2007 was certainly a learning curve for me, in that, venturing into a senior coaching role for the first time "in the Ammo’s" you must go in with eyes wide open.

The journey from the first introduction to the group at PA’s in early October right through to the late night celebrations at some pub in St Kilda observing the boys celebrate akin to a premiership win was certainly an enlightening experience.

Please allow me to indulge and recap the journey…


Pre-season challenged us with the drought forcing us to jump from the Domain to Fawkner Park to the Tan and even a secret mission onto Gosch’s paddock for an early morning scratch match - unsettling to say the least. Not knowing the boys was an advantage as everyone started on an even keel and no preconceived ideas were there to blur my footy vision. The biggest challenge was not being able to measure the pre-season performance of the group against anything I had experienced.

I therefore thank my assistants in Mick L, Mick C and Beauy for providing some foresight into what to, and what not to, expect.

Interesting enough they were also able to provide me with a basic evaluation of all the players at hand.

After a couple of little speed humps - some minor discipline and culture issues - I was starting to believe we had something positive ahead - but how quickly that was snuffed out - De La at Moorabbin - a game that certainly opened my eyes - we had some work to do (to say the least).

Our second venture down to Apollo Bay provide some more faith, but the opposition were fat and ran out of steam in the second half - with the more interesting performances in the pub later in the evening. An experience that further reinforced my decision not to socialise with the players during the year - that was one I definitely got right.

St Kevin’s on Oval number 1 provided more confidence we were on the right track - but we all know - praccy matches mean nothing.

Round One v St Kevin’s provided an immediate rematch - a game that blew us all away with a resounding 12 goal thumping of the team currently playing finals this week. Backed up by another thumping of OMHS the following week I think I got ahead of myself.

Well, what a difference one week of footy makes - OM’s v Essendon - Miller Knee, Kennon bad corky, Morrison stress facture, Wilson Facelift, Hawkins thigh, Wright Jenny Craig, Berry Back…the list went on, and on, and on…

The following 10 or so weeks were very challenging to the group and, we, the coaching staff, had to lead the way and maintain the faith and belief. Under difficult circumstances we at last saw some leaders arise out of the ashes - players started to rally and began introducing behaviours that were very much needed if we were to save a season that was fast going off the rails. Credit must go to Beauy who managed to convince me that we had to flog the living suit case out of the boys - they needed some home truths - and to Beauy’s credit he pushed them through it over a very important month. 

It was no coincidence we beat Caulfield, Marcellin (should have beaten SKOB’s) and Beaumaris. That was the month that saved the club in B-Grade.

The final game v Ajax - well what can I say? The preparation and commitment of the group could not be questioned. With Millsy and Willo on one leg, losing Mitch and Hamish before half time - the script was written for us. In fact the script was written for a number of individuals…

Tom Paule - a performance that will endear him to the OM’s for a long time - well done and thank you.

Chris Righetti - a last quarter reserved for a final - a hanger and goal, a 70m snap from the boundary and a tight one on the run - three goals to assist in winning the game will go down in folk lore at the OM’s forever.

Other highlights include - Shep’s run down and tackle on the wing - resulting in a Tom Paule goal, Prowse’s touched point from an AJAX set shot - what a pressure relief, Russdog’s run and attack off half back to set up our last quarter attacks, Playfair’s coolness under pressure and Kielly’s doggedness and toughness around the ground.

It is difficult when highlighting individuals as I wish not to miss anyone. Although it is important to note the courage shown by Hamish and Dicko to play the majority of the season with chronic OP was not to be under-estimated - this did not go unnoticed. Also congratulations must go to Sammy Playfair as he was the only one to play every game of the year - and what a year it was - well done Sam.

I am very proud of the way the way all players embraced me as an outsider, but more importantly allowed me to become part of their footy lives and allowed me to assist them in becoming not only better footballers, but a better bunch of blokes. They way they dealt with the harsh reality of "those 10 weeks" and responded later in the season to basically save their own season and refuse to accept the prospect of a future in C-grade is a credit to them. Later on down the track they will benefit from such a steely resolve.

Well done guys - you deserve the right to celebrate.

Thank you.

Fly