Surrey Park secretary Darren Smethurst spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of the Panthers’ opening round clash at home this weekend against Kilsyth….
2016: 10 wins, 8 losses, sixth.
2017 leaders:
President – Bernard Tanner
Senior Coach – Scott Hamill
Senior Captain – Michael Paolini
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
Our team, our club, our community.
What has the pre-season been like for the club? Is there any group that has really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits, etc.)?
Our pre-season has been the toughest for many years and the number of players turning up to training has been consistently strong.
A couple of last year’s under-19s team have really impressed with their fitness and enthusiasm and will be regular players in the senior team this year.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
Off field the club is pretty much the same as 2016 with a very committed and active committee.
We have been strengthened by both off and on field through the amazing support of our junior club.
The junior club has managed to complete the installation of a state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard which we believe will be best in the EFL. The City of Whitehorse has also come to the party with the installation of new floodlights.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
Our juniors are the key to the club growing, and in 2017 we’ll be promoting as many of our homegrown players as possible.
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?
Our new captain Michael Paolini has worked incredibly hard over the summer and is looking pretty good.
Alex Hocking has probably flown under the radar a bit, but he’s bought himself a bigger mirror and if no one else notices him at least he can admire himself a bit more than he did in 2016.
Where does the club see itself in three years’ time?
Hopefully pushing for a spot in Division 2 and fielding two under-19s teams.
Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
Forest Hill is always a strong competitor and we’ve built up a bit of a rivalry in the past couple of seasons. Donvale and Glen Waverley Hawks will also be pretty strong again.
