Season update from Stephen Malaxos

Gday Sharks fans,

 At the time of writing the League team has been going through an ordinary period of performance.

Just 3 games ago we were 2^nd with 3 wins and 1 loss. It illustrates how quickly the game can turn. Our aim is turn it back in our favour by training better and performing better.

One positive is the recent 4 wins in a row by our reserves team. A month ago they were 1 win and 2 losses and had just played poorly versus Claremont. Well done to all the coaches and players on that turnaround.

The one highlight of late was our terriffic last quarter against a very powerful EP line up.  The players were outstanding in being able to persist and forge in the last quarter of that game.

Selection has been very difficult in 2014. At the best of times it is an inexact science. Most who know me would understand I favour limited changes. This is not a personal whim, but it is based on solid statistical evidence over many years. Lots of changes can appear the way to go, but it rarely works in the long run. However, there is a legitimate case for more changes which I understand and this is being discussed.

Our positives of late include the debuts of Jordan Dorotich, Richie Bourne and Brandon Ellis. All appear to have long term futures at Senior level. Players like Tom Hooker, Tim Bristow and Tom Bowey are very close to making their debuts as well.  Mathew Jupp has continued to develop in defence, and displayed great mental toughness to go forward against EP in the last quarter to play well. Unheralded youngster Sam Read has also been steady in defence. And it’s been most pleasing to see Jayden Schofield play well in the last  2 games after having had testing start to the year.

As a team, Goalkicking has plagued us of late. Some of the misses have come from players who are good kicks and have fine goalkicking records. They will come good, of that I’m sure.

One area that has performed competently is in the Ruck. Through James Bristow, Danny Chartres and Rob Young we have more than held our own in this aspect. Our young rucks are doing well in reserves. Add the injured Cam Symonds to Jake Solomon and Jack Fletcher and you will find in the years ahead EF’s ruck stocks will be excellent.

Our defence has generally been excellent, except for 1 or 2 down games. I have mentioned the development of some defenders above.

This week marks Andrew Stephen’s 100th game. Andrew went through a very thorough apprenticeship with over 50 reserves games before he consolidated. His efforts have been outstanding, and as a clubman it is difficult to think of anyone who I have seen be better.

We have deep and experienced midfield who have been excellent in our wins. We need to find a better balance in some game plan aspects for this group to perform optimally. These are currently being addressed.

The season is a Marathon and there are usually many twists and turns before the end. We need to persist  and continue to work on those areas in need of improvement.

Predictions are not my forte, but I would be most surprised if we aren’t a bit happier very soon.

Stephen Malaxos

Head Coach