Coach to turn up heat at Highton
WITH his game developed at Keilor Park in Melbourne’s west, it is no real surprise that as a player Andrew Murden refused to back away from a battle. Now, as coach at Highton Heat, it is that same bullish approach the former Torquay, Murgheboluc and Jan Juc stroke-player will be insisting on as he takes the reins at McDonald Reserve. On the eve of his first season as non-playing coach in the region’s elite competition, Murden took time out to share his early impressions and aspirations with GCA1 scribe WES CUSWORTH.
WES CUSWORTH: Welcome back to GCA1, Andrew, what was the attraction?
ANDREW MURDEN: I’d been thinking about coaching for a while because I’d had enough of playing but wanted to stay involved in decision making and structuring a team. I had to make sure that I had the time to commit because I know there’s a fair bit involved. As I was thinking about it, I got a call from Highton, we met, and it all ticked a few boxes. Highton is a club that was looking for a non-playing coach, seeking improvement, some different ideas and a new voice. They’re a young, keen group, which is great not having to push blokes to work hard. It seems to be the right fit for me.
WC: How have you found the early weeks of your tenure?
AM: The guys have been doing so much work, perhaps starting training before any other club. Their enthusiasm is unbelievable with some of them having a hit a month before we officially started. I really have to slow them down to be honest. There is a lot of ability there. Last season wasn’t a great season for them, but it was under trying conditions having to play away because of the ground. We have some 19 and 20year-olds who have played a lot of firsts but haven’t yet found where they can get to. It’s going to come down to a bit of a belief.
WC: Having Luke Daffy as captain from the start of the season will be good for you.
AM: He’s already been great. He’s obviously coached the Geelong Falcons in football and is really organised. The guys really respect him, so I know I can leave it to him on a Saturday and let him do what he does best.
WC: I’m looking forward to what Greg Willows will bring to your side given that he played under-19s for England.
AM: He’s not too happy with these washouts and is hanging to get out there. I think they’d normally be playing in England. He looks really good, does all the right things and plays the ball late. I’m looking forward to seeing him play. He’s been in the middle of it all for a couple of weeks and the guys are getting along really well with him. I think he’ll go well.
WC: Highton’s bowling is quite presentable with Matt Tattersall, Hayden Murrell and Nathan McCoach, and kept the team in some contests last season where perhaps a little inconsistency with the batting let the team down.
AM: I think you’ll find Hayden and “Coachy” (McCoach) were carrying injuries early on and are now fighting fit and raring to go. “Tatts” (Tattersall) is a very handy bowler and we’ve got a few spinners now. So, we have quite a few options which will be handy with the return of two-day cricket.
WC: Apart from Greg Willows, who else among your newcomers should we watch out for from the first game?
AM: Nash Viney is a talented off-spinner from Bendigo who gets some turn, along with being a handy lefthanded batsman. He’s only 19 but I think he’ll go quite well.
WC: I recall your return to Murgheboluc in early 2017 and your intention to provide a harder edge to enable the Frogs to better challenge sides in GCA1. Is that something that’s relevant this season, taking charge of a young and impressionable playing group?
AM: I haven’t seen them play yet, so don’t really know how hard-nosed they are in the field. I’m sure Luke Daffy will help with that as he’s a strong competitor. But, yes, it’s definitely something that we will be making sure is happening. You’ve got to be confident, so we’ll be making sure the guys are standing up for themselves and not taking any rubbish. We’re in it to win it.
WC: What are your aspirations in what will be a tight eight-team competition with no easy games for anyone?
AM: We’re confident that we’ll go well, our aim is finals. I know outside looking in that people might think that’s optimistic but that’s what we’re going for. It’s important that we start well and get some belief, so early wins are crucial. Hopefully we can avoid any negative mindset creeping in. Some teams might think we’re an easy team to beat, but hopefully that’s not the case.