In the lead up to its 2017 campaign, Nunawading has enjoyed a strong, fulfilling pre-season, with its players improving their fitness and continuing to drive the new direction and culture at the club.
Nunawading hosts Coldstream in its opening round clash at Koonung Reserve on Saturday, April 8.
2017 leaders:
President – Wayne Devene
Senior Coach – Paul Bevan
Senior Captain – Martin Lambe/Luke Bogdan
Nunawading president Wayne Devene spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of Round 1…
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
The club focus in 2017 is be more competitive on the field and to push for that first win on-field. The club still has debts, although we have reduced them. We aim to finalise as many as we can this year while becoming more stable and viable both on field and off.
What has the pre-season been like so far for the club? Is there any group that has really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits, etc.)?
Our pre-season has been amazing with all our players really having the time to get fit this season compared with the two-week pre-season we had last year. Continued growth of our smaller younger guys has been impressive as well, skills still need to tidy up a little but have improved exceptionally.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
Yes, our club has a full committee for the first time in over 15 years as we understand it and with a full coaching panel as well, the structure of the club has changed a lot. The players themselves have been a big driving force in setting our new direction and culture and that is very pleasing to see.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
Ownership, once you take ownership of something then you can improve it. This has to start becoming the normal way we work at Nunawading or we will continue to have these two to five year cycles where we improve but then drop away back to nothing and the doors nearly close. Everyone here from committee to players are starting to now become owners of the club and that will grow with time.
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?
Well I don’t think we really have anyone in that category just yet, I think we will see improvement across the whole group just because of where we are. However you can always be proven wrong and I hope someone takes that next step this year, there are certainly players who can do it.
Where does the club see itself in three years’ time?
We see ourselves being debt free in three years’ time and having the ability to be pushing for a finals victory or even pushing for a premiership. It will depend on if we can keep these guys together to learn and grow and add what we need along the way.
Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
Forest Hill being runner-up in 2016, I think they have the passion and desire to go one better this year after being around the mark for a few years now. Again they have recruited well so we will see.
