If you ever need a greater advertisement for the rewards of winning a club premiership ask UNSW/ES Bulldogs’ playing coach, Rhys McAlister.
“It meant the world to our Club,” McAlister said.
“The amount of work that goes in to a season, both physically and mentally is significant, and to get some reward and recognition for the amount of hours that the players, coaches, committee and volunteers put in was a really nice feeling and the whole Club savoured in the moment.”
McAlister led the Bulldogs to a Premier Division premiership over Balmain by 42 points courtesy of a seven-goal final quarter.
He feels the side is prepared heading into the opening round of the season away to the fancied St George.
“We feel like we have prepared well over the pre season,” he said.
“Our training load has changed slightly to incorporate a bit more running, but overall, the boys know how we like to play, so it was just a matter of getting ourselves as fit as possible and making sure we have a healthy squad to pick from.”
The Bulldogs received further reward over the off-season with gun on-baller and Phelan Medallist, Dane Rampe being recruited and subsequently upgraded to the Sydney Swans’ senior list.
“We are so excited for Dane, it has given the boys a buzz seeing him run around for the Swans and we still see him around the place,” McAlister enthused.
“In terms of replacing Dane, we see it as a great opportunity for some of the younger guys to step up and follow Dane's lead by working really hard and committing to our program and hopefully reaping some rewards like Dane has.”
McAlister mentioned there were opportunities for the younger players and some exciting new recruits to fill other vacancies on the list.
“Sam Tagliabue has moved to Melbourne and is training with Essendon's VFL squad,” he said.
“Ian Carroll and Stephen Benjamin have retired and Leigh Lavery is having surgery on his ankle, but we are hopeful of getting him back in July/August.”
“We have been lucky enough to gain Henry Mason from Adelaide, Mitch Somes from Eastlake, Mick Towan from Victoria, along with a few other quality additions who have moved here for Uni.
“We feel the biggest additions will come from within, guys like James Pascoe, Nick McGann, Alex Foote and plenty more will be given opportunities to cement a regular Senior spot.”
For McAlister the recipe is simple if they are to go back-to-back this year.
“Having a super committed group of players who give great effort every time they step on to the ground, be it at training or during games,” he said.
“The best thing about our group is they have a real thirst for hard work and are craving a period of sustained success.”
Last Modified on 27/03/2013 14:33
