Jakobi in charge
Pimpinio has endured a lean run during the past few seasons, but hopes to start clawing its way back up the ladder under new coach Liam Jakobi.
The Tigers won one game in 2018 after notching only a draw in 2017.
Jakobi, a stalwart of the club, became the Tigers’ new senior coach after Nathan Sachse stepped down from the position during the summer.
He said he was excited to take the reins at the club where he had played since he was a junior.
Jakobi was an assistant coach under Sachse last season, and said he was adjusting to being in charge. “I’ve found it enjoyable so far,” he said. “It has been a bit of a challenge getting things up and running, but now they are and I’m really enjoying it.
“I think all the other boys have been enjoying it too.”
Jakobi said the Tigers would be aided in their quest to improve by several new recruits, including former Taylors Lake player Sam Rintoule, Jaydon Walters from Rupanyup and Kalkee’s Nick Thomson.
Jakobi said he expected other players to sign soon.
“Recruiting has been going pretty well for us this year,” he said.
“We have recruited more than we did last year, which is a good start, and we’re definitely not finished.”
Jakobi said the only confirmed losses for Pimp- inio were Sachse, who will not play football in 2019, and Kyle Dumesny who has transferred to Horsham Demons.
Jakobi said emerging junior players would also aid the team.
“Our numbers have been pretty good for pre-season so far and it’s a positive sign that most of our players from last year are sticking around,” he said.
“There are some juniors coming up from last year’s under-17s. They have provided some enthusiasm that’s been a driving force for everyone else.”
Jakobi said he would not overcomplicate Pimpinio’s game plan.
“Reflecting on last year, we’re hoping to use that as a stepping stone to getting a few more wins on the board and getting the best out of the playing group we have,” he said.
“I think the best thing is to keep things simple, and if we get the basics right the structures that we do have will fall into place.”