Murrabit
NEW coach Jack Shannahan steps into a Murrabit side where the only way is up, the Blues finishing last season planted firmly on the bottom of the ladder.
But a fresh coach, brings fresh ideas and Shannahan has wasted no time in getting his players into that same mindset.
“There’s a lot of new things,” he said.
“Being a new coach, with new assistant coaches and quite a few new players; there’s also a bit of a new game-style we are trying to introduce to the squad.
“It’s given a little bit of rejuvenation to some of the guys who have been here for a while, but we’re aware that it might take a bit of time for things to click.”
And with the departure of star full-forward Damian Cupido, comes new challenges and opportunities.
The challenges are obvious: who replaces the 52 goals that Cupido tallied last year, and will Murrabit find ways to share that load?
But the opportunities are endless, with new additions ready to step into the side and young stars ready to make their names.
Murrabit have strengthened across all lines, recruiting heavily from the Central Murray.
Shannahan said players like Dean Harrop, Austin McKerrow and ex-Lake Boga recruits Ryan Harvey, Patrick Bryan and Beau Dooley strengthened local ties.
“We wanted to recruit good footy players, and good people with a focus on bringing in some local guys,” he said.
“We will still probably have three or four guys who travel, but it’s been great to see so many people at training.”
A mix of experience and youth will run out for Murrabit, as Shannahan said Murrabit had put the work into their juniors in recent times.
“It will be a young side, but there’s also a pretty good mix of experienced guys as well.
“There’s a lot of good young kids that are coming through now.”
For Shannahan, the signs of an improved year ahead were already evident.
“We want to make things as simple as possible, and just have that plan on repeat during training,” he said.
“It’s important for us to build those good habits at training, and hopefully those habits shine through on the field in round one.”
Ins: Dean Harrop (NNWU), Patrick Bryan (Lake Boga), Ryan Harvey (Lake Boga), Jacob Wade (Mallee Eagles), Jack Shannahan (Mallee Eagles), Pras Sayakhot (Violet Town), Liam Holt-Fitz (PINT), Jordan Lampi (Violet Town), James Harvey (Lake Boga), Beau Dooley (Lake Boga), Austin McKerrow (Woorinen), Brody Green (Maiden Gully)
Outs: Ed Aujard (Newbridge), Jono Aujard (Newbridge), Michaell Crossett (Anakie), Dustin Burns, Damian Cupido (Marybourough)
From the coach: Jack Shannahan.
“Our aim, first and foremost, is to improve upon last year; We’ve got no other expectations than just improving.
With it being a small, and fairly even competition, we feel like there is no reason why we can’t compete with everyone.
The last couple of years have really given Murrabit the chance to bring through some of our young kids.
I’ve stepped into a team where a lot of these sixteen and seventeen-year-olds have already had a really good taste of senior football.”
KEY PLAYER: Nathan O’Toole.
It’s hard to look past the Blues’ fearless leader as their most damaging player.
Equal third in last year’s MVP award, O’Toole’s versatility is a valuable asset for his side.
The big-bodied midfielder is lauded for his consistent effort and dogged attack on the ball.
The strength and ability to play all across the ground, O’Toole’s line-breaking ability is integral to Murrabit’s success.
