Football
17 April, 2024
Warrack Eagles 2024 Season Preview
A look at Warrack Eagles 2024 season in both football and netball and a message from President Paul Rowe.
The Eagles have not only brought on a strong coach in Matt Walder, the last person to coach them to a premiership back in 2002, but have recruited well to improve and move forward as a club after a dire few years.
Walder is excited about the improvement he has seen in the pre-season.
"I am glad the pre-season has finally come to an end and we can get stuck into the season," Walder said.
"From where Warrack is coming from and where we are getting to, it's really exciting to see how quick the improvement has come.
"The players are making an impression with a new style of play and I have implemented trademarks and standards at training to close the gap and the players have responded well."
Kyle Cheney again returns to the team as well as five new exciting recruits from South Australia.
Jayke Hellmanns, Tyson Hunt, Jai Kovatseff, John Martin and Machok Garang are the five coming from South Australia.
Hellmanns is a big-bodied midfielder/forward, Kovatseff and Martin will bring grunt to the midfield, Hunt is a key back and Garang is an athletic ruckman.
"They all provide a bit of size and experience and are important in that regard," Walder said.
"They are excited and itching to get into it."
When asked who is impressing, Walder pointed out Declan Powell and Connor Inkster.
"Through their fitness, engagement and roles they are going to play, they have been really solid and spot on," Walder said.
"They are at an age now where they are ready to take the next step and launch into the WFNL as consistent footballers."
The Eagles open their season at home to the Southern Mallee Thunder.
NETBALL YOUTH EXCITES EAGLES
Leiah McKenzie has stepped into coaching for the first time this year and is excited to co-coach with Jess Erhardt who has been around the club a long time and is coaching the U17s.
"It's huge having Jess's support as I don't think I would have done it solo," McKenzie said.
"She is firey, has good netball knowledge and is very passionate."
When asked why she decided to coach, McKenzie said she is just very passionate about the club.
"I am passionate not only about the club but also country sport as well," McKenzie said.
"I came back and decided to get involved and the numbers are great and I thought it would be a great opportunity."
The Eagles haven't gone out and recruited hard, but rather are focusing on developing the juniors with some ready to step up.
"We have a few juniors which has given us depth and we also have Nicola Clyne returning this year which is great to see," McKenzie said.
"Training partners in the U17 in Ava Koschitzke, Satine Malcolm and Lauren Clyne are stepping up and adding speed to a new game style to A-Grade.
"Isabella Orszulak and Amber O'Connor have also stepped up and improved."
"We just want to start to strengthen our side with these young girls and hopefully get a few more wins and play some clean and nice-looking netball."
When asked which ones she believes will take their game to the next level this season, McKenzie said it's hard to call but highlighted Koschitzke and O'Connor as having good pre-seasons.
"Ava Koschitzke is going to be a netballer of the future and we are excited to have her here," McKenzie said.
"It's a developing year for her and she is looking really strong and has a good pre-season.
"Amber O'Connor is getting stronger and stronger and is looking good and it's exciting to see."
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Warrack Eagles president Paul Rowe is excited about what the club can do this year on the field.
"We have great numbers on the track now and the enthusiasm under Matthew has been really good," Rowe said.
"We have an experienced coach with a lot of specialism and structure. He has his own goals and targets that he wants the club to meet and it's all about structure and improvement.
"We want to be competitive across all grades and hopefully we are this season."
"As for the netball, things are really good and we have plenty of numbers. There are a few new faces in the coaching roles and the club is excited."
Like many other clubs, junior numbers could be a problem but Rowe believes they should be able to manage it.
"I think we will be able to manage the age groups within what we have," Rowe said.
"I believe we can work around it. We can't change it, we have to work with it and I think we will be able to.
"It's a shame the way the AFL is pushing. They don't realise what it is doing to do to country footy."
Off the field, Rowe pointed out Eagle Lotto, which has been successful for the club.
"We are continuing to run Eagle Lotto as it has been successful for the club by bringing a lot of people in and getting them involved," Rowe said.
"Our social calendar is also looking good and it keeps people involved.
"Overall, things are looking great for the club and it's exciting what we could do this year."