Monday, October 29, 2018

Will new brooms sweep clean?


Photo:  South Hobart's Ken Morton is the only familiar face in the 2019 NPL Tasmania coaching fraternity [PlessPix]

Eight new coaches will be involved in the 2019 NPL Tasmania competition.

South Hobart’s Ken Morton is the only man to retain his job.

Following the withdrawal of Northern Rangers, the 2019 NPL Tasmania competition will have nine teams, thus necessitating a bye each week.

This means there will either be 16 or 24 rounds (probably the latter).

The coaches for 2019 are:

Devonport City:  Rick Coghlan (replacing Chris Gallo)

South Hobart:  Ken Morton

Hobart Zebras:  David Smith  (replacing Gabriel Markaj)

Launceston City:  Peter Sawdon (replacing Jez Kenth)

Olympia Warriors:  Rob Clarke (replacing Dale Itchins)

Kingborough Lions United:  Greg Calvert (replacing Mark Broadbent)

Clarence United:  Warren Burt (replacing Alan Jablonski)

Glenorchy Knights:  James Sherman (replacing Franco Previdi)

Riverside Olympic:  Alex Gaetani (replacing Lynden Prince)

Such a huge turnover of coaches does not augur well for the competition.

Any style of play favoured by a club will go out the window as the new men in charge seek to stamp their mark on their team and the game.

South Hobart and Glenorchy Knights will be the exception.

South Hobart are the epitome of stability going into the 2019 season, with Ken Morton in charge for over a decade, so expect big things from them.

Newly promoted Glenorchy Knights also have a form of stability with James Sherman having been assistant to Franco Previdi last season and so his style will be familiar to the players.

Recruitment of players will also be a key factor, particularly with the coaching changes that have occurred.

If a club can keep most of their players and recruit a few new good players, the new coach’s job will be a lot easier.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I disagree Walter. By definition of Champion the rest were inferior to that club. 7 others clubs now (8) will have to change something in order to come first if that is their goal.
Therefore clubs changing coaches is the first step towards getting better.

Anonymous said...

Can you do a story on the championship clubs as well
Like who's coaching at beachside etc.
And what clubs will or won't be fielding challenge teams in 2019.
Heard beachside and uni aren't.

Anonymous said...

Zebras squad will be interesting.

Anonymous said...

David Smith has, indeed, been appointed coach of Hobart Zebras.

Anonymous said...

Interesting times ahead for sure Walter.
Bit disappointing that there will be a bye in the league games this year.

Interested to know what your thoughts are and what you would have proposed to rectify this.
My option would have been to bring in another Northern team to balance the teams.

Maybe Burnie or Somerset.

Anonymous said...

Hope that you are correct Walter and Zebras do make a coaching change.
Anyone will do compared to who they had this season.
Joke.

Anonymous said...

Shermo seen out chatting with a few South Hobart lads? cheque book?

Anonymous said...

Well although he has a massive job to do at Clarence the new coach seems to be commited to turning this club around! I was told Pre Season training starts this week which in itself is a big turnaround Hopefully he can get to sorting out the players that really did put in an effort last season and he can hang on to the 3 young boys in Snell Smith and Hatcher who did the club proud in playing Senior football at such a young age, Good luck and Well done Mr Burt!

Anonymous said...

RE: Bit disappointing that there will be a bye in the league games this year.

I think with 24 league games + Laka, a bye will be required for squads to rest and recover! Will be a long season of competition this year.