AFTER a disappointing 2014 season, Augusta-Margaret River Hawks have appointed dual league coaches in Hamish Shepheard and Ben Gerrans for what could be a bright 2015 South West Football League season.
Shepheard said he was feeling “a littlie nervous” heading into the joint senior coaching role at just 24; however the club backed him and Gerrans to make a difference in 2015.
According to Shepheard the vibe around the club during pre-season had been sensational, with at least eight new and returning players joining the team.
“I was approached just to see what my thoughts were on coaching and I’m 24 and never had experience, but the way the club is looking at the moment with a new president, new coaches and new committee members, it was an exciting decision,” he said.
“It’s not going to be easy but it just feels like the club has made some really positive changes heading forward.”
The Hawks have secured hometown player Vaughn Colyer, who is expected to be one of the team’s best midfielders.
The Hawks began their pre season training prior to Christmas with four sessions in December and have now ramped up their pre season.
Shepheard, a former Fremantle Dockers draft pick said the past two months had been gruelling for his players with a number of beach runs, fitness and boxing sessions, with the team now moving into full football training.
Having only won two games last season, Shepheard said his team should improve greatly in 2015.
“There’s just been a buzz around the club during the pre season,” he said.
“We’ve managed to get a few new players and some old players return to our ranks.
“Everything feels up-and-about, everyone is happy and there are more families coming back to the club during the week which is a great sign.”
Shepheard said Colyer had been one of the team’s biggest acquisitions for the 2015 season and said he would become the Hawks’ go-to midfielder.
“He’s been working hard and setting the standard, I think he’s going to have a good year,” he said,
Other players who the Hawks have secured include Dan Atkinson – a ruckman that Shepheard described as a solid pick-up and will welcome the return of Jake Cassidy who has recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury suffered in 2014.
“I’m not saying we’re going to be playing finals or anything like that but we will be more competitive than last year,” Shepheard said.
Augusta-Margaret River will open their 2015 SWFL season against the Busselton Magpies at Sir Stuart Bovell Park on Saturday, April 6.
FINISH: Tenth.
PASS MARK: Five wins.
BEST PLAYER: Vaughan Colyer.
