With the season just underway – the Wanderers own Scoop had a chat to those in the know about what we can expect from the men and women in the two-blue jersey in season 2009.
Dan Beckett – First grade coach
You've had your eye on the first grade job since coming to Wanderers. How's it feel to be appointed in the club's 85th year?
It's a huge honour. I suppose all players aspire to make the Wanderer's First XV and as a coach my aspirations were no different. The 85th anniversary is something pretty special, and I know one of the Premier players’ goals for the 2009 season is to celebrate this year by producing rugby of the highest quality, mirroring the high standards that have been set before us.
How's pre-season been?
Everything has been so positive and the attitude of the playing group has been tremendous. We have set a few goals in pre-season; to develop physically and mentally, and I think we have achieved them. "No Shortcuts" and "No easy options" were common phrases mentioned around our various pre-season venues and I am confident that we will be a much tougher club mentally.
Perhaps the only negative has been from a few local Junction diners who were witness to Adam Lewis's Dick-Sticker Dash from Dixon Park to No. 2. Apparently a few tight forwards in their speedoes but them off their dinner, but other than that pre-season was a success.
Which players are going to shine?
I am very excited about the mix and balance of the team. There are a lot of new faces such as Mark Sherwood, Paul Mlotkowski, Scotty Hermann and the Saffers Gideon and Warren. They have brought a fresh approach and it has really influenced some of our hardened senior players like Nick Croskill, Tony Sambell, Ryan McDougall, Kevvy, Ed, Rob, Gavin, Herfty, Dave Edmunds, and Pezza.
I'm really hoping that Luke Gibson carries on his awesome 2008 form and that Monty doesn’t suffer from the dreaded "2nd Year Syndrome" because he looks very sharp at the moment.
Why Luke Sherwood as captain?
To be honest he is the future of the club. I don’t expect him to be John Eales first up, but I want him and the team to develop and keep developing. He is an outstanding player and he displays the qualities which I think players respect. I am really looking forward to working with him. I was lucky enough to work with him in Second Grade a few years ago and even though he has given me a few sprays through the walkie-talkie I love his passion and commitment. He deserves it.
Without giving heaps away, how are you guys aiming to play the game? Total Rugby?
Ha-Ha. Total Rugby has made way for the "Rugby Revolution"! The new laws are great for us. More time in play will suit athletic and skilful sides but there has to be a massive focus on defence as well. Sides can dominate without the ball if they are aggressive and organised in defence. And turnovers are gold. To sum it up we want to target 3 areas - COMPETE, DEFEND and USE SPACE....That’s it.
Luke Sherwood – First Grade Captain
How did it feel to be made first grade captain in the 85th year?
It is a huge honour to be given the role of First Grade captain at anytime, but to be captaining your side in the clubs 85th year makes it especially rewarding. I have played with Wanderers since I was nine and have always looked up to the premier sides and their captains and now that I have been given this position I feel really privileged and excited about the season ahead.
How's a little fella like yourself going to pull the big fellas in your team into line?
Hopefully by just playing my own game the boys will respectfully fall into line and follow…very wishful thinking. If not I’ll just set the Pom onto them for me!
