2014 EFL Pre-Season Wiki | Tomorrow: Blackburn
by Damian Watson (@Damo_109)
A Grand Final loss provokes an immense feeling of agony in a football team. But ultimately the memories of pain and despair can unleash a willingness to atone in the following season.
Noble Park captain Craig Anderson says this goal of redemption is a huge motivational factor for Bulls players who experienced that anguish in 2013.
“We certainly have some unfinished business,” he said.
“For me and the other guys who played in last year’s Grand Final against Balwyn, the thought of that loss is in the back of our minds. It was good to get to the Grand Final but nobody likes losing.”
A new season brings a fresh aura of optimism for the Bulls, as the side completes a “solid” pre-season.
“Everyone is up and about and we are looking forward to this season,” Anderson said.
“Most guys are fit and firing and I don’t know of any injury concerns. We are working hard at adapting to the new game style and we are aiming for a full-strength line-up”.
NEW GAME STYLE
This new game style is orchestrated by incoming coach Jon Knight, who the skipper says has “made a good first impression” on the playing group.
“Jon is a pretty structured guy and has brought a very defensive game-plan with him this year,” Anderson said.
“Hopefully the new style will help us overcome the strong teams in Division 1.”
The Bulls coach himself says the side has effectively “bought into” his defensive style.
“We’ve managed to get the game plan in place and every player now knows how we are going to play,” Knight said.
“In the past the team has been more offensive than I want them to be. The players realise there have been too many times where 13 or 14 goals have been kicked against them when I consider them to be a side that shouldn’t concede that many.”
Knight is impressed with the disciplined and welcoming nature of the team over the off-season, moving to Noble Park after a three-year stint at Knox.
“The playing group is fantastic with high expectations and great maturity,” Knight said.
“The players have made it clear from the start that they want redemption. Players who used to give me trouble at Knox like Craig Anderson, Tim Kelly, Sam Monaghan and the Kemperman boys have been outstanding and worked really hard at every session.
“At training, the footy moves really quickly and cleanly and that style will be a focus this year.”
NEW-LOOK BULLS
Noble Park is set to field a new-look line-up this season, with several departures paving the way for talented recruits such as Marc Johnston (VFL), Peter McGettigan (VAFA) and Piva Wright (NEAFL).
The Bulls coach is “excited and pleased” with the presence of the new arrivals.
“The new boys have been great and are looking good on the track,” Knight said.
“Marc has settled in really well and has plenty of senior experience with Port Melbourne. Peter has slotted in beautifully and is a big bodied half-forward. Piva is an ex-Richmond rookie who is solid, strong and quick for his size.”
Knight says the broad array of talent in the side ensures that automatic selection for games is non-existent.
“It’s going to be hard to get a game, particularly if we are winning,” he said.
“It’s a matter of who wants to train the hardest and play their role the best.”
BIGGEST THREATS
While acknowledging Balwyn as the team to beat, the Noble Park coach is “definitely confident” his side can claim the Division 1 premiership in 2014.
“With what I have seen, the standard is almost frightening at training and I think we can go all the way,” Knight said.
“Balwyn would have to be the favourites at this stage without a game being played while Vermont and Norwood have picked up handy players. We know those sides are always hard to beat but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Noble Park begins its 2014 account away from home against Division 1 newcomers Montrose on 5 April.