Destiny in Tigers’ hands
Self-belief is an obvious prerequisite for any successful sporting team and for Wimmera Football League club Nhill it sits at the heart of a 2017 campaign.
Understanding what is needed to win games is one thing. But knowing how to win them is another and developing the confidence to push beyond a collective sense of doubt and uncertainty sits at the top of the Tigers’ priority list.
Nhill experienced an oh-soclose 2016, producing periods of match-winning football, only to trip up at critical times and it was this failure to seize the initiative that ultimately robbed the side of a finals appearance.
Tigers coach Alan Bennett isolated team self-belief as a fundamental element needed to pave the way for Nhill success.
“It’s about getting into those close clinches and making your mind up to win the game and to make it happen,” he said.
“How do you get good at winning? By winning.
“The truth is that a team, while not being comfortable with it, can get accustomed to losing regardless of ability and circumstance.
“We have to change that at Nhill and actually learn to go beyond simply being disappointed by a loss.
“If you look at consistently successful teams, they don’t expect to lose, so much so that many develop a fear of losing and refuse to concede.”
Bennett said the hope at Davis Park this year was that a crop of recruits coming into the club, some of them with considerable finals success behind them, would help redefine on-field expectations.
“The hope is the new guys, who know what’s expected through experience, can bring with them a level of professionalism and education to help set standards,” he said.
Penola premiership player and mobile big man Ryan Richardson, skilful back flanker Bradley Thompson and mobile half forward Callan Semple, who played with Reynella in Adelaide’s Southern League, are newcomers and former Carlton draftee and ruckman Daniel Batson also returns as assistant coach.
Confirmation that other travelling players including Billy Hayes, Jordan Zeitz, Jake Harrap and Grant Mcloud will remain has also buoyed the Tigers camp and helped offset the departure of players such as Maddy Hayes and Tom Wheelan.
Bennett said he believed on paper at least the Tigers would have a better team than last year and conceded the approaching season was likely to produce some unexpected developments.
“Many things can happen, from injuries to improvements from young guys that surprise you. Every year throws up something you haven’t anticipated,” he said.
He added the Tigers’ pre-season build-up had been one of the best since he had been at the helm and he was impressed by the on and off-field quality of players in his group.
“We just have to build on the past couple of years,” he said.
“Last year we showed we can compete with the better teams in the competition and that has to again be the aim this year. Last year we were very unlucky to miss out, it is a realistic aim to this year make the finals.
“The playing list changes from year to year and you often don’t have much control except to prepare the players to be the best they can be and to aim to reach their potential.
“If they are doing that then I’m happy.” Bennett stressed part of Nhill’s growth and development was to be in a position to command respect, not simply as players but as a club and community.
He said rating success was often more than simply what the scoreboard showed at the end of a game.
“For example, I have a general rule that there is to be no swearing on the track. It’s not about being old-fashioned but instead being respectful about self-discipline and maintaining high standards and playing within the spirit of the game,” her said.
“You want people to enjoy being part of a sporting club‚ to be included regardless of their ability on the field. Do this well and success comes naturally.
“A happy footballer is often a good footballer.”
Bennett said the Tigers were training a 6.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights at ‘the best surface in the Wimmera’ – Nhill’s Davis Park.
The club is travelling to South Australia for a practice match against Meningie and will play Padthaway at home.