Border Mail | IT has been almost a decade since Peter Copley was in the coaches box.
Thurgoona has managed to lure out of retirement a man with one of the most envious coaching records in district football.
A former star wingman with Lavington, Copley started his coaching career with Holbrook in 1991, enjoying instant success, guiding the Brookers to the flag.
He went on to coach Culcairn (1993) and powerhouse Mitta United (2004-05) to flags before retiring.
Now back in charge, the man with the Midas touch said while some things may have changed, football was not one of them.
“As long as you have got a good crew around you, footy’s footy,” Copley said.
“You just have to get the ball and, at the end of the day, what has changed?
“We like to think it’s changed because we like to make it more complicated than it is.
“But football is still a pretty simple game — you get the ball, you kick more goals and you win the game.”
While football may remain the same for Copley, one thing that has changed at the Bulldogs is their list.
Only nine players who endured last year’s preliminary final loss against fierce rival Mitta United played in the opening round against Dederang-Mount Beauty last week.
Copley said several players who played in the club’s reserves grand final win last year would be given opportunities.
“The seconds were successful and we will promote as many players from that group as we can,” he said.
“We have really focus- ed on that group. A lot of players in that group have done the work and will be given senior opp- ortunities.
“I couldn’t be happier with my support crew with Craig Cleary, Neville Hensel and Tony Mellican lending a hand. They have plenty of experience.
“Kade Brown and Sam Cross have been appointed assistant coaches — a perfect fit for where they are at in their careers.
“We are just trying to promote the blokes who have been around the club for a while and see where it takes us.”
After a thumping win against the Bombers last week, Copley said there was no bigger test than facing Kiewa Sandy Creek, the raging flag favourite.
“Kiewa-Sandy Creek remain the benchmark. They have kept the same group together, added a few classy recruits, know each other’s game plan and have been well coached over the years,” he said.
“We will know where we stand on Saturday.”
