THE Strikers are changing things up ahead of 2016.
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Luke Dickinson and Michael Simons have stepped up to share the women’s coaching roles.
The duo are excited by the possibilities of strengthening the entire club.
“We think we have something to offer by bringing a more formatted approach across the club,” Luke explains.
“Success breeds success. You need a strong club for any team to have success.”
Luke points to the example set this year by Junee and Henwood Park, who each had three squads in a grand final.
The new plan is to move women’s training to Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5.30-6.30pm, followed by men’s from 6.30-7.30pm.
The coaches are planning to institute a 4-4-2 formation with a midfield diamond in every squad.
“It’s an old style of soccer that works at this level. As a team we can press when we need to and sit back when we need to,” Luke said.
Luke and Mick will share the coaching role at training, whilst Mick will take the lead on match days as the teams are often separated.
Many are excited for Mick’s return to coaching, his first since assisting Mick Godbier with men’s first grade in 2011 and 2012.
He says he is looking forward to helping guide the women’s teams in the right direction, and would also like to see more men at the ground early to support the women’s teams.
There has been no change to the men’s coaching roles, with Luke and Andrew Parkinson remaining on board.
This will be Luke’s third year in charge of men’s first grade.
He’s not shy about his goal of winning a premiership over the next few years.
“We achieved our goal last season of a top four finish. I’m looking forward to taking it further now the players believe they can go further.
“We have a real opportunity for the whole club to improve as our core group of players comes of age. Success across the board is not out of reach.”
This will be Andrew’s fourth consecutive year at the helm of reserve grade.
He says he was disappointed with last season’s conclusion but the youth of the team is encouraging.
“I’m sick of just missing out but I’ve got a good feeling about next season,” he said.
“Players like [Lachlan] Cook and [Ben] Leak will improve a lot with another year under their belt.”
Most of the squad has already committed to next season, but they will miss experienced defender Harry Ashley as he moves away.
