JOEL Fisher will start his coaching career at Moyhu tomorrow, knowing full well the spotlight will be on him.
The 2011 premiers start their Ovens and King season with a home Good Friday clash against Greta, with a big crowd expected at Norm Minns Oval.
Rookie playing coach Fisher, 31, who replaces premiership mentor John McNamara, said expectations at the Hoppers hadn’t changed.
“There is always expectation at Moyhu. There is expectation they do make finals and go well in them,” the former Wangaratta player said.
“With the side we’ve got I can’t see why we wouldn’t be up there this year.”
The Hoppers are likely to unveil boom recruits Anthony Welsh and Nathan Thompson but Andrew Balfour (suspension) and Ben Waite (hamstring injury) will miss.
Greta is also set to unveil some new faces, with Harley Dalgleish and Kieran McInerney to don the Blues jumper for the first time.
Dan McLaughlin, who is entering his third season as Greta’s playing coach, said it would be a good chance for his side to measure itself against a team expected to finish in the top five.
“It’s round 1 and it’s a good chance to see where we are at,” the 33-year-old said.
“Moyhu will be one of the teams to beat again.
“We’ll have a couple of new faces but the majority of our list will be there.
“I’m expecting we’ll be competitive with those top-four, top-eight sides.”
Traditional rivals Greta and Moyhu will start the season, while Milawa travels to Bonnie Doon.
The opening round will conclude with five games on Saturday.
After a long pre-season, Fisher said his group was excited to be getting into the season proper.
“It’s exciting to be playing Friday night,” he said.
“There’s a big build-up for the first game so we are looking forward to it.
“I’ve got no idea what they’re going to be like.
“You’ve just got to respect them.
“There’s a big rivalry between the two so I’d say it will be pretty hard fought, especially the first five minutes.”
Greta finished seventh last year and Moyhu fifth, and both are expected to be pushing hard for a finals spot.
The thirds start at 3pm and the reserves at 5pm.
By - CHRIS MITCHELL.
March 28, 2013
http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/1394943/rookie-coach-fisher-aiming-to-live-up-to-expectations/?cs=10#
Last Modified on 29/03/2013 12:02