New Gordon coach Ron Watt has pinpointed the Eagles’ poor defensive record as a key area for improvement in his first few months at the helm.
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Watt was the biggest coaching announcement of the off-season when he was named as the man that would replace Gary Learmonth in the role.
The former Geelong footballer played two games for the Cats, but is probably best known for his job guiding the club’s VFL side for five seasons. He won the flag with Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Steve Johnson, Paul Chapman and James Kelly.
Watt was reluctant to reveal a firm goal for the side, but said there had been a big focus on the Eagles’ defensive game during pre-season training.
“We’d love to aim as high as we can, but until I get a bit of a feel for the competition I’m not prepared to put myself out there,” Watt said.
“I think the thing that you’ll see with our team this year is that we are going to be a lot better defensively.
“If we are not better defensively this year we’ve failed and we won’t win the games that count.”
In 2017, the Eagles finished sixth on the ladder and were beaten in a semi-final by Springbank. The side had the biggest points for record during the home and away rounds, but there was six rivals better defensively.
The club has lost leading goal-kicker from last season Ash Munari, but has topped up nicely with a stack of recruits expected to make an impact at senior level.
Last season’s boom recruit Cam Richardson has helped lure his talented brother Adam to the club, while the likes of onballer Ethan Crackel, the returning Angus Watts and key position player Andrew Siekai shape as good inclusions. Zackery Ryan and Taylem Wason are among the other signings likely to impress.
“Obviously we are not going to be worse than we were last year as far as list-wise,” Watt said.
“Everyone seems really happy that we’ve really increased our depth and added some good players that will assist us.”
Q: What do you see as your key on-field strength?
We have strong on-field leadership with a willingness to embrace key messages. Add to this a group of emerging locals, who are joined by a number of young players from regional areas, and it creates a group that will allow an even contribution.
Q: What is your key message as coach in 2018?
Always bring a great attitude and be prepared to give genuine effort.
Q: How have the pre-season preparations gone?
The short but intense training period has been embraced in a very positive manner, with the majority of the list footy-fit for the start of the season.
Q: Which player are you most excited about?
Obviously we have some talented players who are well entrenched and they will always be good men to coach. I am keen to get a good look at some of our new players in game situations. Gordon locals Matt Spezza, Jack Toohey and Rohan Clampit are players I have seen dramatic growth in during the full length of the pre-season.
Q: Which is the team to beat this season?
All teams are new to me, so I would only be guessing or listening to other people’s opinions. This is a good way to be non-committal to a difficult question.
The Eagles’ Fact File
COACH
Ron Watt (new)
2017 SEASON
Sixth position
12 wins, four losses
Leading goal-kicker: Ash Munari, 52 goals
Best and fairest: Tye Murphy
Geoff Taylor Medal leading vote-getters: Chris McGuigan 13, Tye Murphy 12, Mick Nolan 10, Ashley Munari 9, Steven Nicholson 6, Luke Gunnell 5, Mark Gunnell 3, Steven Patterson 3, Jordan Clampit 2, Brendan Sutcliffe 1, Jaymes Gorman 1, Bradley Hallam 1
KEY ARRIVALS
Adam Richardson (Mount Pleasant), Zackery Ryan (Woorinen), Jarrod Evans (Camperdown), George Walker (Edenhope-Apsley), Ethan Crackel (Maryborough), Angus Watts (Maryborough), Andrew Siekai (Maryborough), Taylem Wason (North Warrnambool), Lucas Mackley (Russells Creek), Blake Rudland-Castles (Port Fairy)
KEY DEPARTURES
Ash Munari (Carisbrook)
THE FIXTURE
R1: Ballan (a)
R2: Dunnstown (h)
R3: Beaufort (a)
R4: Hepburn (h)
R5: Waubra (a)
R6: Rokewood-Corindhap (h)
R7: Skipton (a)
R8: Creswick (h)
R9: Carngham-Linton (a)
R10: Clunes (h)
R11: Smythesdale (a)
R12: Learmonth (h)
R13: Newlyn (a)
R14: Daylesford (h)
R15: Bungaree (a)
R16: Springbank (a)
R17: Buninyong (h)
THE VERDICT
Gordon has been knocking on the door for a few years now and again looks one of the main premiership chances.
