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#InFocus | Balwyn FC

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The reigning premiers have not taken a backwards step in the 2016/17 off-season and look as strong as ever as they look to claim the three-peat. A New coach at the helm and a handful of experience additions make for a strong outfit at the top of Division 1.

efnl.org.au chats to President Richard Wilson about the Tigers season ahead.

2017 Leaders
President –                          Richard Wilson
Senior Coach –                   Marty Pask
Senior Captain –                Rennie Gilchrist

 

What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?

The clubs focus has been to build an under 19 team and elite football training  program into the club.  The landscape of community football and player participation is changing and the development of an elite training and broad based education program will place Balwyn as a destination club for young players wanting to realize their football dreams.

 

What has the pre-season been like so far for the club, is there any group that have really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits etc.)

Pre Christmas was primarily about re uniting the squad after our successful season and introducing the new recruits to the club and setting the training conditioning programs for the players.

Luke Barker is well on the way back from his Achilles injury and Blake Broadhurst is back fit and well. New recruits farran Ray and the Simpkin brothers are all up and going. The younger boys have built up over the off-season and conditioning will prepare them for senior football this season, the depth will be exceptional this year.

 

Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?

The club will be announcing 3 new major sponsorship partners in a few weeks.  There will be changes to our match day catering arrangements and we will launching the season with a significant Calcutta event at the end of March.

 

If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?

The club continues to find a pathway of young players to build the clubs football depth and player sustainability.

 

Who are the players who you think will have a break-out season, who may have gone under the radar in the past as far the being known across the EFL community?

Christian Sanfilippo and Jamie Gotliebson will be major contributors to the clubs fortunes this season.

 

Where does the club see itself in 3 years time?

In Division 1, a fully structured academy program in place and stronger community breadth of support in new facilities.

 

Finally, who in your Division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?

We think there are a number of clubs who will challenge this year. Vermont with a new coach will be keen to right the disappointment of last year as will Noble Pk. Sth Croydon and Blackburn have recruited well and with the graded draw will impact the make up of the five.  Will be very open again this season.

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