2014 EFL Pre-Season Wiki | Tomorrow: Bayswater
by Ben Warren-Smith (Broadcast Manager)
THERE is no doubt nowadays that running a football club is a 12-month commitment.
Round 1 always brings an added excitement to it, as the reward of victory is not only for the players, but to the many loyal locals doing their bit for their footy club.
A club who has always been proud and hardworking is the Doncaster East Football Club. And this summer has brought a lot of change down at Zerbes Reserve, translating into one of the biggest off-seasons the club has been through in recent times.
With the club searching for a new senior coach at season’s end, it was important for the Lions to appoint a coach who shared the same views and direction the club believed could set it up for future success.
“It was a two-month process to find the right candidate to take the club forward and Steve has not disappointed,” Football Operations Manager Michael Gordon said.
It appears the appointment has been well received by the playing group also.
“The camaraderie amongst the boys is the highest since my time at the club,” club veteran and Vice President Peter Sowersby said.
“From day 1, ‘Bucks’ had the attention and respect of everyone who was on the track.”
For Buckle, the feeling is mutual.
“All the boys have worked really hard throughout the summer. We are a young group who is pretty fit and looking forward to running out games,” he said.
“Obviously we are excited for the new season and all we are looking for is gradual improvement from the group. If that means finals – great. If it doesn’t, well that’s fine too.
“We want the boys to learn the new game plan, implement it and improve as individuals.”
This focus is shared both on and off the field.
‘With a new coaching staff, seven new committee members, new recruits and a hungry playing list, it may take a little while to all gel. But all at the club look forward to watching the team climb up the ladder in 2014,” long-time President Alf Molinaro said.
Some handy additions to the Lions’ line-up could be the tonic to help make that surge.
Ruckman Hamish Hosking moves across from Kilsyth, along with Templestowe 2013 Best and Fairest winner Nick Batsanis – with confirmation Batsanis’ VFL-listed brother Nathan (Richmond) has signed with the club for a handful of games. Throw in Jordan Russell (Carlton and Collingwood) for that same arrangement, Anthony Hickey (Heathmont) and Shannon Franklin (Port Melbourne Colts)and suddenly some previous holes in the make-up of the side can be filled in.
After breaking his leg in the final match of the 2012 season, Jarrod Marshall returns to the team to add back some of his magic, which was sorely missed in 2013.
There is a new-look leadership group also.
Long-time respected club captain Leigh Murphy will this year share the duties and co-captain with second-year player Billy Morrison. Morrison, who can play at either end of the ground, has impressed all with his leadership capabilities since arriving at the club.
Spearhead and livewire forward Carl Peterson joins James Papaconstantinou as the deputies to both Murphy and Morrison and will add their experience and skill to a leadership group that covers the length of the ground.
The Lions’ mantra for this year is “one in – all in”. It is a trust in one another that Buckle and his playing group are taking very seriously.
MISSED YOUR CLUB’S COUNTDOWN PREVIEW? CATCH UP HERE
“So far the boys are holding eachother accountable to that, which is very pleasing from a very young group,” Buckle said.
You do get the sense that Doncaster East is directing itself on a path that will one day see it being a successful Division 1 club.
To make this happen, the whole club must be on board for the journey, both on and off the field.
“One in – all in.”