2019 Colts Update with Coach Jacob Brennan

In his second year at the helm of our Colts, Jacob Brennan gave us an update on the program ahead of the 2019 season.

Q1 How are the colts tracking this preseason?

It’s been a solid preseason, starting in November and with games just around the corner there is light at the end of the tunnel for the boys and the coaches all the same. We’re really excited, we’ve done a lot of work and we’re ready to get rolling with our preseason games and building blocks into round 1.
 

Q2 What are you looking to build on in your second year as head coach?

I think running a program such as the colts, has many different challenges with State selection, PSA and guys playing community footy. It’s about getting to know your players as best you can and making sure they’re always ready to go when the opportunity does come to play colts footy for East Fremantle.

Q3 Has anyone impressed or caught your eye this preseason?

Outside of our 6 players (Luke Jackson, Trent Rivers, Jeremy Sharp, Trey Ruscoe, Brandon Walker and Max Murphy) in the State Talent Hub already we’ve got Jai Jackson from Geraldton, who’s moved down this year and he’s really excelling. A couple of guys like Reuban McGuire and Chad Warner are going to be really important for us as well putting their hands up for State Selection.

Q4 Quick rundown of the colts coaching group?

Unfortunately, we lost our backline coach Jake Perer from last year. However, this year we’ve added Marco Paparone, who finished his time at Brisbane Football Club at the end of 2018, it’s good to see an East Fremantle person back at the club. We’ve still got Adrian Ricciardello and Andrew Stephen, guys who’ve played footy for East Fremantle and it’s great they’re back down giving their time as Assistant Coaches.

Q5 Tell us a bit about yourself outside of coaching the Sharks

I’m a Mortgage Broker day-to-day, so the flexibility of working for yourself allows me to put time and effort into coaching the colts.

As part of the continued education with the WA Football Commission taking over the talent pathway, they’ve employed two of the Colts coaches as assistant coaches for the State Team. I was lucky enough to be selected as one of those coaches and I’ll be taking over the backline. Having 6 boys already selected in the squad it’s going to be great to keep an eye on those guys and to make sure they are getting the best out of their footy but it’s a great opportunity for myself. It’s going to leave our assistants ready to take over and it will be about their learning as well. Adrian Ricciardello will no doubt be coaching some games throughout the year - it’s great step for him after coaching some of the development squads over the previous years.