Article courtesy of Manly Daily
BY ANDREW PRENTICE
THEY never looked like losing a game last season in the Sydney AFL division one competition, but this winter expectations are vastly different for the Manly Wolves.
Leigh Brain’s squad has been promoted to the Sydney Premier Division, where they take on heavyweights such as Pennant Hills, North Shore and UNSW/ES.
‘‘Playing finals footy would be fantastic, but we have to be realistic,’’ coach Brain said.
‘‘We are up against the big boys now, the step up is significant.
‘‘Our chief aim is to win our first game against Balmain after that we will just have to wait and see.’’
The loss of full forward Dave Kovacevic (pictured) cannot be understated.
He is travelling overseas with teammate Connor Pettersson and couldn’t guarantee Brain he would be back in the country before the opening bounce.
‘‘Hopefully we get both of them on our books midseason,’’ Brain said.
‘‘Players like Dave are priceless – he has that intimidation factor and kicks goals for fun.
‘‘We will miss him, but it gives other players an opportunity to show what they can do, which is always exciting.’’
Boom youngsters Calum Johnston and Tom McCaffrey have been training the house down and are tipped for big campaigns along with North Shore recruits Lachlan Kilpatrick and Hayden Washington.
‘‘Our depth is good, I think we have better balance than last year,’’ Brain said.
‘‘This club has a winning mentality.
‘‘I am looking forward to seeing how the boys respond each week against quality opposition.’’
Manly have an interclub trial this weekend at Lionel Watts before some warmup games against UTS and Wests.
The Wolves take on Balmain in round one at Henson Park in Marrickville on Sunday, April 7, with home games played out of Curl Curl’s Weldon Oval.
Last Modified on 12/03/2013 14:33
