ST ARNAUD
ST ARNAUD head into the season with a new coach, assistant coach and a positive mindset.
Scott Driscoll takes the helm after a stint with Jeparit-Rainbow who merged with Southern Mallee Giants to a new league last year.
Driscoll is coming in with a fresh set of eyes and a clean slate for the winless wooden spooners of 2023.
The positive of being in that position means the side can focus on development of the local playing group with a bit of freedom.
Driscoll, who will be a playing coach, said a large part of his coaching method would be directed at developing a side that puts the whole team first.
“We’re focusing on what each team member can do for the team during that 120 minute of gameplay,” he said.
“We had a good practice match where the guys had a good game and a positive mindset, but we know it is going to take work for us to be competitive.
“We will be constructive in our reviews but not focus on the negative as we try to build confidence in our process.”
Tom Petrelli returns to the side after a year off due to injury and Zac Phillips and Bailey Nicholas have made the move from Adelaide.
“They’re a couple of young guys who have a real class and energy about them,” Driscoll said.
Toren Petre takes the role of assistant coach beside Driscoll.
Fast facts
President – Dean Wandel
Senior Coach – Scott Driscoll
2023 Ladder position – ninth
2023 Best & Fairest – Brad Organ
2023 Leading Goalkicker – Not available
Premierships – 11 (1930, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1948, 1958, 1978, 1988, 1998, 1999, 2015)
From the coach – Scott Driscoll
Being a young group and in terms of what we hope to achieve this year, it’s about positive strides and learning from those first-round games and being able to review and build upon our performance.
We will be assessing and making changes on the spot, if things aren’t working, we will be making adaptions, not flogging a dead horse continually.
It’s a year of growth, education, and development for our side.
Key Players – Harley Durward
Harley Durward steps into a vice-captain role this year and comes off a solid pre-season campaign.
He displays great versatility and is a strong defender.
He’s been with the club previously, so brings knowledge and leadership skills and a desire to play for his teammates.
Outs –
Ins – Ryan Lempa, Jordan Nicholas, Zac Phillips, Bailey Nicholas, Scott Driscoll, Toren Petre.
