Border Mail |
STEP by step, Wodonga Saints are building their way up. The Tallangatta and District Football League club has won four matches this season and lost another four by less than four goals, while off the ground it unveiled its new clubrooms at the weekend.
BRETT KOHLHAGEN spoke to Saints coach Terry Burgess about the club’s steady rise.
BRETT KOHLHAGEN: You have been coach of Wodonga Saints for almost two years, how have you seen the club’s progress in that time?
TERRY BURGESS: It’s been huge really. We have pretty much gone from a club that had been fairly uncompetitive to a club that is not far away from being really competitive. We have still got work to do but I believe that will come in time. It’s all started to happen quickly in the past 12 months. After being beaten by 175 points every week to almost kicking the same amount of points you have kicked against you is a big improvement in anyone’s language.
BK: Were you reluctant to take it on?
TB: Initially yes. It was more so from a mind-set and energy level point of view. I understood it was going to be a significant challenge. I guess the boys kept coming and approaching me and we got to the point where we had some detailed conversations about where the club was exactly at. Once I was given all the information it didn’t sound as big as people believed it to be. It wasn’t the basket case that it was perceived to be.
BK: Did you gain any confidence from what Thurgoona has been able to achieve?
TB: Definitely. If you get the right people involved and stick to the plans eventually you will get there.
BK: I get the feeling you have a lot of unfinished business?
TB: Definitely, on and off the ground. The integration of the football and netball needs to be worked on and the junior aspect of the club also needs to be addressed.
BK: The low point?
TB: I don’t think I have had one because we probably started at that point. The courage and commitment of the players has motivated myself, Clayton Wood and the rest of the committee.
BK: How far away are Wodonga Saints from playing finals?
TB: We aren’t that far away. With some luck with recruiting over the off-season I think we might be able to get there next season or soon after that.
BK: What’s been the highlight of the journey?
TB: I think it’s the clubrooms scenario. It’s a big achievement.
BK: How big?
TB: From my time, it was the most important thing for the club to achieve for its next lot of progression. In terms of what it can offer supporters, members and players it opens up many opportunities. It will be fantastic being able to get exposed to a bigger revenue stream and it will be a real multi-purpose thing as well with training and meetings.
BK: How did the official opening go on Saturday?
TB: It was very well attended. We had a real cross section of current and past people and the junior components of the club in football and netball. It was fantastic to see. The project has brought a lot of people and players around the club together. There is a real sense of pride.
BK: What’s your future with Wodonga Saints?
TB: It’s something we will talk about, but I’ll be there in some capacity.
