Cowell and the Magpies parted ways less than half of the way through the first season of a five-year deal.
The Courier reported last Friday that the two parties were locked in a battle over that contract.
The split follows Cowell sensationally watching on from the sidelines and not carrying out coaching duties during the round six loss to Learmonth.
Hudson-Morgan is in his first year back at Clunes after leaving for Carisbrook at the end of the 2010 season.
He has played all seven games for the Magpies this year and was named in the best in his first match in charge on Saturday.
Match review, page 35.
