Devilish intent to brighter prospect
NEW Corio coach Andy Challis is adamant he won’t delve into the past as he prepares to take on one of the toughest jobs in country footy.
Challis — who accepted the Devils’ senior coaching role last month, prompting the immediate resignation of Brett Nolan amid a public spat — said he had full faith in the club’s board.
Nolan, halfway through a two-year contract, was told by new president Kylie Fisher that he wouldn’t be required as senior coach for 2018 as the club secured the services of Challis, a Whitley medallist and former East Geelong midfield star.
Nolan resigned, leaving former coach Barry O’Toole to step in as caretaker for the remainder of the season.
The Devils have been embroiled in controversy in recent years, having appointed six coaches in five seasons.
A number of presidents have also been and gone since 2013, but Challis is adamant he has a stable base to move forward.
“I have said it from the start with the president and vicepresident that we are to be a cohesive unit who is honest with one another going forward, in which I am already confident in,” Challis said from England, where he recently coached a senior team to a conference grand final in London.
“It is going to be incredibly important that we implement and display strong core values that will drive this club forward and filter down to all departments of the club.
“We have already begun developing and improving different areas of the club in preparation for next season, which is exciting.
“As for the way Nolan left, it’s hard for me to comment on this as I am currently on the other side of the world and haven’t been in the thick of it. For me and the club, it’s all about the future now.”
Locked in the bottom half of the ladder for the past seven seasons, Corio has won just 14 games since the start of 2012. It failed to win a game in 2015 and has just one victory this season. But Challis, a respected leader who has skippered three senior clubs, believes wholesale changes will breathe life into the group.
“I believe Corio has probably gotten stuck in their ways in the past and now it is time for change,” Challis said.
“From a purely football perspective, strong fitness programs, along with structures and a thorough game plan, will be implemented to improve our on-field performance.
“The list, I think, is a really good young list with a lot of potential. There are a lot of kids coming through that have played good footy at under-18 level and have now already had some senior footy behind them.
“I really look forward to working with these guys as a unit, but also working with them individually and challenging them to become better footballers.
“The aim is now to also get some experienced strong footballers around these guys, in particular key-position players.
“We have had some strong interest from footballers to come over and also a few signings who we will announce at season’s end.”
Understanding the difficult task ahead, Challis remains buoyant.
“I am really looking forward to the challenge that is in front of me in building this club into a successful club again,” Challis said.
“I look forward to working with the younger guys coming through and building a strong, positive culture going forward.
“I’m really looking forward to the week-in, week-out challenges — and building my players into better footballers and a successful team.
“The only way is up from where we currently are in the football department.”