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!
After just missing out on the finals action last season, Tony Lockyer's Sebastopol will out to bounce back and challenge the top sides once again.
SCOOP: Tony, you've been around footy as a player and among leadership groups - how tough was your first year as senior coach of the 'Burra?
TONY LOCKYER: Tough not quite the word, all-encompassing role but lucky to have great support around me. Collectively we had our challenges as a senior group that required a lot of resilience. It was pleasing to see the group over the course of the year through the challenge.
S: It's fair to acknowledge injuries and loss of underrated personnel had an impact on your season, Has the approach into this season been any different to prevent a recurrence?
TL: Yep, we probably underestimated the impact of some personnel and injuries. All teams go through this at some point though and to a certain degree it's outside of your control. We've looked to bolster our stock whilst allowing room for our promising youth to develop. The approach into pre-season has been fantastic with the group putting in some hard conditioning to get themselves in the best shape.
S: You won just one of nine games vs last year’s finalists with an average losing margin of 55 points - where do you start with closing the gap - is it as simple as drawing a clean slate?
TL: As we did throughout the year we always look to review and learn, then to continuously improve. We've identified some key areas from the year to help focus in and close the gap to the top. We've also looked at what made the top sides great and what we can learn from them.
S: What positives have you been able to draw on from last season?
TL: The resilience in our group to turn things around in the second part of the year. Some promising performances against quality sides showed where we can get to in 2025. We were able to get plenty of games into some exciting young players.
S: Like it or not you're on the 'bounce back' trail - can 'Burra fans expect one small step forward or count on one giant leap back into the mix as you were the previous three seasons?
TL: One small step at a time. We will see how many small steps we can make!
S: Tell us about the new recruits and their targeted roles?
TL: Hugo Papst - proven character who we missed last year. Gedd Hommelhoff - excellent mover with great skills, who missed 2024 with injury. Excited to see him make his mark on the BFNL. Some great kids coming through our ranks - I’m excited to watch in 2025.
S: What type of footy do you want Sebastopol to be known for this year?
TL: Fiercely competitive - get back to being a very difficult side to play against.
S: What will be the number one, overriding non-negotiable asked of your players that will give them the greatest chance returning to finals?
TL: Simply play your role.
S: Given all teams play each other twice this year, do you support the theory that this premiership will be the hardest and most deserving, rewarding of all to win in your time with the BFNL?
TL: I think it provides an equitable crack at it for all.
S: Can you share a couple of young, up and comers we're likely to see impact games this year? A bit of late mail if you don't mind....
TL: James McDonald, Jacob Fletcher, Wylie Anderson, Lachy Sheridan.
PLAYER INS:
H. Papst (Horsham), G. Hommelhoff (Wycheproof. former Eaglehawk Bendigo Best and Fairest), R. Perry (Ballarat), T. Severino (Talbot), T. Raven (Carngham Linton), C. Jeffrey (Rokewood)
PLAYER OUTS:
J.Dahlhaus (Leopold), J. Clark (St Joeys), G. Snowden (Rokewood), L. Latch (retired)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
J. Medwell (Footscray), R. O'Keefe (Port Melbourne train-on)
PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE:
March 15 - vs Torquay (H)
March 22 - vs Port Fairy (A)
IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF SEBASTOPOL):
TL: Bacchus Marsh
FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF SEBASTOPOL):
TL: Melton
