Ryan sets Magpies on new course

NORTH Geelong has not missed a finals series since coach Darren Ryan guided the side from sixth in 2012 straight to a flag the next year.

Five years later, the mastermind Magpie mentor has a new mission that could result in the club’s next grand success if it is accomplished in the right manner.

“We want to change the culture of the club to make sure we’re productive inside the group,” Ryan said. “That’s gone from the playing group to the coaching panel to the committee and that’s our first aim as a club this year.”

Ryan will be joined by assistants Jarrad Hills, Brett Nolan and Jeff Czajkowski in the coaching dugout, while senior defender Darren Mathisen will coach the reserves. On the field, the Magpies have finished fifth with 11-7 records in the past two years, however internal reports suggest the playing group has improved its fitness.

“We’re probably months ahead of where we were at this time last year, but in saying that, we’re still a month behind where we want to be today,” Ryan said. “As a group we just need to keep coming as one and keep building. We, as a club, are trying to improve ourselves as individuals and also collectively as a club off the field. That’s what we’ll keep aiming to do all year — from now until Round 1 it’s more about jelling the players together.”

The departure of forward Jamie Pitman, who kicked 38 goals from 19 games last year, looks to be countered by the inclusion of Beau Runnalls.

“Beau’s father Andrew played for us in the 1980s so when he moved down to Geelong he contacted us through the past players,” Ryan said.