Army leads the Colts
Pre-season is well underway for the Colts at Subiaco, as we take a look at the process and preparation of the Lions young guns. Under the instruction of new coach Steven Armstrong, new methods and requirements have been set in place as they build for a successful development season in 2012.
Last year saw the successful rise of players such as Rhys Waters and Justin Joyce along with Coach Jarrad Schofield taking his side to 13 wins and a third place finish, the highest position in over 12 years.
Armstrong however is hoping to build a younger 2012 squad into the future and optimistic that the rigorous pre-season training will prepare his side for an arduous season.
“Training has been going well, we had a big group of 80 or so players at the beginning. The only challenging thing is getting that group down to a 45-50 number, in the meantime it’s been a good opportunity to work on their skills and conditioning and learning the culture of the Subiaco football club.”
The ex-Eagle, and premiership player, has opted for some abstract surroundings this pre-season, avoiding the typical Medibank Stadium sessions and taking the training to City Beach.
“The training down at City Beach has been going well,”
“It’s been focused on working on the basic skills of football. We’ve brought in three main phases skills, strength & conditioning and fitness. At this age their development is our main priority as a footballer and a young man”.
Armstrong, as a first year coach, has some solid expectations of himself and his playing group with a strong expectation of growth by both parties.
“Personally I would like to manage the team to its full potential, if I can help all my assistants grow in their positions and really give them a license to be a part of this Colts squad then I would get satisfaction from that. Not only developing players but developing the people around me is something that I’ve really tried to focus on, especially providing a pathway for my assistants.”
“From a playing perspective I think if we can develop and help the transition from Colts football to senior football, so that when Chris Waterman gets them or the reserves coach gets them, they know how to play Subiaco Football.”
As to whether he feels any pressure after last year’s successfully season, it was made obvious there are far more important goals in Colts football.
“As a Colts coach there is none at all. I understand last year’s success but they had a lot of senior players and every Colts group with a large number of experienced players are going to be competitive. My gauge on success is just to develop; I haven’t really considered winning/losing or finals at this point.”
“If I can develop these young kids so they can compete at senior level next year then it’s been a successful season. The Subiaco Football Club is judged on their league side so if we can give them the next Aidan Parker, Darren Rumble or Ben Randall then the jobs done.”
The Colts have two more months to prepare for their first round showdown with West Perth on the 17th of March.
