REECE Duncan’s first experience as a player-coach of a senior men’s football team has been a roller-coaster experience.
The ex-Millicent player has only previously coached women’s teams and jumped at the chance to lead the Mozzies in 2020.
But with the Mid South East Football League season under a cloud of uncertainty due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Duncan said it has been a challenging initiation.
“I certainly did not see my first year of coaching in the men’s competition go like this,” he said.
“But a thing like this only happens once every 100 years, so you just sort of roll with it and follow the guidelines.”
Fortunately for the Mount Burr players, a gym has remained open in the region and they have utilised its facilities to stay in shape.
Duncan said he has also set out a program so his men can work out at home during the lockdown period.
“We are actually lucky enough the local gym is allowed to run 10-person boot camps, so a few of the boys are getting into that,” he said.
“I also done up a program focusing on bodyweight type stuff like push ups, sit ups and planks, just things you can do in the comfort of your lounge room.
“All the boys have done the right things and stayed fit.”
Although Mount Burr’s scheduled trial match against East Gambier was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, the team was able to take steady steps during the summer months.
The Mozzies completed four sessions before the festive period, while the squad completed a camp in February at its home town, which included several team-bonding activities.
Duncan said he was pleased with the effort shown by his men.
“I think it is a cliché for every coach to say it, but we were tracking along nicely,” he said.
“We have done some internal game play and competitive stuff.
“On the Friday night of our camp, we did a town run carrying different pieces of equipment such as pallets and containers full of sand.
“On Saturday morning we had a local gym owner take us for a boxing session followed by a beer and a barbecue.
“We have had a bit of fun.”
After the months of hard work, Duncan said the optimism within the group was high before the restrictions came into play.
“It is a great team to be a part of because of there is a great atmosphere and culture at Mount Burr,” he said.
“We are still a pretty young side, but some have been part of multiple senior premierships, so they know the facts.
“The boys were very keen and excited for the season, but now we just have to wait.”
Although Duncan, Wil Bowering, Hamish Smith, Josh Murphy and Zac Watson are all new additions to the playing roster, the former has not looked to shake thing up.
He said he will use a simple coaching philosophy inspired by a family member.
“For me as a coach, you cannot change a players natural game,” he said.
“I spoke to an uncle of mine who has coached a lot of football and he said why do you go away from basics, because basics wins football.
“I try not to over complicate the game.”
If the Mid South East football season does begin in 2020, the new-look Mount Burr outfit appears ready to play.
