Tara Murray
New Melton South Royals coach Adam Miller is looking forward to the chance to lead his own side.
Miller has been coaching at Sunshine Heights since he was 16, coaching a number of junior sides and having been the club’s junior development coordinator.
The new Royals coach said he was looking forward to getting into it at the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 club.
“It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time, take on a senior coaching role,” he said.
“I’ve been coaching since I was 16 and it was time for a new challenge.
“I’m moving closer to home which is nice and it’s a different challenge.”
Coaching is in the blood for Miller, with his dad Wayne Miller, the long term coach of Sunshine Heights.
His uncle is former Australian player Colin Miller.
Miller said making the move is both exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.
He said he didn’t know many people at the club yet, but having been involved in the competition gives him some idea of what to expect.
“I have a bit of an understanding somewhat from where they were last season and where they want to improve.
“My club was in division 3. I know the standards that have been set at higher clubs and I want to help set them here.”
The Royals finished last season in seventh spot, two games outside the top four.
Miller said the club was happy with how they went last season in terms of being competitive in their first season back in division 4.
But they know they could have had a much better season,
“They were disappointed they didn’t play finals as they had a lot of games that were close and they should have won, it’s the mental side of things.
“Just getting beaten by four or five runs isn’t fun and we want to stop that from happening each week.”
Miller said they would stick with the playing group that they’ve got which is full of experience.
He said he would meet with all the players from the senior sides in the next few weeks.
“It’ll be good to get an understanding of what each individual gets out of the club.”
In other news, the Royals are looking to form a women’s side for the first time.
Miller said he would help out with that side if they’re able to get it up.
“We want to try and build a side,” he said. “Most clubs should have a women’s side.
“We want to try and get people in the community who want to come to the club.”
