Having a 250 game milestone in a season is one accolade, but coaching a side to a premiership is another. Coach Brad Gotch of the Casey Scorpions believes that in order for things to gel between AFL-aligned clubs, first and foremost there must be a strong culture for success as Brendan Lucas reports.
“If their attitude is good, it’s not hard,” said Gotch.
After the Scorpions dismantled Sandringham on the weekend, Gotch can now look ahead to the remaining three games against Coburg, Werribee and the Northern Bullants.
However, Gotch believes his teams ability to finish the season strongly will come from a mental mindset to perform week in week out on a consistent basis.
“We play Werribee and the Northern Bullants so realistically our destiny is in our hands, and if we play like that week in week out we will certainly give ourselves a chance.”
With almost three quarters of Gotch’s side filled with primary and rookie listed Melbourne players, Gotch has certainly had his hands tied this season, particularly with selection dilemmas, and the fluctuation of consistency between developing youth. The key he sees to it all is maintaining a similar vision within in the alignment.
“Melbourne want Casey to be successful and as a whole that is a really good thing going forward, because now it is about being successful week in week out.”
“Their (the Melbourne players) attitude was great today, they have really jumped on board with our views down here at Casey, and we have really drawn a line in the sand.”
“When they come down here it’s about getting behind what Casey is up to, and I think the boys did that to a tee.”
With a week of off field and on field turmoil following Melbourne’s 186-point capitulation against Geelong, in conjunction with Casey’s 128-point loss, Gotch believes the way the Melbourne players rebounded for Casey last Sunday showed true determination and spirit.
“I think they have a lot of pride up in Melbourne, the culture there is very good, and sometimes you don’t see it through adversity, but I thought some of the boys showed real character today.”
Gotch now has his sights set on a top four berth after finishing third last year with 14 wins and hopes his side will be striving for a similar position.
“Naturally it is on your mind, but I was more worried about getting a good performance today than last week, so we got that, so now it puts us back in the picture.”
Last Modified on 13/08/2011 08:19