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: Sebastopol
COACH: Luke Kiel & Michael Columbrio (1st season)
2022 Home & Away Record: 3rd (10-6, 115.80%)
Scoop: Congrats on your appointment at Sebastopol, Luke. When did you think coaching was an avenue you would like to pursue?
Luke Kiel: To be honest, I never really thought about coaching until I had a stint 'in the box' last year nursing an injury. I guess that sparked the motivation and genuine interest. I'm looking forward to the challenge with my Co-Coach Michael Columbrio.
S: Runners-up in 2019 and 2022 suggests you're not far away from securing a first flag since 1974. You've been busy in the marketplace - what player type was deemed a priority to add to an already solid group?
LK: Keeping the current group together first and foremost. Players who have the ability to cover the ground and not turn the ball over have been on our radar.
S: Your inspirational leader, Tony Locker, has had two surgeries to mend a syndesmosis injury sustained in last year’s finals series – how is he tracking along?
LK: Ankle movement for Tony has finally freed up which is positive. He's already back in the gym and not far off running at full capacity.
S: You lose ruck James Richards and shutdown defender Ben Trew but appear to have added some quality personnel over the break. Given the small sample size, are you better placed at this time than your previous runners-up years?
LK: It's hard to tell. I'd like to think we've done everything right so far to give us every chance of success.
S: Can you tell us what will Burras footy look like under Luke Kiel and Michael Columbrio?
LK: We want to be more attacking with our ball movement and hit the scoreboard more.
S: What are some of the identified strengths of the club?
LK: Disciplined and hard working.
S: Where do you expect to see your projected improvement come from?
LK: To start well. Our opening five games are a real focus for us.
S: How has pre-season training looked?
LK: We've never trained harder in my time at the club.
S: Who do you expect to be the biggest improvers this year? (Outside of your club)
LK: Sunbury
S: Who is your flag tip? (Outside of your club)
LK: Melton are still the team to beat, Darley next.
KEY INS:
Jesse Clark (Werribee VFL), Jay Dahlhaus (Werribee VFL), Liam Latch (Maryborough), Nicholas Sanders (St Josephs), Ryan Birthesel (St Josephs), Cameron Jackson (Bungaree)
PLAYER OUTS:
J.Richards (Overseas), B.Trew (Injury)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
J.Clark (Werribee), J.Dahlhaus (Werribee)
