New Rockbank coach Lachlan Waterman is looking forward to the challenge ahead of him in the Riddell District Football League next season.
Waterman was announced as the Rams’ new coach on Saturday, bringing a wealth of experience with him.
Waterman has been involved at state league level in three states, including the VFL, while he’s also been an assistant coach at TAC Cup level.
This year he was director of coaching at Ascot Vale Panthers in the Essendon District Football League.
With the Rams celebrating their centenary season next year, Waterman knows the pressure is on.
“It’s pretty exciting,” he said. “The fact it’s the centenary of the club, adds more to it.
“I’m quite flattered to have been approached and then to have got the nod.
“I’m under no illusions that there’s a lot of hard work to go.”
Waterman knows the Rams are coming from a long way back after they finished bottom of the ladder with just one win this year.
He said he was realistic about the club’s situation.
“We’re a long way behind in resources and finances of some of the other clubs,” he said.
“The main thing I’ve learnt from the likes of Judgey [Ken Judge] and Steve Malaxos is that every season you start at zero points.
“It’s a clean slate, which is good. We’re looking to be super competitive and don’t want to get belted every week.
“After that, we’re not looking too far forward. We’re looking to get the guys fit and get morale up.
“We’ll give a good crack at it in the first four weeks of the season and see where we go from there.”
Waterman is already busy behind the scenes trying to recruit players. He said he was using his VFL contacts and they were hoping to add some more strength to the spine.
“We’re actively recruiting players now and already speaking to players,” he said.
“I’m on the front foot in terms of recruiting. I know who I would like to get, but whether we can get them is a different story.”
The other aim for the Rams is to try and ensure they retain their playing group.
Three players have already put in clearances to leave the club, including Alan Greenwood.
Waterman is set to meet most of the playing group this week.
He said he is ready to get down to business.
“It’s a big challenge and not many get the opportunity to coach in the centenary year.
“The big focus is all about celebrating the centenary season.”
The appointment comes following the Rams announcing their netball coaching panel the previous week.
Former AFL Goldfields netball coach of the year Alan Watson will coach the A and B grade sides.
Pre-season training dates for the football will be announced soon.
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