First-year Mandurah Mustangs league coach Mat Aitchison hasn’t wasted any time in installing his “do the work, earn the games” philosophy at his new club.
The former Swan Districts and Claremont player has taken over the reins at Rushton Park ahead of the 2018 Peel Football and Netball League season, looking to drive a new approach for a team hoping to climb off the depths of the ladder.
That approach centres around rewarding players putting in the work on the training track.
“We haven’t recruited anyone that can’t train with us at least once a week,” Aitchison said.
“Obviously that makes it tough when you’re trying to get guys from Perth to come and play for you, but that’s our philosophy.
“We’re a team, and I’ll play a bloke who has put in the work at training before anyone who can’t be part of the club during the week.”
It’s an old-school method in a new-school world of country footy, but Aitchison said he has been blown away by the response of his playing group.
“This is the most energetic group I’ve ever coached,” he said.
“I know when a new coach comes in and tries to install a bunch of different philosophies it can be hard for players to take in, but honestly, these boys have taken it in their stride and no one has taken a backwards step.
“Everyone here wants to be competitive, and they’re putting in the work to achieve that goal.”
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The Mustangs have welcomed back forward Jay Walton for the 2018 campaign, and will once again be led by captain Zac Podmore.
Stuart Puls and Mitchell White have taken up residency in the vice captains’ quarters.
But while those leaders will play key roles for the Mustangs this year, it’s the crop of colts players coming up the ranks that has the red and white dreaming of a bright future.
Mandurah’s colts finished second on the ladder last year, picking up 15 wins and a draw from their 18 games.
“The kids we have at our club, they’re our future, and we’ll be getting a fair amount of games into them this year,” Aitchison said.
“Just looking at the way some of them go about training, they look like they could dominate this league in a couple years.
“It’s going to take time but we’re investing in them, and so far they’re giving us every reason to be happy about that.”
The Mustangs open their season with a night fixture against Waroona at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday, April 7.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
