Building a sturdy platform for long-term success and sustainability is what club President, Nick Miller has in mind for his Western Suburbs Magpies in 2014.
With the continued redevelopment of Picken Oval standing as the background to pre-season training, Miller and Senior Coach Kevin Eynaud are pleased with the growth of their group since 2013.
“The boys are training well. We did five weeks leading up to Christmas, returning in mid-January. A lot of the younger guys in our squad (18-21 year olds) are now completing their third or fourth pre-seasons and naturally look stronger,” Miller explains.
Miller is especially excited by the development of Yanni Milligan-Saville, a young man who only came into the competition late last year. Having observed Milligan-Saville over the course of a full pre-season, Miller has named him as one of the best Centre Half Back’s in the game, and believes that 2014 will see him stand out against his competitors.
Alongside Milligan-Saville, young club stalwarts Marcus Linsen and Brenton Mumme are also nominated as stars on the rise. Despite having been around the club for years, Miller believes that they are two players from the Premier Division side that are set for their biggest seasons yet.
As a clear positive for the side that finished sixth in the 2013 season, the Magpies have managed to pick up three valuable players from Balmain in the off-season.
Leigh Conway and Matt Round are set to bolster the Magpies midfield, while Kris Ericson stands tall as their new ruck recruit. Conway will also lend his knowledge to the Assistant Coach position, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time at East Fremantle in the WAFL.
“These players are all in their mid-twenties and will bring to our group leadership and experience, as well as great skills.”
While excited at the prospects of the team’s new recruits, Miller acknowledges the loss of their star forward, Rory Miller. Having topped the league in goals kicked during the 2013 season, Miller has moved to Western Australia and will be missed by the Magpies this year.
Ending on 42 points in 2013, it is recognised that Western Suburbs have a long way to travel before reaching the heights of top sides Manly-Warringah and Pennant Hills.
Nevertheless, it is hoped that their new Balmain recruits, stability within the coaching line up and the welcoming back of their former physiotherapist, Brendan Di Losa, will see the team finish on the top half of the ladder this year.
Pennant Hills are named as the team to beat due to their consistent performances, while club President Nick Miller suggests that Manly-Warringah will be out to prove their worth following their 2013 premiership victory.
With growth on the field comes growth at the club and 2014 looks set to see the Western Suburbs Magpies shine within their local community. As well as bringing new supporters to the game of AFL, Miller sees the introduction of Greater Western Sydney into the AFL competition as a positive for their club, allowing access to more professional facilities and greater opportunities within the community.
“The Giants have changed the AFL landscape in Sydney forever, giving it a huge boost. Not only does it raise the profile of AFL in the Inner-West, it has now provided great facilities nearby in Homebush.”
Despite being situated in a rugby-league heartland, Miller says that there is room for Australian Rules Football in all areas of Sydney, and credits their sponsors Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club and A. Abbott Locksmiths of Campsie with raising the profile of their club and giving them a voice in the western suburbs.
Proof of the Magpies strong stance within the community will again be shown at their annual ANZAC Day clash against Pennant Hills, which is said to be a great focus for local supporters.
Apart from the traditional ANZAC Day game, Western Suburbs’ senior, women’s and junior teams are also looking forward to hosting the inaugural Henson Park Blue Day which is an event aimed at raising much needed funds for Beyond Blue. Blue Day will take place on 17 May 2014 and will run from 8:30am to under lights action.
Also at their final home game for the year on 2 August 2014, the Magpies are excited to be holding a reunion function at Picken Oval, inviting past players to celebrate the 1969 and 1974 premiership winning sides.
“Western Suburbs are very excited about all 2014 has to offer, both on and off the field, and thank AFL Sydney for their ongoing support of our great club.”
Western Suburbs Magpies play their opening round at Picken Oval against the Campbelltown Blues on 29 March 2014 at 2:30pm.
Last Modified on 28/02/2014 11:37
