THE only way for Pimpinio is up this season after finishing last season at the bottom of the ladder.
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With new coach Nathan Sachse at the helm there could be some improvement this year.
Sachse admits he was nervous about taking on the role, which is his first senior coaching position.
“Initially I was very nervous about the whole concept of coaching, but getting to know the guys I’m getting more confident in my approach to the season,” he said.
“Being a coach you have a different perspective. I’m looking forward to seeing these young guys develop. I’m excited to see them come through and enjoy their football.”
Sachse said his coaching style would develop throughout the year.
“I don’t think you can say you have a certain style – I don’t want to be too casual and I don’t want to be an authoritative coach,” he said.
“I want there to be two-way conversations but also take on a firm approach. We will see what happens with my coaching style during the year.”
Sachse said the focus this season had to be about getting games into the youngsters to help set up the club for future seasons.
“All top age under-17s will play senior football during the year,” Sachse said.
“Our goal is to improve the mental and physical toughness of not only the senior group but also the under-17 players as well.
“Where we finish in terms of ladder position isn’t important to the club as we go through a rebuild, but we would expect that we will be competitive and win games.”
Sachse brings Wimmera Football League experience to the Tigers after coming across from Nhill.
Pimpinio will have to cover some key losses, including Dylan Bushby up forward, Jake Dixon-McDonald down back and utility Tom Shultz.
However, that will just give the junior players even more of an opportunity to shine in what is a development year.
The side will have a new ruckman in Lachie Hurst, while 2017 reserves players Dylan Baker, Jeremy Baker and Damien Chester will be making the step up into senior football.
Sachse also said Liam Jakobi will play an important role for the side this season.
“Liam Jakobi was runners-up in the best and fairest last year. He is a lot fitter this year and will be an assistant coach this year. He really wants to be a leader in the club,” he said.
The Tigers start their season on April 7 away from home against Harrow-Balmoral.
Q and A with Nathan Sachse
Who will be players to watch from your team this year?
Dylan Baker, Jeremy Baker, Lachie Hurst, Coren Mann, Dallas Mackley, Brett Hamerston and every top age under-17s player.
What has you most excited for the season?
The chance to develop a team that has a good mix of senior and junior players. As a first-year coach it will be exciting to see where we can go.
Will you have many new faces in the line-up?
Our line up will be a mixture of senior players and our new players out of under-17s from last year and this year’s under-17s group.