By Hayley Wildes
After a disappointing 2017 campaign that saw the Hawks finish 10th with just five wins in Division 1 of the Eastern Football League, there was a sense that change was needed at Rowville Football Club.
And change things up they did.
As Rowville President Paul Mynott explains, they have brought in new coaches at every level, highlighted by the appointment of John Brown as Division 1 head coach.
“We turned over our entire coaching staff – from U19s, through to development and seniors. I think sometimes when you turn over a complete coaching staff, it’s like a breath of fresh air to the playing group.” He said.
“Pete [Bastinac] was there for four years and his time was up – he’d done a great job for the club but it was time to move on. We’ve got in new coaching staff and I think the playing group has really got around Browny and everyone is out to impress all those new coaches. There’s a fair bit of buzz around the place at the moment.”
Brown’s influence on the team has been profound, but he is also having a positive effect on the entire club.
“We wanted a club coach, not just a coach of the team. When we advertised for the role and guys got interviewed, we actually wanted a guy that was going to coach the footy club and that’s not just the senior side – it’s the reserves and the whole junior club.” Mynott said.
“He’s really positive and his communication skills are great. He’s been fantastic so far, and we’re only a couple of games in, but I’ve had many, many people say how happy they are with how he’s going.”
Along with the appointment of Brown, the Hawks recruited heavily as they looked to bounce back from a tough 2017.
Ex-Noble Park trio Ziggy Alwan, Trent Robertson and James Gwilt have added experience and flair to the Hawks, whilst Rowville juniors Matt Tranyor and Aaron Bond have returned to the club after stints in the VFL.
Mynott spoke about what Gwilt has brought to the club – both on and off the field.
“Jimmy has been fantastic – he’s come on as a player and assistant coach. He’s obviously played 150 games of AFL and I think what he brings to the club is more than just a player, but certainly experience and leadership as well.” He said.
“He’s been fantastic and has always got a smile on his face – he’s a really likeable guy.”
The Hawks needed to recruit heavily, given the talent that did leave the club after season 2017. Cam Manuel – who Mynott described as ‘one of the best players in the competition’, Jordan Bastinac and Jake Dermott all went elsewhere.
“We lost some significantly good players, but we think that the ones we’ve lost, we replaced with guys that are just as good.” Mynott said.
Mynott’s hopes for the remainder of the season are simple.
“Obviously every club, every president, every coach and every player wants to have a goal that they’re going to play senior finals at the end of the year and that’s not going to change.” He said.
