Park Orchards enters 2017 under new senior coach Jarrod Bayliss, joining the Sharks from Wandin Football Club.
Bayliss completes the trio of former Wandin Bulldogs crossing over, with brother Jack Bayliss and Michael Fowkes also landing at Domeney Reserve. In addition, 33 year-old David Black brings a wealth of experience, having transferred from Croydon.
Six wins for the Sharks last season produced promising signs for season 2017, including their 16-point victory over eventual finalist Boronia in their opening round clash, before gathering momentum recording four wins from five matches from rounds six to 10.
Interestingly, three of the Sharks’ six wins for the season were over 12-goal margins, soundly defeating South Belgrave by 85 points in Round 6, Warrandyte to the tune of 77 points in Round 10 and Silvan by 94 points in Round 17.
“Our key focus in 2017 needs to be around (three) simple things. An acceptance to ‘change’, a willingness to take a ‘risk’ together, and to ensure we move forward collectively as an entire club – ‘ALL-IN'”, new senior coach Jarrod Bayliss said in an open letter to the Sharks’ community.
Park Orchards begins its 2017 season on Saturday, 8th of April, when it hosts South Belgrave at Domeney Reserve.
2016: Six wins, 12 losses, ninth.
2017 leaders
President – Jeremy Thomas
Senior Coach – Jarrod Bayliss
Senior Captain – Tom Feher
President Jeremy Thomas spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of the Sharks’ 2017 campaign…
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
We are in the middle of a three-year strategic plan that is focused on an ethos of ‘all-in’. Every department on and off-field, every member, sponsor, supporter and player – ‘all-in’.
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.)
Being the sixth year as a senior football club, it has been great to see our young list develop together and grow.
Every year we have trail-blazed as a club into the unknown as each year is a first for our group.
We have a group now entering into their sixth season of senior football and we rely heavily on their experience to evolve and improve.
With the addition of some experienced recruits, training has improved massively and the pre-season for the group has been a new level.
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 following changes have taken place and the jigsaw is coming together as we see it – Jarrod Bayliss – new senior coach, Tony Weeks – player development and coaching manager and under-19s coach, Leigh Smart – assistant coach, Andrew Molloy – assistant coach (and) Tim Raines – reserves coach, along with a great support team around these coaches.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
Everything rises and falls on leadership and culture eats strategy for lunch.
Where does the club see itself in three years’ time?
Playing Division 2 football.
Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
Great recruiting from both Boronia and Heathmont, you can never underestimate Templestowe, and we believe Ringwood are coached very well.
