LEAGUE COACH REPORT Contribution versus Commitment. The chicken or the pig. We had to be “all in” - in pursuit of chasing our goal for 2021.
Beau Wardman
Much was spoken about 2020 and the apparent fall from grace in a lightning carnival season but it was our history to write - were we stepping down to breathe and re-align to ensure we could reach the next summit or would we fall all the way down the side of the mountain? That was the reality of what we faced.
Last year I closed out the Outridge Medal with the following comment: The outcome this season won’t define us, what will define us is implementing the lessons we have learnt through action. The WORK required, the LEADERSHIP required, the CONNECTION required and the DEVOTION required is very clear to have success. Use the pain of disappointment into a pain for change. I am committed to our players, our staff and this great Club to drive us back to the top, to Restore the Roar. The commitment of our group - the burning desire was there. You could feel the drive from day one in pre-season when we all gathered back. I said “the only thing you get from looking back is a stiff neck”. We set about rebuilding a strong structure in our football program, Kristian Dicton as GM of Footy, and brining in experience to our coaching staff and strength & conditioning. Paul Vines and Darren Rumble jumped into senior lines, Nigel Hamilton took on the mids and Michael Dobbo and Jemma Bassi set about setting an AFL standard program to raise the bar with our fitness and Maddie Oudman brought a smile and energy within the trainers room. This complemented adding some new development staff with Glenn McCallum, Jamie Battigelli and Daniel Vidovich also coming on board.
12 SUBIACO FOOTBALL CLUB
In the moment, you are consumed but the process. I live this, I expect our players and staff to live this - playing your role. It is such a constant industry, where you roll from one game to the next, that there is no time to kick back and appreciate what we achieve - now we can! It is a strange society where success is more often frowned upon and tried to be brought down and criticised with attempts to stop it continuing rather than celebrated. People outside our four walls will never understand or appreciate the spirit, dedication and care we have for each other and the success that comes from the ongoing commitment. Whilst premierships are what we play for - that is not all we celebrate on our journey. To see our young reserves group two games out of finals after a heavy loss to West Perth in round 17 and show the resolve and energy as a playing group to get to a Grand Final on Optus stadium is a credit to our whole program. I take great memories from watching Lewis Putts fierce determination to get better every week, Lachie Davis continue to persevere despite missing senior selection for over 12 weeks, Ryan Borchet missing over 18 weeks with injury - but determined to return to play. Getting to know Chaddy Harris, his enthusiasm for the Club and the support on and off the field for all our players. Our people make this Club the dominant force it is and how closely connected we become. I was so proud of the spirit the players season and the humility they displayed success. I thought you represented our and I believe our families, members and most proud.
showed through the after the grand final Club with distinction supporters would be
We’re not thinking this is the final destination because we are targeting a continued era of success. I sense there is a great hunger within our playing group - some have tasted it, some will taste it over the next 12-24 months, thats the exciting part.
