Hughes won’t go changing winning ways

INCOMING Hermit Park Tigers coach Brett Hughes says he won’t try to reinvent the wheel as they chase an AFL Townsville “threepeat” next season.

Hughes ( pictured) has been an assistant to head coach Jamie Fogg for the past two years as the Tigers claimed back- to- back premierships for the first time in their 63- year history.

The Victorian ex- pat had also spent time playing and coaching in Western Australia before finding his way to Townsville, where he linked up with Hermit Park.

The Tigers have made eight consecutive grand finals and won three of the past four premierships and Hughes felt he could add his own twist to their already successful style.

“We’re not going to try and reinvent the wheel. Obviously we know what’s worked at Hermit Park for the last few years, so I have a pretty good insight into how things go,” he said.

“I’m probably more focused on coaching individuals before the team and trying to get them to recognise the areas they need to improve and that transfers into the team format as well.

“I’ll be trying to make sure it’s an enjoyable club to play for outside of our on- field stuff as well and make sure we’re all on the same page come game day.”

Hughes admitted there was some pressure to perform as the two- time defending premiers, but he said those lofty standards were also the backbone of Hermit Park’s success.

The Tigers plan to add another level of professionalism next season with more detailed video reviews and GPS trackers to be worn during games.

“While the pressure’s there after winning two in a row, we’re realistic and know that we’re not going to have the same 22 guys that we had in the grand final come Round 1,” Hughes said.

“This year we had seven players that played in the premiership from the year before so the club changes all the time.

“I think the nucleus of the club is pretty strong. We’ve got a lot of young kids coming through.”

WE’RE NOT GOING TO TRY AND REINVENT THE WHEEL BRETT HUGHES