Colt Corner - 2nd Semi Final Week

The Subiaco Colts this week will head into their first finals in five years, looking to secure the club’s first Colts premiership in 29 years.

After claiming the minor premiership the Colts were able to have a week off, rest up and prepare for the chance to go straight through to the 2018 Grand Final.

Colts Coach Beau Wardman caught up to go over the past few weeks and look ahead to an exciting few weeks to come.

Beau, less than a week to the second semi final now, what is the mood like amongst the team and the coaching group ahead?

It’s really exciting, there has been a good vibe around training and I think everyone is looking forward to the finals experience but seems to be a real resolve with this playing group. The coaches have seen it and commented throughout most of the year about the

groups determination. We had a really good hit-out on Saturday with some match simulations and skill sharpness, we need to be as ready as we can.

First finals experience at WAFL levels for your entire team, how do you think the boys will perform given the lack of finals experience at this level?

They need to enjoy it and embrace it. We have been training all season, been critical and tactical in reviews and worked on the fundamentals in preparation for finals. I think most players at colts level haven’t experienced too many finals games – maybe one or two. We know what is at stake, but our focus will continue to be on strong team football, playing the Subiaco way.  

Are there any individuals in your squad that you think will elevate their game in finals, think will really thrive in the finals spotlight?

I hope they all do. The coaches need to be specific with messages, our medical and conditioning staff will have them physically prepared and the players need to bring strong effort within the team structure. We have spoken about everyone playing their part and no one part is any more important than any other. The 23 who represent us on Sunday represent our whole squad, the players who miss out, as well as themselves.

You rounded off the season with your biggest win in terms of point margin for the season in the WAFL Colts Super Round, do you think that is an indication you are playing some of your best footy at the right time of year?

There was some great football. I am extremely proud of this group of young men. It was an elevated stage, at Domain Stadium, for the players and they performed really strongly as a team. We gave a few players opportunity in different positions. Abe Clinch played well through the backline with Jack Mayo and Taj Schofield. Jake McKinnon was strong with his pressure inside. Tristan Hobley and Wil Hickmott showed their elite running capacity working hard across the ground.

The week off last week, did you take any time to reflect on the achievements of the season, or has the focus pretty much been on being ready for the second semi final?

We had an opportunity after the Perth game to get back to Leederville and share reflections on the home and away season with parents, partners and the playing group. Jarrad and Leigh Kitchen spoke about the opportunities before the players. To think the colts program had won 3 games across 2015/2016 to where we are now has demonstrated the improvement of the players on the back of putting in some structure and disciplines. It is important to reflect on those positives and what has got us to this point – that’s what will be important going forward.

Your opponents next week will be Swan Districts who caused somewhat of a surprise by beating second placed Peel, what are you expecting from Swans on Sunday?

Swans are a very good side – I thought they would win that game. They have some elite players with league experience and match winners on multiple lines which will provide a good test for our players on Sunday. They are really well coached and efficient with their disposal. I hope it’s a really strong showcase of the talent programs from both clubs.

You of course beat Swans three times during the season, do you take confidence from those previous wins?

We recognise those wins to say we are capable, but the make-up of both teams in those games varies and it will again on Sunday. At the end of the day those wins mean nothing really, it’s the start of a new season and we need to be prepared for that.

Defensively you have been very good against Swans, conceding less that 45 points in all three games, is there any reason why you think you have been able to hold Swans attack in check in those three previous meetings?

A couple of those games it was pretty wet, that may have had an influence. We do have a strong emphasis on our defensive transition, that’s reflected by attitude as much as technical ability. Chayce Creedy has our backline functioning really well as a group but our midfielders get back, especially our wings, that’s part of our trademark and those players get rewarded.

Riding an 11 game win streak into finals, any sense that the long winning streak is something of a burden, or does it indicate that you are in the best possible form to tackle finals?

We haven’t spoken about it. Each game throughout the season presents a new opportunity to improve and put our training into place. The players get an opportunity to implement their focus areas. Nothing will change this week. The results will reflect our composure with the ball, our pressure and work rate. I think it gives the players confidence that our coaches plans, well executed by them will give them the opportunity to sing the song in the rooms and really enjoy a win with your mates.

Of course by virtue of every Subiaco team finishing top, it is essentially a traditional home day, do you think that helps your boys with their preparation for the game?

Its great for the club, our members, sponsors and supporters to have all grades in this position. To have a normal match day should make it a familiar preparation, which can be important, but that’s all mental. We have worked on that throughout the year, placed the players in uncomfortable situations and learnt from experiences across the year in preparation for this.

Best of luck with this weekend’s final Beau.