RESERVES COACH REPORT

It’s fair to say that 2020 delivered in so many aspects, and not in the way we thought when preseason started in November 2019. This season will be remembered for many reasons. The longest preseason any group may have to endure and shortest football season on record. But this year has also provided some great opportunities to learn and develop different ways of doing things, many which can be carried forward

Paul Vines into the seasons to come. With the news that the world was experiencing a pandemic, the impact was far-reaching. On the eve of our first practice game, football was cancelled indefinitely. It became apparent very quickly that football was of least concern, with job losses, short term layoffs and uncertainty around people’s futures the biggest challenge to overcome. The Subiaco Football club turned its attention to the health and welfare of its people. The efforts of the CEO, Peter Capes, admin staff, head coach Beau Wardman, and the coach’s and support staff to provide the necessary support and assistance during this period was outstanding. And as regulations changed, it became apparent that a season, albeit a shorter one, was still feasible.

Through the process, everyone adapted quickly to an ever changing set of rules - group sizes, social distancing, and new hygiene protocols were implemented. All credit must go to the players for their time and effort put in over this time to continue to support each other and put the work in to ensure they were ready to start the season, in whatever that looked like. A nine round season was announced, with our Development team to play just seven games – with Peel unable to participate in the Reserves competition. A near new coaching group, came together with a young, enthusiastic group of players to finish the home and away season in second place. Player development has always been a focus at the Subiaco Football Club. With recruitment restrictions placed on the club in 2020, a great focus was put on fast tracking the development program to ensure the next group of local talent was ready for league football. Out of the 41 players who played in our development team, 21 of those played their first game of senior football for the club.

Part of our development program was to introduce a colt’s development program, the aim of this program was to expose our colt’s players to the senior program. Although this program was designed to assist with development through next year and beyond, five of these players made their senior development debut. Congratulations must also go to Chase and the colt’s group for their efforts on bringing home the colt’s premiership. It will be exciting to watch many of these players at senior level over the coming years. As we know, premierships aren’t won in August, or in September in 2020 – they’re won in October. Unfortunately, we were unable to capitalize on our solid form during the home and away season and were defeated by Claremont in the Preliminary final. Whilst we were unable to take advantage of our hard work, as a group we learnt a valuable lesson – about what it takes to win premierships. The commitment and sacrifices required, the diligence with preparation and recovery……the 1%’s. Lessons I believe the group will carry with them through their football careers. As people we aren’t judged on our mistakes, we are judged on how we respond. I am confident that the group will take valuable lessons away from this season and continue to develop and strive to maximize their potential – and respond accordingly in season 2021. Our success as a club is a measure of the level of support we receive from many people – board, admin, property team,

sponsors, trainers, medical staff, strength and conditioning staff, statisticians, volunteers. Thank you all very much for your contribution to the 2020 season. Not only in the context of football, but for your contribution throughout the year during what was un-precedented times. I would like to thank my coaching team, Brent McPherson, Scott Stanton, and Mat Cavendon for your efforts this year. The time and commitment you put in was greatly appreciated by the club. To Chaddy who sits on the bench and copped a few sprays – I hope your ear has stopped bleeding. To my runner, Brent Irving for your support to players both on and off the field. To all the players, thank you for your commitment, for turning up every week and giving your all for this club. It was an absolute pleasure watching you develop and strive to be the best you can be. Your commitment to the Subiaco way was unwavering. But most of all, I hope you enjoyed the season, and you had some fun along the way. After a season of frustration and disappointment, we now turn our attention to season 2021 with a clear understanding of what is required to be the best and stay the best. And get back to what this club does best – winning premierships.