Article by Caitlin Arnold
We have heard from many clubs about their seamless preparation before the 2014 season, however the North Shore Bombers have found that laying the groundwork has not been as smooth as they would like.
Ending 2013 only two games away from the Grand Final, Senior Coach Jon Hayres admits that last season was disappointing and the club’s aim to provide a contest in each game of the home and away season proved to be a bridge too far.
Rebounding from the 2013 season with several injuries, the Bombers have been left to plan around a truncated pre-season for many of their players, leaving them in a position where they feel they might be slightly behind other teams.
As a result, the club’s players of the future have been required to step up from the lower divisions, and Hayres, could not be more pleased with their efforts.
"I have been impressed with many of the younger boys who have worked extremely hard over the season to earn a potential senior spot this year."
This year, Hayres looks toward his young-guns Doug Hadden, Jake Monk, Matt Varjavandi and Daniel Schacher to make their mark within the team. These four players that have risen from with the North Shore ranks over the past three years and Hayres believes that 2014 is their time to shine.
"Like previous years we will continue to expose our Under 19s to senior football and maybe unearth another rising star, as we have a duty to expose young Sydney talent."
Apart from promoting from within the club, the Bombers have also spent their off-season recruiting numerous welcome additions to the team.
Selby Lee-Steere crosses the bridge from Balmain, and Alex Kane joins the squad from the VAFA. Both are setting high standards at training and Hayres is pleased to welcome them into the Bombers lineup. Alongside Steere and Kane, Jack Dwyer from the Sydney Hills Eagles also joins the team.
"[Dwyer] is a terrific young kid who we hope can rekindle his love for the game."
In an attempt to bolster their player development, the Bombers have also opened their doors to Gareth Lawson. Having spent the past few years working with North Melbourne, Lawson joins the club to focus on the Division One team, enhancing the club’s development for the years beyond 2014.
Cam Holmes and Lachlan Clancy are returning to the club after their time at Sydney University and the Harry brothers, Adrian and Jason, are also back at Gore Hill Oval following time overseas.
North Shore have lost many valuable players since 2013, a situation that could be difficult to overcome despite their off-season recruiting.
Jared Shattock (Centre Half Back & Best and Fairest), Tom McMahon (Full Back), Sam Mason (Centre Half Forward) and Jack Davis have all left the club and there have also been a couple of retirements.
Perhaps it is for these reasons that the club is not focusing on their end of season ladder positioning this year. The training and growth of their junior players will be Hayres’ focus to ensure the future of the club.
"At this stage, we’re not concerned about ladder positions. We are more focused on continuing to develop our playing depth and teaching the group about how we expect them to play competitive, contested football."
Clubs with the most depth are predicted by Hayres, as the teams that will go the farthest in 2014. Manly-Warringah are also named as the team to beat after their standout premiership-winning performance in 2013, and the addition of "a couple of class recruits" to their list during the off-season.
Off the field, North Shore invited family members of players and staff to their annual ‘North Shore Adventure Race’ which includes fun, as well as fitness for the players. Over the day, each of the competitors ran a half marathon in a social event aimed at not only training the players, but also bringing them and their families closer together as a whole team.
"It’s about getting to know one another and seeing how your team mates work, and at the same time getting fit."
"It’s also important to involve the player’s partners, who give up a lot during the season."
The ‘North Shore Adventure Race’ was also proudly sponsored by two local businesses in 2XU Mosman Store and Kayak Fitness Balmoral. Hayres highlights this local contribution as critical to the sustainability of the club and an indicator of the game’s value to the local community.
"The game is growing at the community base level, as we are seeing our playing numbers swell and we anticipate further growth of the club in 2015. With that comes greater opportunity to reach out into the local business community."
"Our sponsors such as Bendigo Bank do a great job looking after us, as do the Crows Nest Hotel, MMB Print, WB Financial, Prime Construction, and North Sydney Physiotherapy and Injury Clinic."
North Shore come up against Sydney University in Round One at Henson Park on 29 March 2014 at 2:30pm and Hayres is looking forward to the contest.
"I expect them to come out firing, this will be their third year in NEAFL. They have recruited well and combined with their elite program I expect their juniors who have been in their system to come out and dominate the Sydney Competition."
Last Modified on 06/03/2014 13:18
