Simply not good enough…
“Choose Tap” Countdown | Noble Park Football Club
By Dyson Baker
Bulls President David Allen was far from impressed at the conclusion of the 2014 season. Following a Grand Final appearance in 2013, Noble Park saw themselves once again in the mix for September action
Following a small exodus of players and a new coach nothing seemed to go to plan for the Bull last season. On paper Jon Knight was the right man for the job but in hindsight, on paper, the perfect fit. Knight bough his defensive game style to the Bulls, and over the pre-season it seemed to work a treat. Once the real games hit Noble Park got a true reality check. The Bulls gave up 17 goals in their first ever match against Montrose in Round 1 and could never find their feet for extended weeks during the season. Finishing the season with 8 and a half wins was far from where the Bulls expected to be…
A NEW (OLD) LEAF…
Following the disappointment of 2014, Knight and the Bulls parted ways, opening a spot for former Bulls premiership coach Mick Fogarty to once again take to the coach’s box at Pat Wright Senior Oval. In yet another boost for the club, livewire and premiership player Ziggie Alwan returns to Noble Park following a stint at Frankston in the VFL. It was clearly evident that Noble Park wanted to change the Status Quo when it was revealed the club were going after Port Melbourne duel Liston Trophy Winner Shane Valenti. Coming from a prestigious VFL Career, Valenti is one of few to win two Liston Trophies, The best and Fairest in the VFL competition. A wealth of experience and knowledge back at the club, why wouldn’t you return. GRASS ROOTS OVER BRIGHT LIGHTS
Joining Frankston in 2012, Kyle Martin was a star on the rise. His tickets grow drastically when the youngster took home the Dolphins best and fairest in his first season. Rookied to Collingwood at the end of that year, Martin made his debut in the Magpies Rnd. 10 win over Brisbane racking up 19 disposals and kicking two goals. Martin played another three games in the senior side before returning back to Collingwood’s VFL side and taking home his second club VFL best and fairest. It was in 2014 that Martin decided to return home, after only playing two games in the seniors and again winning the Collingwood best and fairest Martin decided to pull yup stumps on his AFL career, opting to return to his home club and continue to work with his dad. Martin, Valenti and Alwan may be the big names but it will be more than that for the Bulls who will once again be looking to taste success!