By Trevor Jackson
IT will be a return to a familiar role for Steve Wenman when he takes the reins of the West Gambier Football Club senior squad for the 2021 season.
Wenman has been reinstated after 2020 coach Cameron Sandercock chose not to return to the head role.
Unfortunately Sandercock had little to do in season 2020, with the Roos not participating in the “Super League” competition.
Wenman said the commitment, along with a newborn baby, has faced Sandercock to reevaluate his position, but he is hopeful he may return to Malseed Park as a player only.
Wenman said initially he was not interested in the role after two years building the side up prior to Brad Wilson taking on the main job.
However, after a chat to Wilson and a bit more thought he thought he woul give it another go.
“I think it will be different this time around,” he said.
“Brad was keen for me to take over from him when he was coaching.
“He explained it would be a different coaching gig to what I had done.
“The team is a lot more mature and probably a lot more coachable with that maturity.”
Wenman said the experience of playing finals – specifically a grand final – would also play a major role in the growth of the young side.
“They were really good last year,” he said.
“I think they learnt what it takes to put a complete season together.
“We had some good wins along the way but to have a complete season and make the grand final you learn a lot.
“You come up against North in a grand final and they have played in and won so many over the last eight years.
“We only had about three or four guys who had senior grand final experience before so it was a big learning curve for us.”
Wenman said the grand final loss to North Gambier was also something driving the side towards season 2021, with a real desire to atone for that performance.
“They are definitely hungry,” he said.
“Losing a grand final stings.
“We have had a long time to sit and stew over that grand final.”
With time on his side Wenman plans to use it to his advantage and hit the training track early with his refreshed players.
“We will start on November 12,” he said.
“We have had the year off and probably are a bit fresher and more eager than other teams.
“We want to have a long slog and build that tank back up and carry on where we left off.
“We want to be a good side for along time, not for just one year.
“Next year we want to make the finals, we know we have the team and if luck goes our way can push deep into the finals.”
