The Loy Yang B Gippsland Power launched their 2013 TAC Cup season on Friday night with the club jumper presentation. From the 150 players that commenced training in November a final squad of 38 players has been selected.
Power Talent Manager Peter Francis addressed the players, parents, staff and sponsors, highlighting just what an achievement it was for the boys to make it this far. “Getting on this list is difficult. It’s even more difficult to play. This is an elite program, you are elite athletes now” Francis said.
Coach Nick Stevens is excited by the amount of talent he has at his disposal and rates the list highly. In an ominous sign for opposition clubs, Stevens can see an improvement in the squad from last year, a squad that came agonisingly close to winning the premiership.
“I think we are a lot more even then we were last year. Maybe right now we don’t have the big name stars that we did last year but it’s only early and I am sure someone will stand up”.
Renowned for producing fit teams, Stevens thinks this group is actually quicker and fitter than his 2012 squad, despite the clubs disrupted program. Bushfires caused a premature end to the main preseason camp in January, with the group evacuated by helicopters from Mt Feathertop. He admits that getting the group up to speed has taken longer than planned.
“Fitness wise in the last two weeks the group has taken a big turn, we are almost caught up, we are probably still a week away from where we wanted to be, but round one is still a week away so it’s worked out ok with the timing.”
There are positives that Stevens can see within the group from that experience. “It’s brought us together. It was an interesting scenario to be in, so from the team bonding side of things it’s definitely helped”.
After a long preseason, Stevens is looking forward to round one. “We have had a good year on the track so far. I’m just looking forward to getting into the competitive side of things with the games”.
With Josh Scott, Tom Muir, Ben Kearns and Josh Cashman all returning as 19 year olds, Stevens tips them to be the players to watch in 2013. “They have all had excellent preseasons and they are all hungrier”.
Stevens is also excited by the prospect of players such as Aaron Heppell, Liam Nash and Nate Paredes developing further after having standout first years with the club. He is also impressed by the work Paul Pattison has put in over the off season and expects him to have a breakout year.
“Add in to that mix bottom age players such as Lukas Webb, Christian Buykx – Smith, Jordan Cunico and Bodhi Walker, there is a lot of talent”. All of that talent doesn’t necessarily make his job easier.
“I actually sat down and tried to pick a round one side today and it was very tough to select the side”.
Addressing the playing group on Friday night Stevens told them “We have the start of something special here boys, the first two weeks for us are huge”. Power will start its season with a home game against old foe Dandenong Stingrays on Saturday March 30th. The following week is a grandfinal rematch at home against the Oakleigh Chargers. The coach is right, it’s a big two weeks for the club indeed.
Last Modified on 19/08/2013 11:02