The 2024 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to new West Coburg coach Daniel Barnes who provides some insights on their 2024 campaign.
2023: 1st, runners up, (18W, 0L, 241.48%)
Coach: Daniel Barnes (first season replacing Dale May)
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"While preseason always has a significant fitness focus, for us it has also been as much about refreshing the mind and body after very long campaigns the last two seasons. We strive to create an environment where people can be the best versions of themselves, grow, develop, be authentic, and having people from within take on new roles led by Phil Cleary as Head of Football, Dane Lucas as Assistant coach, is allowing us to be very one-on-one focussed this preseason and not just group orientated.
"Damian Galofaro has taken on a new role of Development Coach and the younger guys are really loving the 1:1 time across Damian, Phil, and line leaders. We have put a lot of time into our structures and ball flow and now we are really excited to see how that plays out and how we continue to evolve it across the season."
LIST SHAPE
"The list is in a strong position. Like last year we have been able to bring five to seven talented individuals into the football club, the majority of which have roots with the West Coburg Football Club, either through playing here before or family that have. We love that, we are a really connected group with a strong focus on family and community, so to be able to see this grow over the last two preseasons and people believe in where the club is today and where it is headed is something we are very proud of."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Muhammad Saad returns to West Coburg, it's great to bring back junior talent, especially at the age of 25 with Premier football experience. On the flip side we also see Adam Hussein (Northern Saints) join our program. Adam is young, fit and really fits in well, we love the way he attacks the football and expect him to thrive at this level.
"From the current playing group, getting another big preseason into some of our younger talent has been hugely important; Emilio Rinaudo, Jonah Horo, Pat McCullum, Perry Patrikios, all still in their very early 20s and really taking the next step as key players at our football club."
2024 OUTLOOK
"Our goal continues to be about growth and development, both on and off the field. We want each player to be better than they were last year, whether that is a change technically, physically, positioning, or their confidence in how they play. We will continue to have a growth mindset and are aware we do need to improve.
"You want to win the last game each year and for us we haven’t done that the last two seasons and there are things we need to be better at to not only get that chance again, but to be one of the top sides. We expect a tight competition this year, teams have recruited well, we saw solid improvement from clubs last year, so we know we have our work cut out, but that excites us and motivates us."
ON THE RECORD WITH DANIEL BARNES
Having been involved with the side already, how did you ensure the coaching transition was a smooth one for the group?
The leaders within the group have been wonderful through this preseason. I didn’t need to come in and make sweeping changes, I have just let them lead a lot of what we are doing, whether that be standards and behaviours, to open discussions, ideas, changes, and this has really helped with the step in to the new role. Phil (Cleary) coming on board adds another dimension; his credentials, communication skills, coaching ability speak for themselves, and Phil is mentoring and supporting all the coaches, leaders, player mentoring etc.
From the outside looking in, there’s been great retention and buy in from the group. Did you see the finals series as galvanising for the squad considering the ending wasn’t what either side was after?
The group is a very close knit; we have seen that really assist with not only retention of players but bringing talented people back to the football club as well. The results of last season are true moments of reflection for us all, some great learnings from them and a deep drive to ensure we continue to grow, develop, and improve. We are still proud of many achievements within 2023, people should be proud of many aspects of what we delivered, but we know ultimately, we are in an industry defined by outcomes, but internally our narrative and the story we write is what we focus on.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Preferably a West Coburg player! (EDFL Media suggests Jesse Martini is not a bad option either)
Biggest pest at the club?
Tom Baravi
Who might be viewed as the coach's pet?
Maurice Contreras
One opposition player you’d love on your side?
Jack Elliott (Roxburgh Park)
Flag tip outside of West Coburg?
Maribyrnong Park
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Muhammad Saad (Airport West), Adam Hussein (Northern Saints), Ahmed Hamdan (Roxburgh Park) & Khaled El Haouli (Roxburgh Park).
Out: Daniel Donaldson (Wodonga), Riley Egan (Therry Penola), Christopher Tsonis (Thomastown), Diyar Ayzit (North Brunswick), Anthony Tsonis (North Brunswick), Nicholas Tsonis (North Brunswick), Noah Weihrauch (Essendon Doutta Stars), Declan Doherty (Coburg Districts), Conor Doherty (Coburg Districts), Phil Curran (Molonglo Juggernauts), Angus O'Meara (Coburg Districts), Pat Martin (London Swans) & Matthew Taranto (Avondale Heights).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
The Burgers' senior group are coming off disappointing ends to otherwise dominant seasons in both sides, but there's no reason they won't be in the premiership conversation again. Their retention has been good and with Muhammad Saad entering the fray, they'll yet again be an exciting watch. Can they go undefeated again? That'll remain to be seen but they'll be eyeing off the ultimate prize regardless of a perfect home and away record.
Ladder Prediction: Top two.
2024 FIXTURE
