2016 Report – Colts coach Mark Foster

SEASON 2016 brought a year of change, with a host of personnel and structural changes made within the South Fremantle development academy. While improvement was seen there still remains plenty of room for improvement going forward. 

The colts program kicked off in mid-November with over 80 players invited to pre-season. Players were put through their paces from day one. Our overarching focus was a professional approach. Pre-season was gruelling but the playing group enjoyed plenty of fun along the way.

The camp bought the group together. It was evident early on that the players had bought into a 'team first' attitude. By March our list was narrowed down to 45, all whom have come from within our local and regional district. Dylan Brown was named captain and Boyd Woods vice-captain. Both boys did an outstanding job at leading the group all year. 

Round 1 was quickly upon us. Full of anticipation, no one knew what to expect and not many of us would’ve predicated what eventuated. A 104-point win over West Perth was the start we didn’t see coming. The playing group's ability to execute what was preached at training saw confidence grow.

In the coming weeks two tight wins over Swan Districts and East Perth put us on top of the ladder after the first three rounds. Round 5 became a top of the table clash against Perth. Both sides had missed last year’s finals series. We were keen to continue our winning form. Unfortunately, a last quarter fade out saw Perth secure top spot and our first loss for the season. 

During the early parts of the season State selectors cast a close eye over the colts group. Seven players were rewarded for their form and therefore selected in the WA 18s squad. Dylan Brown, Kyle Russell, Chad Pearson, Tim English, Shai Bolton, Jimmy Miller and Mitchell Dzelebdzic all had the honour of representing the back and gold. Unfortunately for Mitch a significant shoulder injury saw him miss the carnival and remain with the colts for the rest of the season.

Tim's brilliant year was capped off with All-Australian selection for his form at the national carnival. Tim’s form continued in the back half of the year playing reserves football and making his league debut against Perth in Round 23. 

The middle part of the season was always going to be a challenge. With a number of injuries and players away on state duties, our depth was going to be tested. However, it was an enjoyable part of the season as many players made their debut and others began to grow as players.

Daniel Burke, Bruno Faulkner, Antione Forrest-Yarran, Brodee Knight and Caleb Datson played some consistent football, while others were looking to cement their spot in the side. Jacob Warne was one player who worked tirelessly in the ruck.  

On the home stretch we found ourselves in a strong position vying for top spot. Shai Bolton’s form was outstanding. He bagged seven goals against East Perth which was as good as you will see. We then went on with Important wins over the top four teams being Claremont, Swans and East Perth. This saw us meet Perth in the final game of the home and away season, a win would see us finish as minor premiers.

Once again Perth had our measure, our worst performance for the year saw us go down by 30 points. It wasn’t the performance we were looking for heading into the finals. 

Throughout the finals series we weren’t able to replicate our best football against the best sides. Meeting an in-form Claremont in the qualifying final the boys tried gallantly all day, but couldn’t match the class of the Claremont who have been the bench mark over the past 10 years.

The 32-point loss saw us take on East Perth the following week in the first semi-final at Medibank. East Perth got out to a commanding lead in the first half, leading by 40 points at the main break. The group could have easily put up the white flag in the second half but an inspiring third quarter saw us within a goal in the last quarter. But East Perth powered away in the last quarter to book a Grand Final berth while for our group it was season over. 

It was a disappointing way to end the season but I was so proud of the way the players conducted themselves throughout the year. They embraced change, took a professional approach into every game and never gave up.

It's exciting for the club going forward with over 16 players integrating into the senior squad next year. Thanks to the whole playing group for the season, it was an enjoyable year and you were a pleasure to coach. All the best in whatever path you take in the future.

A lot of work goes into a colts program. As a coach I rely on a number of reliable, loyal and experienced people to help make the program a successful one. The sports science team headed by Toby Edwards did an outstanding job getting the playing group conditioned for a colts season. Toby and his team, thank you for your support this year.

We had an excellent medical team who had their work cut out this year, with an unusual run of injuries, Sam O’Neil, Rowan Pearce and the host of trainers put in a mountain of work to get the playing group healthy for game day. 

The quality support staff we had within the program made it an enjoyable environment to be around. Jeremy Nodari, Jason Osbourne, Rhys McFarland, Rosco, Lou and Harry thank you for all the time and effort you put it.  

I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by a number of quality coaches this year. Brent Irving (backs), Sam Buhagiar (midfield), Andrew Foster (forwards), Glen Davies (opposition analysis) and Dean Irving (ruck). Their ability to educate, teach and motivate was a contributing factor on the consistent improvement we saw all year. I thank you for the profound influence you all had on the group. 

One man deserves a lot of credit is Jason Pedulla. His ruthless, diligent and player first approach has set a strong foundation for the program going forward. Jason, I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for the development academy.

Stuart Kemp, David Depane, Todd Curley and the board, thank you for giving me the opportunity. It’s something I’m very grateful for and look forward to repaying the faith. 

Look forward to big and better things in 2017. 

Mark Foster
Colts Coach