First Day of Preseason

Gday Sharks Fans,

Preparation for 2015 has begun with searching fitness tests and skill development being the main focus on day 1.

We have always practiced our skills from the first til the last session of the season, and this year we will continue to focus on Kicking (preferred and non preferred), Marking (particularly with our talls), Goalkicking and Ball Handling, of which I am passionate about. Of course, all skills are practised over the seasons duration.

We will commence drilling our Game Plan in Week 3, but this really begins more earnestly in January 2015.  A couple of injury concerns linger from 2014: Bradd Dalziell has had a minor knee operation which cleared up an issue that affected him in the latter part of 2014. He will be ready to go very soon. Jamie McNamara is still getting over his shoulder injury sustained late in 2014. His performance in the Preliminary Final with such an injury, was terrific. He will also be in good shape shortly. All other senior players are tracking as planned.

Recruiting continues to evolve and we are still fielding many enquiries, as well as dealing with our recently delisted AFL players in Jacob Brennan, Josh Simpson and Liam Anthony. Kyle Hardingam is staying in Melbourne regardless and Kane Lucas is hopeful of being re-drafted. We are expecting of being in a position to clarify all their positions very shortly.

All players and staff were thoroughly reviewed following the 2014 season. Some aspects we did well, and others we can improve. My philosophy is such that we will modify where applicable, but our fundamentals will remain unchanged. Solid defence,Deep midfield and Creative forward line is our basic team structure. Within this we identified key aspects to improve:

1. Ball movement from Defensive areas.
2. Stoppage success. Our Centre Bounces were pretty good, but we are capable of better at Throw ins and Ball ups.
3. Conversion- we kicked at 49.67 % in 2014 which is 8% below our target.

Our 2015 target is clear:

Next year the WAFL becomes a Top 5. If you finish 4th or 5th it will take 4 consecutive wins against good teams to win the flag.

Top 3 is where the 2015 premiership will be won from and where we aim to be.

Go Sharks!

Stephen Malaxos