NORTH RINGWOOD FOOTBALL CLUB
Founded: 1962 Joined the EFL: 1962 (Ringwood Catholic Rovers)
Season 2015 – Division 1 Seniors: 6 wins, 12 losses (8th) Reserves: 1 win, 17 losses (12th) Under 19’s: 3 wins, 13 losses (10th)
MAINTAINING THE RAGE
Consistency has been key for a relatively young Saints outfit who as a club have pushed themselves from the middle of the league’s third Division to playing with the big boys in Division One.
A new Coach brings a new challenge, one that North Ringwood, as a club are ready to face.
A former player with the club, Peter Banfield returns to Quambee Reserve with the chance to build a list to Division 1 success. A task made harder when following the Saints most successful and longest serving Coach in history; one however that he has no issue with, given the man who suggested he apply for the role;
“To be honest Brett (Moyle) encouraged me to go for the job, we sat down and had a discussion and that was one of the main reasons for coming back to the club.”
“North Ringwood helped me as a younger footballer, I have them to thank for my football development, I guess it’s my way of giving back to the club.”
Banfield has runs on the board though and his ability to develop and create 22 players into a cohesive unit is something he feels will take the Saints to the next level.
“The group we have is full of young, talent footballers, the exciting part is most of them are still in their formative years” Banfield stated when asked about the list he has inherited at the Saints.
However youthful exuberance and an abundance of young talent may not see the Saints holding silverware in the years just ahead, Banfield has clearly acknowledged he isn’t just trying to build a senior team but an entire club.
“Most of what I do is long term, It’s not just about a team it’s about building a club. We know there is work to be done, we want the Senior and Junior clubs to be one.”
They key for the Saints now is to develop kids at the junior level and have them come all the way through to become consistent senior footballers, something the club has had recent success with. A number of the key personal that saw the club claim 3 Under 19’s Premierships are now holding down pivotal roles in the senior side, something the club is certainly buoyed about.
Banfield is excited about the form on the track of a number of these players and has continued to see improvement since his time as an opposition coach in 2015.
The club is focused on consolidating in season 2016 according to Banfield who at the moment as concerned about injuries taking a toll on the Saints year.
“Consolidating is key, we need to ensure we remain a Division 1 club”
“Our depth is going to be an issue, we have a solid core group of players, but injury will hurt us.”
North Ringwood are on the hunt for players to take on the journey moving forward, those looking for a game with the Saints should get in touch with the club via their website.
As for 2016, only time will tell but there is a confidence that comes from having a plan and the Saints seem to be right on track.
Yesterday: BALWYN FC