Going for the elusive three-peat in 2013, it was an effort in itself that the Balmain Dockers even made it to the Grand Final at all thanks to their truncated season.
While they went down to eventual winners Sydney University, Club President Rowena Morgan says that the Dockers were proud to make the decider considering the continual interruptions to their 2013 lineup.
"We were barely able to field the same line up two games in a row throughout the season as we had a whole range of players in and out due to injury, holidays pregnancy - to name a few," says Morgan on the Dockers 2013 campaign.
"There were more friends and favours called in than in an election year."
Putting last year’s runners up label behind them – though not forgetting their achievement - the Dockers this year aim to go that one step further whilst under the watchful eyes of their two new coaches.
Welcoming former Dockers’ Hayley Warren and Peta Hemphill as the new taskmasters, Morgan is excited by the opportunities arising from new enthusiasm, positivity and a range of innovative ideas that only fresh eyes can produce.
"Both have played numerous seasons with us and are taking this year out for pregnancy and injury recovery respectively."
Along with their new coaches, the Dockers have also welcomed a number of new players to the club this year. For the team, this has been seen as an opportunity to utilise "old and new talent", with each having a unique view of the game.
Bringing in new players to the club was also recognised as an opportunity to study the fundamentals of the Australian Rules game during the pre-season.
"We have focused on basic skills, rules and AFL game knowledge."
"We look forward to building as a team unit this season."
Returning for the Dockers in 2014 - in what is seen as a definite boost to taking back their Premiership title - is the multiple Golden Boot Award winner Belinda Pride.
Taking on a slightly different role this year, Pride is set to move out of the forward line and wreak havoc elsewhere around the ground.
"She is keen to play around the park a bit more this season as she consistently had two or three players marking her at full forward last season."
"Whilst she may not kick as many goals as previous seasons, she will still play an invaluable role for us."
Along with their new coaches and teammates, the Balmain Dockers are also proud to be welcoming their new sponsor Coogee Bowling Club to the 2014 lineup.
Round 2 will see the Dockers play Sydney University in the Grand Final re-match this Saturday at Mahoney Park from 10:00am.
Last Modified on 23/04/2014 15:54
