- Scroll down for five minutes with senior coach Alan Bennett
FINALS are the ambition for Nhill Tigers senior football side in 2017 after it narrowly missed out last season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Senior coach Alan Bennett is one of only two senior coaches in the Wimmera league this season that were in charge of the same side in 2016.
He has placed an emphasis on the environment he want to generate at the club.
“We want to try and create an environment at our club that encourages and supports our players to be the best they can be,” he said.
“And enjoy being part of the club.”
The high number of travelling player involved at the club means it is difficult for the side to maintain a consistent squad from season to season.
“We have lost and gained some players as is always the case,” Bennett said.
“I would hope we would again field competitive sides in both senior grades.”
The side will also benefit from a good group of younger players making their way through the ranks.
Bennett said they will add welcome depth to the senior playing group.
“We have a good group of players coming up from our U17 side which will provide valuable depth to our senior list,” he said.
“The step up to senior football is a challenge and I'm sure some of these boys will play some senior games at different stages of the season.
“It’s too difficult to predict who will really step up, and I don't like to impose expectations on these boys.”
The side will be without club best and fairest Maddy Hayes this season and has also lost Thomas Wheelan, who finished runner-up.
The pair played just one season at the club.
“That shows the reality of recruiting and retaining players who travel long distances to play at our club,” he said.
“We may also lose some of our younger players due to leaving the area to pursue tertiary studies.
“We understand the huge commitment it takes for players to travel long distances to return to play football.”
Bennett chooses to see this as a silver lining for the club.
“There are players every year who improve markedly on their previous season's performances,” he said.
“But it's always great to see players respond to the challenge and take the next step.”
Five minutes with Alan Bennett
What are your goals for the 2017 season?
After narrowly missing finals with our senior side a realistic goal for our club is to get both senior sides into the finals.
Our Reserves have made the finals the last three years. In an eight team competition there is always a good opportunity to get into the top five.
Try and create an environment at our club that encourages and supports our players to be the best they can be, and enjoy being part of the club.
Any losses that you will have to work hard to cover?
Notable losses from last year are our 2016 B&F Maddy Hayes, and Runner up Thomas Wheelen.
Disappointing to lose these boys after only one season at our club, but that shows the reality of recruiting and retaining players who travel long distances to play at our club.
We may also lose some of our younger players due to leaving the area to pursue tertiary studies.
Where do expect improvement to come?
There are players every year who improve markedly on their previous season's performances, and I wouldn't like to predict who that might be in 2017, but it's always great to see players respond to the challenge and take the next step.
Who are the leaders within the group?
We have good leaders at our club, and Daniel Batson being appointed as playing assistant coach will be a great addition.