With the 2025 season on the horizon, Scoop has caught up with all our senior footy coaches as we build towards an epic Round 1!
North Ballarat are set for a new era under new coach Clint Proctor, and there is plenty to be excited about for the Roosters.
SCOOP: Clint, welcome into the BFNL coaching ranks, tell us about your recent time in footy and how you managed to land the job at North Ballarat?
CLINT PROCTOR: Most recently the Box Hill VFL senior coach in 2022. I have had two years away from the game to concentrate on my young family. I'm originally from Gippsland and have always had a love for regional footy. My work has taken me to the Ballarat region and by opportunity the North Ballarat position just sprung up. They're a great club, and I’m looking forward to what lays ahead for all involved.
S: No doubt you've done your due diligence over your short time in the role - where do you think North Ballarat are at?
CP: Young list post some retirements. To be honest, given my short time in the role I’m not entirely sure where we're at but I’m confident our brand of footy will stand up. There are a lot of moving parts in the program with VFL affiliated players but it's exciting to see them all get exposure at the level.
S: Former coach Brendan McCartney had an emphasis on a contested brand of footy - "step in when it's your time to go". What style of footy can we expect to see from North Ballarat this year?
CP: We won't be moving away from that. We'll endeavour to remain tough with an eye toward adding some different avenues to score and ultimately stay in as many games as we can.
S: The club has had a tough run with injuries to key players of late - can you update us on those on how they're travelling?
CP: Jamie Quick (foot- modified program), Riley Polkinghorne (shoulder surgery - modified program), Harry Loader (foot - modified program). Ryan Hobbs (soft tissue has retired) and Joey Symonds (concussion also retired).
S: The club won six of its nine games at home last year - is wanting a similar win-loss record this year out of a relatively young group too much to ask?
CP: It's difficult to put a ceiling on our program, there are so many moving parts. For example, VFL affiliated available talent and injury. However, we can work hard to make sure it's difficult for any team when they enter Mars Stadium.
S: What do you know about the competition - rival clubs/opposition players etc?
CP: Tough competition with some serious top end talent fresh out of the AFL and VFL programs.
S: Winning 'away' is always tough for a young group - last year just wins over Melton South, Bacchus Marsh, Redan and a draw against Ballarat. How do you go about channelling energy to get results away from home?
CP: That's an interesting angle. However, if we play the way we want to play we will be in enough games to win anywhere. I'm confident our brand will hold up pending execution and availability.
S: Macca gave Riley Polkinghorne, Josh Sparkman, Hugh Trigg and Malachi White an opportunity with Port Melbourne over the Summer. How's their progress, are we likely to see them in North Ballarat colours this year?
CP: Well they've all signed with Port Melbourne but remain affiliated with us, and have stayed connected with our group. So, if/when available at club level they're sure to be better players for their experience at VFL level and will surely play a significant role for us.
PLAYER INS:
J. Morris (Box Hill) L. Simpson (former junior returning from layoff), T. Madigan (Colts), T. Bates (Maryborough), T. Ford (Waubra), S. Economou (South Africa - development player 6’9”), D. Kenny (former junior returning from South Barwon), R. Luke (Beaufort)
PLAYER OUTS:
S. Glover (West Preston), R. Hobbs (retired), J. Symonds (retired).
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
J. Sparkman (Port Melbourne), R. Polkinghorne (Port Melbourne), M. White (Port Melbourne), H. Trigg (Port Melbourne), J. Riding (Werribee)
PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE:
March 15 - vs Bell Pak (home)
March 22 - vs Ballarat (home)
March 29 - vs Sandhurst (away)
IMPROVERS TIP: (OUTSIDE OF NORTH BALLARAT)
CP: Tough ask first season! - Bacchus Marsh
FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF NORTH BALLARAT)
CP: Darley
