Despite one round of the Mininera District Football League season still remaining, Great Western is already busy planning for 2019.
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In a show of solidarity and commitment to the direction they have taken, senior football coach Will Bell and the majority of the club’s senior playing list have already re-signed for next season.
2018 has been a year of growth and development for Great Western, winning five games so far compared to just the one in 2017.
Great Western football operations manager Matt Delzotto said it was a “no-brainer” to keep Bell on for another season.
“Will has been a huge breath of fresh air at the footy club. He brings a positive attitude and the boys idolise him," he said.
”The committee is happy with what he is doing and we are super excited to have him stick around.”
Bell said the way his side improved this season has given him belief for next year.
“There was no point re-signing if I didn’t get the best out of the group this season but I think we have shown a lot and I am excited to take this group forward,” he said.
The Lions recruited strongly in the last off-season and will be able to continue to grow their list without the worry of major player losses at the end of this season.
Delzotto said having the majority of the senior playing group sign on speaks volumes to the direction the club is taking.
“I think it is a sign of things to come that these guys can see we are moving the right way and good things are just around the corner,” he said.
The Lions have been decimated by injuries for most of the 2018 season, hampering any hopes of an upset finals berth.
Delzotto said the committee, coaching staff and senior leadership group will sit down in the coming months to outline their goals for next season.
“We still have to review this season and their is still one more game left but next year will be big for us,” he said.
“The time for excuses is done at Great Western.
“It has been a tough period but that is over now and we can start to really take it up to the top teams.
“Finals will be the benchmark like it is for every club I think.”
The Lions will look to recruit hard again in the off-season to bolster their playing stocks for a big 2019.
