PITTSWORTH DANES
LAST YEAR
6-10, 7th INS AND OUTS
IN: Nil
OUT: James Dempsey (Northern Pride) Kurtis Shayler (Sunshine Coast Falcons) Cameron Millar (work commitments) Nick Schnitzerling
LIKELY TEAM
1. Jeff Weber 2. Daniel Anderson 3. Liam Jocumsen 4. Jacob Little 5. Dom Briggs 6. Jordan O’Shea 7. Thomas O’Sullivan 8. Todd White 9. Brody Manktelow 10. Mitchell Carpenter 11. Daniel York 12. Daniel Pierre-Thomas 13. Alex Kahler. 14. Liam Short 15. Chris McDonald 16. Alex Stevens 17. James Quinn
THE YEAR AHEAD
New coach Phil Economidis is taking to the new surrounds at Pittsworth, and “We’re going really well and I’m happy with the club at the moment,” Economidis said.
“We’re aware of the task ahead of us, but basically we have to get the little things right to put us in contention.
“We need to do everything right to beat the good sides, and I don’t think there’s too many bad sides this year. Everyone has improved.
“I think there will be a year of upsets, and if the good sides don’t turn up to play, they won’t go away with the points.”
A major focus in 2019 for the Danes will be holding their own at home, something Economidis said is essential for doing well in the TRL.
“We will basically be concentrating on ourselves,” he said.
“Our first priority is winning home games, and we hope to be very tough to beat at The Kennel.
“I’m not going to put unrealistic demands on the players or state unrealistic expectations. I just want to improve every week and make the opposition work hard to beat us.
“Daniel York and Tom O’Sullivan have made my coming to the club very easy. They’ve been a great support and their input has been fantastic. I can’t speak highly enough of them.
“Yorky has been officially named team captain and Tom as vice captain.”
PLAYER TO WATCH
Liam Jocumsen. “We will be without him for a few weeks, but I like the way he’s training.” Economidis said. “He’s quality, and I think he is going to have a stand out year.”
VERDICT
After a tough season for Pittsworth last year, I think they will be in a similar boat this time around. They have lost some quality players like James Dempsey and Kurtis Shayler, and despite a solid starting line-up, their depth will be tested throughout various stages of 2019.
NINTH