Mansbridge developing Colts into more than just good footballer

Subiaco’s Colts coach is hoping to shape his squad into good young men, not just good footballers.John Mansbridge, who took over the coaching role in 2023, is focused on developing his group of young men both on and off the field. He said the goal is to set them up with the building blocks for the rest of their lives.

“I just want to see them get better,” Mansbridge said.

“We’re developing young men, whether they go on to play 100 games for Subiaco, 100 games for North Beach, or go away from footy.

“We just want them to enjoy the experience that they’re in, and that’s all I’m trying to do.”

Mansbridge is well known in both the WAFL circle, and within the Subiaco system. Having coached for more than 20 years across the WAFL and amateurs systems, he returned to Subiaco in 2019 as the backline coach for the Colts. He did so for three seasons, before taking a break last year and coming back for season 2023.

Mansbridge said he’s settled into the role.

“There’s a lot of player management you have to do, and I knew it was going to be a long process,” he said.

“It’s super rewarding, when you see the smiles on some of these kids’ faces once we build the relationship up.”

Relationship building is a key part of Mansbridge’s coaching mantra. He said it’s the key to unlocking the best out of his players.

“I’m a big advocate for trying to build relationships with your players,” Mansbridge said.

“Finding out as much as I can about my players and build that rapport.

“If you have a strong base, when you go to have those difficult conversations, they become a little bit easier because there’s that level of trust.”

In his vast experience of coaching, the Colts coach said this squad is as skillful as any he’s coached.

He said the standards are always increasing, and one young man in particular is driving it.

“Luker Kentfield is one who stood out early,” Mansbridge said.

“His training throughout our preseason, his dedication to it and to the team and the group are second to none.”

Kentfield’s work has been rewarded with not only a League debut with the Lions, but a spot in the State Under 18s squad. He’s one of four Lions to be selected, along with League regulars Robert Hansen Jr and Koltyn Tholstrup, as well as Colts wingman Lance Collard. Mansbridge says the four are deserving of their selection, and praised Collard for his efforts throughout the Colts season.

“Lance is improving everyday,” he said.

“You never have to worry about his skill level, it’s some other areas and he’s really working hard on them to get better.”

Mansbridge also gave credit to all his support staff, including the line coaches Steve Sadowski, Tom Lowndes, and Dave Hay for their efforts so far this season. This year, the Lions sit fifth on the ladder after four rounds, with a record of two wins and two losses. After a disappointing loss to Claremont in round three, the side responded with a strong win against the Falcons in round four.

Mansbridge said the new benchmark has been set in terms of preparation.

“Leading into West Perth on the weekend, it was all about making sure we’ve got our process right and that our communication is clear and concise,” he said.

“Making sure we train well during the week, and we did all that and we got the result we wanted.

“Now we move to South Fremantle, who are another challenge.

“We do the same preparation, and hopefully the players do everything the same.”

The Lions take on the Bulldogs at 9:40am at Leederville Oval on Saturday May 6.