2014 EFL Pre-Season Wiki | Tomorrow: Vermont
by Ben Waterworth (@bjwaterworth)
IF you enjoy big, exciting rides at theme parks, the Glen Waverley Hawks rollercoaster is the perfect ride for a thrillseeker like you.
Strap yourselves in. Here we go.
Like most rides, the first exciting movement is a big dip.
And the Hawks’ early years (2005-2007) were tough. Two wins and three consecutive wooden spoons was not the ideal start.
Cue a rapid, exciting elevation. A preliminary final in 2008 then consecutive semi-finals in 2009 and 2010 ensued.
Then came two mixed Grand Final appearances in 2011 and 2012. The former, an extra-time loss to Heathmont in Division 4. The latter, a 137-point loss to North Ringwood, this time in Division 3 following the division’s expansion to 12 teams.
Pre-2013, the Hawks’ ride was heading north once more. A move to a bigger, improved home ground, as well as a new-look playing jumper, gave the club a fresh look and beginning.
The ride dipped again on the field, though, with the Hawks finishing ninth on the Division 3 ladder with four wins and 14 losses.
Which brings us to 2014, where many pundits believe the club is destined for a bigger, Tower of Terror-style drop, primarily due to an exodus of players.
New coach Ryan Flack, however, is not interested in those predictions.
“A lot of people would say the natural conclusion would be to fade away. I don’t accept that,” Flack boldly stated.
“If you’ve got the right attitude and can do the hard yards, you can be competitive. I won’t put a number of wins on us, but I don’t see the same doom and gloom some are talking about.
“The players that have stayed are the ones who very loyal and there number for right reasons.”
While he would ideally like a few more numbers, Flack has been pleased with the attitude and work ethic of his players during pre-season training.
“There is a real willingness to improve. The ones who are there will take their opportunities with both hands. They’ve been working hard and are really keen to learn, which all bodes well for a young team,” he said.
The club’s historic relocation from the small confines of Capital Reserve to the wider expanses of Central Reserve in 2013 took the playing group considerable time to adjust. And they probably still had not adjusted by season’s end.
It is something Flack has focused on with his troops during the off-season.
“Talking to players and coaching staff from last year, the players got found out for leg speed a bit. So with the natural attrition, the playing group is now a lot younger and faster, so we’ve been able to focus on that kind of game style on the bigger ground,” Flack said.
Flack has taken over the coaching reigns from Mick Gaul and, more recently, Mark Fitt.
He brings a wealth of experience with him, following successful stints, as both a player and a coach, at Warragul and Chelsea Heights.
“I’m a pretty positive coach. With my experience at Warragul and Chelsea Heights, I’ve gone through plenty of ups and downs,” he said.
“The fact that I don’t get easily flustered, along with my teaching style, fits in well with the demographic of the playing group we’ve got. My philosophy is to be patient and teach a winning brand of footy.
“Whether it gets wins from Round 1 or takes its time, I’m happy to ride it out and make sure the club is better placed long term.”
Despite the exodus of players, the Hawks have managed to recruit a few handy players.
Aden Chynoweth and Andrew Gellatly have transferred over from Nunawading, while Jesse Dunne and Billy Huxtable have moved from the YVMDFL.
“We made sure Jesse Dunne was signed up early in the piece. He’s a versatile key position player. We’ll probably use him up forward,” Flack said.
“From the time he stepped in, it’s been clear he’s got natural leadership. He’s only young, but he’s been leading the way by training hard and being very vocal.
“The Nunawading boys have been great too, especially Gellatly, who’s fitted in and shown leadership qualities. They’ve both got great skills and will play a role for the team.”
The Hawks’ coach encourages players who are still searching for a club to play for in 2014 to choose his.
“We’re on the up. The club has now got a young, hospitable group of players that are keen to build together,” Flack said.
“All the guys have got a good attitude. We’ve set up the right environment and culture, so it’s a place people will want to be.”
Any players that would like to play for the Glen Waverley Hawks in 2014 should call senior coach Ryan Flack on 0408 316 056.
