Colt Corner - Round 7, 2018
Thursday, May 17, 2018 - 8:08 AM
Subiaco colts coach Beau Wardman had a busy week last week as one of the assistant coaches of the successful WA side that defeated SA in Adelaide.
Beau checks in with his regular update on the experience of being a coach for the WA state team, the most recent performance of the Subiaco colts side, and the challenge that lies this weekend against a strong Peel outfit in Mandurah.
This is the AE Hoskins Colt Corner.
Beau, busy weekend for you as part of the WA State Coaching team, how was the experience and how exciting was it to be a part of the state win in Adelaide?
Subiaco colts coach Beau Wardman had a busy week last week as one of the assistant coaches of the successful WA side that defeated SA in Adelaide. Beau checks in with his regular update on the experience of being a coach for the WA state team, the most recent performance of the Subiaco colts side, and the challenge that lies this weekend against a strong Peel outfit in Mandurah. This is the AE Hoskins Colt Corner.
It was certainly and eye-opening experience. The quality of people in the squad, their attention to preparation and commitment to the game was great to be part of. The players had great buy-in from the outset and for everything to come together on game day was great for the group, WAFL footy and something for WA to be very proud of.
An experienced coaching group around you led by Michael Broadbridge, what did you learn from your involvement with these experienced coaches?
I was fortunate to sit with Broady at a league game in the lead-up and it was a great opportunity to talk footy, analyse the game in front of us and he shared his philosophies, I could have settled with that. However, throughout the 3-week build up to share ideas and thoughts on the game, on coaching and working/managing people with the likes of Steve Malaxos and Garry Moss was great. They are all thorough in preparation and learnt a lot about their game structures and player communications.
Likewise with the playing group, how was it being involved with some of the WAFL’s best players and did you take any lessons from how these players approach the game that you want to instil in your own team?
These guys are so professional, their training standards, pre-game attention, understanding of role, so many of them are students of the game. What also stood out to me were the background stories. Many have come and gone from the AFL system, suffered set-backs with injury or disappointment from non-selection. Some had never represented the state at any level. This inspiration is something out colts players can take with them. That persistence is rewarded and everyone suffers set-backs at different times and for different reasons – its in the response that counts. It also showed me how a group of guys from different clubs can buy-in together and represent the state so well on our biggest stage.
Speaking of your team, and the Subiaco Colts, last time out the winning start to the season was snapped with a loss against West Perth, what was most disappointing about the loss?
West Perth came with great effort and intensity across the whole game, I think we lacked this for large portions unfortunately. That was probably most disappointing. We went away from some of our team aspects and if you are just off then teams can feel that and get a jump. We have been very good to this point in the season and we don’t lose sight of that.
First loss of the season for the boys, was it one of those examples where you were really able to highlight to the group where if you are not at your best, opposition sides at this level can quickly make you pay?
I think so. We had a pretty good review and highlighted some areas we can improve. We also did some very good things in the game – just not for long enough this week. The competition is very even this year – as it should be – and you have to play well each week, bring strong effort, that gives you the best chance.
Your tackle pressure had been outstanding through the first four games, against West Perth they actually beat you in the tackle count, was it notable the pressure they were getting on the ball carrier through the game?
They certainly limited our time and space to execute our skills. As you say, we have been strong in this area over the previous month and something we need to get back to.
Were there any of the boys who you thought really gave the full effort needed across the four quarters, any player that stood out for a positive impact?
Jacob Peletier was great. He has taken a couple of weeks to really shine but has consistently played his role. He constantly plays with great effort and his performance against West Perth really showcased this. We started him on the wing, and he kicked a goal up forward, he has great character. Taj Schofield has his best game of colts footy for 3three quarters before hurting his hand. His poise and ball handling inside was elite and used the ball by foot very well.
Next up, Peel in Mandurah, you beat them at Leederville last year, but struggled in two games in Mandurah last year, how are you looking to go about beating Peel on Saturday?
It’s a great challenge isn’t it. They come off a big win last week and are playing some really good football. We have some things to work on at training this week which we have identified over the last couple of weeks, if we can implement these into our game we should put ourselves in a strong position.
Any expected changes to the side, as it gets towards that middle part of the year where you start to lose players to a mix of injury, state 18 and state 16 selections?
We lose our state players to games this Saturday so a few changes will occur which gives some opportunity to our other guys to really step up. We have been clear in our expectation for players coming into the team and our trademark, hopefully our leaders drive continue to drive these.
Has been a bit of a staggered month with the general bye and state game bye, has that been something that has been difficult to manage, only playing the one game in the past 26 days?
Really tough. I think everyone likes routine and consistency, but football is random and you just have to deal with it. Our training has been strong over the last couple of weeks which is positive and reflects the resilience of our playing group. It’s a challenge for us all to put our best foot forward again this week.
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