Clydesdales crack whip
Pre-season starts early for players
LEAGUE: Jason Alchin is under no illusion about the challenge that lies ahead of him in the coming months.
With a host of players yet to arrive in Toowoomba, building a competitive Hostplus Cup squad is no easy task but the Western Clydesdales coach is up for the challenge.
“We’re not like the other clubs in the competition,” Alchin said.
“We’re not working with a few new players arriving or players who have retired or moved elsewhere.
“We’re starting completing from scratch – building an entirely new squad.”
The Clydesdales kicked off their pre-season last week with three sessions at Valleys Roosters’ home ground.
While a number of players are yet to physically join the club, the Clydesdales have started their 2023 season earlier than most.
When he has had the chance to see every player in action, Alchin will formulate game plans, but for now the focus is on “bringing the players together”.
“Every week we wait makes things that little bit harder,” Alchin said.
“We’re still waiting on a number of players to join the club but we’re kicking off regardless.
“Our immediate focus is on bringing everyone together – looking at and getting used to the different personalities.
“That is very important for us as a club right now – the more time we can spend together the easier things will become.
“We will decide on how we want to play footy later when we (the coaching staff) have had a look at all the players, but for now it’s about building culture and unity.
“A lot of hard work has gone into getting us here, in the cup, and we have to be at our best to honour that work.”