Whenever a new season arrives in any sport, every club taking part has something new to deal with.
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It may be new leadership on or off the field, it could be new players, or it could be a new structure and style of play that is being implemented.
For Dubbo Westside, it’s all of the above and more.
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The 2018 Group 11 season starts this weekend and it’s the start of a new era for Westside, now under the leadership of joint-captain-coaches Claude Gordon and Matt Naden.
“We’re starting from scratch, basically,” Gordon said.
“We’re trying to change everything, from the top right through to the playing group and we’re starting to get things in order at the top. When you do that everything flows down.
“We’re not miracle workers. We’re just trying to get the boys going and get them playing some good footy.”
Playing good, competitive footy is all Gordon and Naden want early in the season.
In what shapes as an incredibly close and competitive season, the new mentors are all too aware the Rabbitohs face a mighty challenge to play finals.
But that’s not the focus right now on the eve of Westside’s round one clash at Forbes.
“I’d love a win but I just want to see the boys being competitive and doing all those one-percenters,” Naden said.
“No rubbish or anything, we’re trying to change the club and I want to see the boys be competitive.”
Naden is the perfect person to create a professional and competitive culture.
During his spell with CYMS he was a favourite of coach Tim Ryan and played a major part in the Fishies’ recent dominance of Group 11.
“Everyone knows they’re the benchmark in the competition and hopefully I can bring a bit of that to Westside this year and I want to see the boys compete and have a go,” he said.
“Everyone knows how to play footy,” Gordon added.
“It’s just teaching them those fundamentals and those one-percent things.”
Naden and Gordon are already making an impact and making players accountable.
Players who haven’t attended training regularly won’t be starting at Forbes, regardless of the fact they’re “really good first-graders”.
“If you get things right off the field then it all flows form there. If you get things right at training and getting people to turn up consistently then it will carry on through the year,” Gordon said.
In terms of those who will be starting on Sunday, the co-coaches will be key in the halves while Keiran Hill, Jai Dunn, Tommy Merritt have impressed in pre-season and will also be important.
As will the likes of young gun Tyson Fuller, Kurt Beahan and Blaize Fuller who are all part of a stellar backline.
Organising the playing group, devising game plans and playing part in the off-field change the club is creating has been a “headache” for the rookie co-coaches.
But it’s something both are enjoying immensely.
“It was never going to be easy,” Naden said.
“But most people who know me know that I love a challenge and I’m looking forward to the season.
“I just can’t wait to get out there on Sunday and rip in and hopefully get a win.”
The action at Spooner Oval on Sunday starts with league tag at 11am and that is followed by under 18s, reserves and first grade.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
