Last time Whittlesea was promoted to division 1 of the Northern Football League, they went straight back down.
That was in 2014. This time around, the Eagles are keen to make sure that they don’t make the same mistakes
Back in the top division after beating Lalor in the division 2 grand final last year, the Eagles are using the hurt of 2014 to spur them on.
“We speak about it a lot,” coach Jim Atkins said. “Whatever we did last time round didn’t work. We have to improve to stay up. Fitness is the number one key, while we need to be cleaner with the ball. Efficiency cost us.”
Atkins said the club had been working hard to make sure it could take the steps needed to match it with the division 1 sides.
“We’ve been practising a lot to ensure we have better efficiency,” he said. “Bad decisions at crucial times would cost a goal and the game in 2014.
“The experience of the group will, we hope, help with that as well. Most have played 50, 60 to 100 games now.“
Keeping most of their list was the first thing for new coach Atkins. He replaced Brad Dean, who stood down after winning the premiership.
“Our number one priority was to keep the list from last year,” Atkins said. “We want to build from there. Last time we went up to division 1 we lost players and had to add to the list.”
Former AFL player Justin Sherman has joined the club as a playing assistant coach, while former captain Roy Dyson and 2012 premiership player Luke Deards has returned to the Eagles.
“Having these blokes at the club will be good for the group,” Atkins said.
“Guys like Justin and Roy have a lot of experience and they step up when the game is on the line.
“Justin has played under Leigh Matthews and Rodney Eade and he has been fantastic to listen to.”
But Whittlesea may be without reigning best and fairest winner Matt Dornauf for most of the season.
“He was invited to train with Essendon VFL and from all reports is doing really well there,” Atkins said.
“It’s a reward for the hard work he has been doing. He won our best and fairest last year by a mile.
“I hope he gets the opportunity.”
Whittlesea kicks off its season against West Preston Lakeside on April 9.
