MOUNT Compass coach Peter Galbraith says a gruelling two-day training camp at Wirrina Cove last weekend will have his side primed to run over the top of its opposition late in games this Great Southern Football League season.
The club’s senior squads clocked up more than 20km running through sand dunes, up and down hills and during hours of ball work last Saturday and Sunday (March 15 and 16) in preparation for the new GSFL season.
Galbraith, now in his third year at the helm, says the physical and mental challenges will serve his side well when it plays for premiership points next month.
The Dogs kick-off their season against cross-town rivals Willunga on Saturday, April 5 at Willunga Oval and will look to run their opposition across the paddock, Galbraith says.
“They did a bit of everything and they worked hard which was great to see,” Galbraith says.
“Just before I made them run 5km from the caravan park I told them there will be times this season you won’t like me and this is one of them.
“But to their credit, the guys embraced it.”
The club has not won a premiership since 1980 and last played in a grand final in 1991 when it was thumped by Victor Harbor.
But there is a buzz around the club that at least a finals appearance will come around this season.
Best and fairest Peter Hoban will again hold down the ruck while midfielders Michael Corbett, Scott Pittaway and Craig Merritt as well as full forward Joe Parsons are in for big years.
“Just before I made them run 5km
from the caravan park I told them
there will be times this season you won’t like me and this is one of them."
-Peter Galbraith
Galbraith admits his side will miss the likes of 2013 best and fairest Tom Corbett, who will have a year off to travel, as well as elusive forward Daniel Smith and midfielder Duane Schultz, who are both recovering from broken legs suffered midway through last year.
“We did a lot of ball work (last week) and I think this year, with such a young side, we’ll look to run,” he says.
“There’s been a lot of that at training and we are starting to see the link-up which is pleasing.
“No buts about it, we’ll be down in the experience department because of the players we’ve lost this year but I’m pretty pumped for the season and if we stick to the plan, we should be all right.”
“We’ve had a really good pre-season and I’m impressed with some of our players who have shown they want to step up.
“Scott Pittaway has really impressed me with his leadership and he is looking to take it to another level while Pat Acton is running really well and will be ready to go once he recovers from his broken wrist.”
The club has added 2013 CMS Crows forward Nicholas Clift and key position Sean Tasker (Noarlunga) over the off-season.
It has also added Dylan Bolton (Myponga-Sellicks), Harry Georgiou (Lockleys).
While the state went to the polls to decide which party would govern for the next four years, players at Mount Compass were running up and down sand dunes in readiness for a big 2014 season.
