Dandenong Demons coach Mick Hawken wants to play finals football this season.By Glen Atwell
“WE want to play finals and even go one better.”
These were the determined words of Dandenong Demons coach Mick Hawken who has a bold vision for season 2007 in the Southern Football League Division Three competition.
In his second year in the top job at Greaves Reserve, Hawken believes his list is good enough to make the grade and possibly win the grand final.
“With Parkmore and Moorabbin out of division three, the competition is a little more open, the playing field is level,” he said.
“We’re definitely aiming to make the finals.”
The Demons just missed out on finals’ fever last season, but Hawken is confident the team is fitter, stronger and more determined to impress this year.
“A bad start to the season and some unfortunate injuries really cost us last year,” he said.
“At this time last year, we had about 35 blokes coming and going at training.
“This season that number is up around 70, despite the fact we haven’t had access to our ground.”
Dandenong is currently training on a patch of car park at the back of the Bennet Street clubrooms.
It’s not ideal, but it does the job.
Training has focused on fitness and short-ball skills, but Hawken is the first to admit that pre-season preparation hasn’t been perfect.
“It’s hard to work on forward-line structure and the drills you really need to be on a ground, but all clubs are in the same boat,” he said.
The Demons are hoping to train on Greaves Reserve from 1 April, but face a week in the dark when daylight savings ends next week.
“We’ve got a ground with lights ready to go, but next week when daylight saving finishes, we have nowhere to train,” Hawken said.
“I’m hoping the council will have a resolution soon.”
Dandenong recently announced super middleweight boxing champion Sam Soliman as its number-one ticket holder.
Hawken said Soliman’s presence at the club would have a positive impact.
“Sam is the nicest guy to have around, he can pump up the boys before a game, he’s very motivating,” he said.
“He will be around for a number of our games this season.”
Dandenong has scheduled a practice match against Tarwin Lower in Venus Bay on 31 April.
