Stav's Final Pre-Season Update

G’day All Sharks Fans,

It’s been 6 months since we played our last game and it’s been a very busy off season for the Sharks.  We have been very active in reviewing our 2014 season: all players and staff were reviewed and given the opportunity to provide input as to how we can get better. We have already implemented some of these recommendations.

These include:

1. Implementing a Talls development program.
2. Increased focus on our Development League team (formerly known as Reserves).
3. Increased priority on game plan specifics and decision making in training.
4. Putting greater responsibility on all players, not just the Leaders.

We have continued to develop our fitness capacities, and are into the second year of a revised strength and power program.

Recruiting

Player recruiting and retention has been an ongoing process since the final siren in 2014.  We have recruited high quality players in midfielder/forward Liam Anthony and forward, George Hampson. George is also capable of playing in defence and midfield.

A text message to me in January, whilst watching the cricket, alerted me to the prospect of George being a possible recruit. Just shows you that life in football is non-stop!

Liam has continued a recent trend of AFL listed players returning to EFFC.  Originally from Geraldton, Liam is a prime example of the desired East Fremantle career pathway.  He has plenty of good football ahead of him and he can look forward to a distinguished Sharks career. 

Unfortunately Steven Dodd and Brett Peake, who also came back to East Fremantle after distinguished AFL careers, have retired from WAFL Football.  Both contributed strongly to the Club during their careers, notching up in excess of 100 games each.

A number of lower profile recruits are also on our list. We trust one or two if not more will really grow at their new home and become top flight WAFL players.  This includes players from other clubs such as ex-State Junior Mathew Piggott (Peel), Julian Locantro (East Perth) and Reggie Jones (Perth).

Whilst we encourage and promote developing from within, we are always open to other possible recruiting avenues to bolster our list.  For example, Ruckman/ Forward Baldave Singh boldly wrote to us wanting an opportunity.  Baldave has since joined us after a year out of the game and we look forward to seeing his progression throughout the year.

Developing players

A group of Colts players have progressed to senior ranks with Conor Regan impressing thus far.  We hope the likes of Conor, Carl Green and Jordan Williamson continue to develop in to solid WAFL contributors.

We are also keen to see players from our Reserves team of 2014 develop.  Young Ruckmen Jack Fletcher and Andrew Stokes have improved and will push strongly for League Selection.  Others who may also look forward to their first League opportunity this year after solid pre-seasons are Josh Cuneo, Jacob Green, Miles Franklin, Jake Schleicher, Cameron Crisafio and Jarryd Linsday, just to name a few. A betting man or woman may look to their player groups in the player auction next week for some value.

Our Coaches have also been working diligently to enhance our program.  Recently, seven of our coaches attended the AFL Coaching course in Melbourne. I was one who took the opportunity and was most impressed with the quality of presentations. I guess, theory is one thing, practise is another. So, hopefully we can all relay what we learnt to the players.

The Next 3 weeks

Our pre-season culminates with games against West Perth and Perth at ATOM Stadium on March 7 and 14 respectively.  With only 2 games fixtured we are not in a position to experiment substantially.  Getting ready for our scheduled Round 1 season opener vs East Perth at Domain Stadium (Subiaco Oval) is the priority.

We are giving up home ground advantage in this game. But the benefits of playing this game at Domain

The East Fremantle players are always encouraged to expose themselves to a wide range of experiences.  We have travelled to Karratha, Kununnara, Kalannie and Geraldton in the last 4 years to play games, notwithstanding twice travelling to Adelaide for the Foxtel Cup.  I think it pays dividends in the long term.

The Road Ahead

Not many coaches like to predict their side’s fortunes. And I am no different!  We have been relatively successful in the last 5 years having made the final 4, on 3 occasions.

Fans, should note that we have a final 5 this season in the WAFL.  Over the past 3 years we have finished 2^nd, 5^th and 3^rd.  The players have played a competitive and at times exciting brand of football, but at the same time we are well aware of what is required to further develop and improve.

Our leaders, highlighted by Captain Rory O’Brien and Vice-Captain Andrew Stephen have assisted the coaches in driving improved standards of performance.

The preparation is almost complete, and we focus intently on getting some early wins on the board.

Our players love playing for East Fremantle and particularly at ATOM Stadium, largely because our supporters create a great atmosphere.

So, dump the bathers, get the scarf on and come to the Footy! 

Stephen Malaxos