2014 EFL Pre-Season Wiki | Tomorrow: Boronia
by Paul Semertzidis (@PaulSemertzidis)
NESTLED somewhere among the extravagant houses and vast parkland on the outskirts of Melbourne’s East is a football club which, at 122-years-old, is about to embark on its most exciting chapter yet.
Any time change is on the horizon at football club, a sense of excitement always follows. But at the Templestowe Football Club, excitement is an understatement.
The boys from Porter Street are chomping at the bit for season 2014 – and it is not hard to see why.
After missing out on finals action for the second successive year, the Dockers were desperate for something different. So when new coach Rick Irwin knocked on the door, it was like a gift from above.
2014 EFL PRE-SEASON WIKI
Irwin, who describes himself as a “career coach”, brings years of experience and knowledge with him to Templestowe. He spent numerous years as the development manager for the Oakleigh Chargers, kick starting the AFL careers of Luke Shuey, Andy Otten and David Mackay to name a few.
The Dockers coach understands the importance of youth and is a master in managing and turning them into senior footballers. There is no doubt from anybody at the club that he is the perfect man for the job.
Club life member and stalwart Chris Rossidis, who was part of the decision to appoint Irwin, paints a picture of the man he hopes will propel the Dockers into Division 2.
“He [Irwin] has the right mindset on building the club from the ground up and holds a massive importance on the development of young players,” Rossidis said.
YOUTHFUL ENTHUSIASM
The club’s Under 19’s won the Division 3 premiership in 2012. With the majority of those players still on the list, the club believes they’ve done the maturing they needed to.
Rossidis is confident Irwin, not unlike Moses, will be the man to lead that group to the Promised Land.
“Rick understands local footy and just knows what it takes to be successful on and off the field,” Rossidis said.
“He has gone out and recruited the experienced players he wanted and these kids would almost be the luckiest in the EFL.”
The definition of a good coach often varies depending on who you ask. For the Templestowe Football Club, the answer to that question is pretty simple: “Rick Irwin”.
“There is no doubt he is a player’s coach. Honest, fair, supportive and a perfect fit for this fantastic club,” Rossidis said.
That summation of is indicative of what all at the Dockers think of the new appointment.
The man himself is much more humble about the whole thing.
“I am just stoked to be back coaching footy again, especially at a club with such exciting youth,” Irwin said.
NEW RECRUITS
With the inclusions of Alex Wadsworth (Mooroolbark) and the indefatigable Mariani brothers – Anthony and Matthew – from East Burwood, the sky is the limit for the up and coming Dockers.
“We believe we have the right group and structures to secure a finals berth in 2014,” Irwin said.
“Come the middle of the season, we will be full guns blazing and playing some very impressive footy.”
If the confidence of Rick Irwin is anything to go by, the men in purple will certainly have a say come September.
