With preseason preparations well under way and Round 1 fast approaching, Scoop goes one-on-one with all 11 senior coaches ahead of the 2023 McDonalds BFNL season.
CLUB: Redan
COACH: Gary Learmonth (1st Season)
2022 Home & Away Record: 7th (8-8, 104.71%)
Scoop: Good luck in your new role leading the Lions this year - you've seen plenty of vision - how do you go about bridging the gap between the clubs best and worst on game day?
Gary Learmonth: I don't think we're far away. A bit of luck on the injury front, natural progression and healthy competition for spots should hold us in good stead.
S: Your returns in the 'East' last year beating 4/5 sides tells me the group isn't far away from finals calculations, what are your first impressions with where the club is at?
GL: I've been pleased with the group. The boys train with intent and want to learn. It's still early but so far, so good.
S: Losing virtually no-one in the off-season tells me the buy-in from the playing group is as good as any. What have you been able to add?
GL: Nick Kelston is a versatile utility who can play anywhere while Will Madden gives us some much-needed height. We were asking too much of players to fill key positions last year.
S: Reigning Club Best and Fairest Isaac Grant and influential midfielder Cooper Craig-Peters have been training at VFL clubs Williamstown and Footscray over the pre-season. It's no secret they're crucial to your final’s chances - what's their situation at the moment?
GL: Hard to know right now. Of course, we hope they're listed but selfishly we want to have them and they'll be welcomed with open arms if/when available.
S: Give us an insight into what type of coach you are Gary – can you name three non-negotiables you'll ask of your players on game day?
GL: 1. Be ready to play. 2. Be hard to play against. 3. Take the game on.
S: What are some of the identified strengths of the club?
GL: Talented mix of youth and experience.
S: Where do you expect to see your projected improvement come from?
GL: Ruck options Nathan Dunstan (four games last year) and Will Madden are big ins for us - we will structure up much better.
S: How has pre-season training looked?
GL: Isn't everyone flying at this time of year!
S: Who do you expect to be the biggest improvers this year? (Outside of your club)
GL: North Ballarat
S: Who is your flag tip? (Outside of your club)
GL: Sebastopol with their recruiting or Melton. Both will be hard to beat.
KEY INS:
Will Madden (Tiwi Bombers), Nicholas Kelson (Minyip Murtoa), Ryan Jerrera (Point Cook)
PLAYER OUTS:
S.Aberdeen (travel)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
C.Craig-Peters (Footscray), I.Grant (Williamstown), J.Richards (Port Melbourne), W.Madden (Essendon VFL)
*Note: VFL lists were not yet finalised at time of print.
