After a strong finish to its 2016 season, Chirnside Park will look to build on its results from last year which saw it break even with nine wins and nine losses.
Up until Round 10 of the 2016 season, the Panthers’ winning pattern saw them come away with the four points every second week. A thrilling three-point win over The Basin in Round 2, was followed by comfortable wins over Silvan, Heathmont, Warrandyte and Scoresby.
The second half of the season saw Chirnside somewhat reverse the trend, winning four of its last six matches, comfortably defeating Silvan, The Basin, South Belgrave and Warrandyte on its way to a sixth-place finish.
Among the names heading to Kimberley Reserve include Brent Hawker, who has been appointed coach of the Panthers’ development squad for 2017.
Hawker returns to the club from Donvale, where he has served as senior playing assistant coach for the past two seasons. Prior, he was the coach of the Lilydale under-19s in 2014.
The 46 year-old was also a member of Chirnside Park’s over-40s premiership side in 2013, as well as a member of the club’s veterans side in 2012.
The Panthers are thrilled to have Brent on board.
“We see Brent’s role as development coach as being a crucial part in helping develop our players to be the best they can be, and having someone with Brent’s experience and football knowledge will help lift our young players to the next level,” the club said in an official statement.
Chirnside Park will host Warrandyte in its opening match for 2017 next weekend at Kimberley Reserve, on Saturday, 8th of April.
2016: Nine wins, nine losses, sixth.
2017 leaders:
President – Justin Carusi
Senior Coach – Lachlan Tindal
Senior Captain – Luke Carratelli
Senior coach Lachlan Tindal spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of Round 1…
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
To continue to build a successful culture on and off the field.
What has the pre-season been like so far for the club, is there any group that have really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits, etc.)?
It has been a solid pre-season and new recruits have been training and fitting well into structures and game-play.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
No large changes. Added to our coaching staff.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
Play four quarters of football to win games.
Who are the players who you think will have a break-out season, who may have gone under the radar in the past as far the being known across the EFL community?
We have several which we enjoy staying under the radar for the moment.
Where does the club see itself in three years’ time?
Continuing to build on success on-field and off.
Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
The top four from last year – Templestowe, Ringwood, Heathmont and Boronia.
