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Message from Steve


Preseason for 2018

After a consolidating Premier C campaign in 2017 which had the Senior Team missing finals by (%) only , we should all be looking forward to the 2018 season with great anticipation. After discussions with Dan Maitland and Jack Davis , the team at TRAININGWITHMATES have put together a challenging but extremely rewarding strength and conditioning program that will provide and deliver the playing group a real genuine advantage . As all successful seasons go, they start with a successful preseason. To the players, I won’t lie to you, as mentioned above there will be strength & conditioning elements to preseason training! But I will guarantee you, if you’re at session (1) and put the effort in to attend every session thereafter you will see improvement each day and come round (1) you will be prepared to start season 2018 in the best condition possible. This will give you a great base for the season ahead. Conditioning is not something that can be picked up in a (3) or (4) week period. Don’t expect to start training in February and be ready to play high level football in April. In short, you will get out of preseason what you want to get out of it. And we will take note of that.

The bulk of preseason training will involve developing strength , aerobic repeat effort fitness and training our game plan. Full ground exercises, game style and competitive training will be a feature. This is another reason to be there from day (1).

Preseason training will begin Monday 27th November at Mentone Grammar School. The training nights will be on Monday’s and Wednesday’s with optional Saturday morning sessions . There will be (8) weekly sessions before a break for Christmas . After a (4) week break we will resume training at MGS on Monday January 22nd (subject to venue availability), alternatively the 29th January ( will keep you posted). If you have aspirations to play at your highest level possible we expect to see you on day (1) of pre-season.

It has been an extremely busy off season with everyone involved continuing to put in countless hours to ensure we keep moving forward in building a strong foundation for sustained success and growth . I just wanted to acknowledge Nick Moodie our new U/19s coach for his efforts in recruiting U/19s players to the club . He has been outstanding and to date we have (22) players already committed to playing next year with a lot more still considering to come across . Well done Moods excellent work mate . In addition after a lot of discussions , meetings etc. we expect to see many new recruits / faces at the club & that makes preseason critically important . The one clear message to all the current playing group is we NEED to see strong player attendance numbers at pre-season training from day (1) , strength in numbers . With a lot of new U/19s and Senior players we do need to create an environment that welcomes and provides an environment for success. We as a club have implemented a strategy to be aggressive and not be pushed around by surrounding clubs . We have created an environment whereby players are wanting to come to , therefore lets please support the work .

Information has already been sent out for a Barefoot Bowls night on the 23rd November. Please make yourself available in what will be a great night and officially kicks off the 2018 season . We are also looking to have another day out at a winery , whereby busses provided with all players (men & women) , coaches , officials and partners headed out and enjoying a nice Sunday afternoon sampling some nice wines .

To our OMFC President , officials , committee, sponsors & supporters, thank you for your continued support. Rest assured our group of coaches will dedicate the time & effort to develop our entire playing group both on and off the field. We are in the fortunate position where our club is as strong as it’s been and we are driven to turn this into on-field success while developing our players for the greater walks in life.

Finally, if any players need more information/feedback/advice or just a general chat about the upcoming training schedule and/or the 2018 season please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0414721562.

I can’t wait to get the season started!.

Steve D’Andrea – Senior Coach


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