By Caitlin Arnold
With competition in Sydney AFL going from strength to strength as each season passes, clubs are recognising the need to up-the-ante in their approach to the game. The Moorebank Magpies are one such club who are reworking their tactics in order to gain an advantage.
Introducing Strength and Conditioning Coach Levih Warby last year, the club realised the worth of a professional approach the game, as they saw immediate results on the scoreboard.
Following a successful 2013 campaign – three of their teams competing in the finals series – their 2014 aspirations were to aim higher.
However, as can happen to any club, the Magpies have been struck down with illness and injury in the opening stages of the 2014 season, providing less than desired match outcomes.
With each of their teams (Division Two, Division Four, Division Five, Women’s Division Two and Under 19s Division Two) currently knocking on the door of the top half of the ladder, Club President and Senior Coach Mark Coles admits that they had hoped for better results this year.
Unable to find continuity amongst their playing group and the wet weather wreaking havoc, the club has begun holding team dinners with the aim of bringing the players and coaching staff together to discuss tactics.
“They assess their own performance and provide feedback to the coaches on how they see things,” explains Coles.
Coles says that the way forward at Moorebank is to continue to develop their proficient attitude toward training, and then capitalising on their investments at the club.
“This season has seen a qualified Physiotherapist at every training session to diagnose injuries, recommend treatment and provide the treatment itself.
“Each team has a Physiotherapist with them for away games, whilst two are in attendance at home games.”
Soon to be introducing a new Strength and Conditioning Coach – Warby is set to leave the club due to outside commitments – the Magpies are hoping that this will add another level of fitness to their game.
“Looking at results, our medium term aim is to see the Seniors and Reserves playing competitive football in Division One and Three. We are also focused on continuing to strengthen our relationship with our major sponsor, Mounties.”
Coles says that despite current results, there are many standout stars amongst their playing group including Tom Rice, Taylor Currant, Chris Harry and Ryan Forrestor.
“Chris in particular has been a surprise packet as after not playing regularly since 2010, he has returned more committed and better than ever.”
In an effort to conjure a sense of pride in the history of the club, Moorebank will also be looking to engage with former players. Holding their annual ‘Past Players Day’ in Round 17, the club will devote the day’s play to the foundation clubs on which the Magpies were built.
“Each of our senior teams will be wearing a different retro jumper. Third Grade will wear Bankstown’s green and gold, Reserves will don Southern Districts’ and Liverpool’s blue and white, whilst our Seniors will wear the original South West Sydney black and white colours.”
Reflecting a demand of the local area, the Moorebank Magpies have this year introduced their first Women’s team – currently playing the in Women’s Division Two competition.
With many female players in their community already enjoying a love of playing the game, however having to travel to other areas in order to fulfill their desires to do so, the Magpies now provide an opportunity to the women of South West Sydney to play Australian Rules.
“I feel that we have addressed a long overdue need in the region.”
Rising stars of the Women’s side according to Coles include Cassie Rice, Tara Warner and Rheanna Vehlow.
As with the other debutant Women’s teams in the Division Two competition such as Manly-Warringah and Gosford, the Moorebank side is still finding their feet at the lower end of the ladder, however have had a taste of victory in winning their first game of the season.
Last Modified on 31/05/2014 09:16
