Celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, Templestowe will enter a new era under senior coach Craig De Corsey, who has taken over from the long-serving Rick Irwin.
De Corsey brings a wealth of experience, having played for East Perth and Swan Districts in the WAFL. De Corsey also played in Balwyn’s 2008 premiership side after five years with the club.
Templestowe will be looking to bounce back this season after its grand final loss in 2016 – its second in three seasons.
A strong campaign in 2016 saw the Dockers finish second on the ladder at the end of the home and away season, but fell short to an undefeated Upper Ferntree Gully outfit in the grand final.
As the club looks to win its first senior premiership since 2010, Templestowe has retained the core of its list for 2017, with the exception of key forward Kire Talevski, who returns to Mooroolbark.
Templestowe kicks off its season this Saturday afternoon, when it takes on Heathmont at H.E Parker Reserve.
2016: 17 wins (15 home and away, two finals), five losses (three home and away, two finals), second (runners-up).
2017 leaders:
President – Rob Price
Senior Coach – Craig Decorsey
Senior Captain – Ryan Bain
Templestowe president Rob Price spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of Round 1…
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
Templestowe has five pillars of focus for the operation of our Club: (1) football success for senior, reserve and under-19s teams, (2) financial independence and security, (3) community involvement, (4) social functions, (5) communications through media and marketing.
Our mantra for 2017 will be whatever it takes, culminating in a celebration of our 125th anniversary year having first established in 1892.
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.)?
Attendance at pre-Christmas training has been excellent. Special mention to our under-19s group for 2017 comprising a core group of players from 2016 plus colts from Templestowe Junior Football Club stepping up.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
The appointment of Craig De Corsey as senior coach for 2017 is a major structural change bringing a wealth of knowledge to build on the foundations laid by Rick Irwin over the last three seasons.
Rob Yoannidis, with assistance from past senior players and dedicated volunteers, will coach our under-19s.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
Recognise and respond to pressure brought by quality opposition by being flexible with game planning and strategy. Need more speed. Need to have faith in our youth and maybe persist with them as a senior player.
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?
Under-19s and reserve players stepping up to senior status. For example, Matt Nagel, Joel Dicarla, Nick Worthing, Ollie Lodge, Billy Lodge and Sam Kirby. Junior players like Matthew Zukiewicz definitely worthy of note.
Where does the club see itself in three years’ time?
Under the current EFL system, we see our club being competitive in Division 2 competition.
Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
Key player injuries will affect all teams’ chances of achieving the ultimate prize. As far as the opposition is concerned, the Division 3 competition is very even. Ringwood, The Basin, Boronia and Park Orchards are always great encounters. Not excluding past Division 2 clubs Scoresby and East Burwood in re-building their teams.
