With pre-season preparations well under way and Round 1 quickly approaching, Scoop has gone one-on-one with all 11 senior football coaches ahead of the 2024 McDonalds BFNL season.
COACH: Tony Lockyer
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/ACCOLADES: BFNL Interleague rep and former North Ballarat Roosters VFL
ON THE RECORD
SCOOP: Hi Tony, would it be fair to say that describing you as the 'new' coach of Sebas is a bit of a stretch given your long association as a leader of the Burra or are you expecting the role to throw 'new' things you weren't aware of in the coaching caper?
TONY LOCKYER: Stepping away from Captain and becoming the Head Coach offers an entirely new perspective for me. It will bring different challenges and experiences but nothing I’m not ready for. Jimmy Driscoll coming onboard as our Senior Assistant brings a fresh set of eyes for us in the coaching department.
SCOOP: There's no denying the Burras' list bats as deep as any but zero wins over Melton since the 2019 Prelim or Darley under Dan Jordan suggest that you've finished where you deserve. Do you think the club has underachieved or just been externally overrated?
TL: Yep agree, we just weren't consistent over the year. Our best was hard to beat, we just didn't produce it enough. A poor game in the first elimination final meant we dropped out earlier than we felt we were capable of. Looking at the big picture, we're extremely proud of the position the club is in today.
SCOOP: You lose the go to X-factor duo in James Keeble (16 goals, comp rank 41 in 2023) and Hugo Papst (29 goals, comp rank 14 in 2023). Both have delivered around goal more often than not when needed. Who fills the hole next time you're in need of such impact?
TL: You said it yourself, our lists bats deep. Genuinely excited about the opportunity for the new wave of talent to lead the forward line. Some games last year where James and Hugo didn’t feature, we kicked some of our big scores. We will miss them but there is plenty of firepower ready to go.
SCOOP: Werribee duo Jay Dahlhaus and Jesse Clark remain at the Burra which is a plus. Are they primarily Werribee required players, or can we expect to see more of them in 2024?
TL: Supporting their VFL aspirations is our priority. Ideally, they feature at Werribee every game, if we see them in blue and gold well, that's a bonus. We are fortunate to have them identify Sebastopol as a club that aligns with their aspirations. They absolutely love being involved and we love them sharing their experience whether it's popping into training or a game. Quality lads.
SCOOP: You missed Luke Kiel in the finals with a broken leg. He's had some issues post-surgery unfortunately, stalling his rehab. How's he shaping up and when do you expect we'll see him in full flight again in the Burra colors?
TL: 'Kiely' has shown some tremendous resilience since breaking his leg in the last round. No expectations on his time frame, just extremely pleased to see him back moving around. He's an outstanding character and player and his presence alone lifts our entire group.
SCOOP: Something has to change for the Burra to break their flag drought - what's the number one thing that's been lacking given you're not shy on talent?
TL: Nothing drastic. Being more consistent over the year will give us a better chance for things to go our way at the end. Two narrow grand final losses could have quite easily been a different story. Being at the top end of the table consistently in recent times means we are doing a lot right. We will focus on what is in our control and let the outcomes take care of themselves.
IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS
TL: Well-balanced across the ground.
PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT
TL: Consistency in our performances. Improvement from the existing list is exciting.
PRE-SEASON TRAINING
TL: Outstanding so far, young players driving incredible standard.
MOST UNDER AND OVERRATED STAT IN TODAY'S BFNL FOOTY
TL: Efficiency – underrated, Possessions - overrated
PLAYER INS
Mitch Johnson (Glenthompson)
PLAYER OUTS
James Keeble (Boort), Hugo Papst (Horsham), Arnold Kirby (Woorinen)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS
Jay Dalhaus (Werribee), Jesse Clark (Werribee)
THE DRAW
SCOOP: Rated easiest draw in the comp. Get the bottom three sides from last year twice (Melton South, Lakers, Ballarat) and avoid double ups with 2023 runners up North Ballarat and nemesis Melton, who they’ve not beaten since 2019. Just two trips to the east for the home and away season won't hurt their cause either. No excuses. Surely finals bound, but how high they finish will be up to them.
PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE
March 16 v Sandhurst
March 23 v Ballarat
IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF SEBASTOPOL)
TL: Bacchus Marsh to continue their trajectory and loving the news coming out of Melton South. (I'm) excited to watch them this year.
FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF SEBASTOPOL)
TL: Darley - great side with great leaders.
