SOUTHERN Roos coach Nick Pekin is gearing up for his first year in charge of the senior side, and will be leading out a much different team this season.
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The side is coming off back-to-back grand final losses and will seek to go one better without the likes of Hugh Douglas, Sam Brewer, Jandre Slabbert and James Cleaver who have all returned to their home club of Hamilton.
There could also be some added pressure on the Southern Roos, with the team they lost to in the grand finals the past two seasons – the Southern Mallee Giants – now out of the competition.
“We will have a whole new look side,” Pekin said.
“Consistency across the board will be the key. Most players will step out of their comfort zone and we will look to explore all avenues.”
Alongside Pekin at the helm will be assistant coaches Hamish Ellis and Simon Close.
Close is a former Geelong VFL player and brings plenty of experience to the side.
Their stocks have also been bolstered in the off-season with the signing of young ruckman Todd Lawrence, Clint Robinson, Daniel Rogers, Hamish Thomas, Kaylem Walkowsky and Bowes Kelly.
Pekin is coming off a solid 2017 season in which he finished runner-up in the club’s best and fairest count.
He hopes he can help the whole side enjoy its football this season through his coaching.
“Being a playing-coach, I’d like to lead from my actions on the field,” he said.
“Having a good relationship with the bench coach is a must. Everybody likes to see a free-flowing style of game, and I will be trying my best to make this happen.
“Most importantly, I want everyone to enjoy their football.”
The Southern Roos start their season against Pimpinio at Balmoral on April 7.
Q and A with Nick Pekin
Who will be the teams to beat this season?
Kalkee has obviously recruited well but Storm are always a smokey along with Carey’s boys at Stawell. If you make the top six it will be anyone’s game.
What has you most excited for the season ahead?
Having a more even spread across the league and coaching a quality bunch of fellas.
Where will your side be looking to improve this year?
Improvement will come from within the group. Joel and Pete Staude have been training the house down and I expect others to follow.
