Back to Back South Broken Hill Senior Coach Craig Thomas has hit the ground running with the Queensland Bombers team Alexandria Hills AFC as their new Senior Coach.
Since being appointed post the 2015 season Thomas has had his new Club on the training track since November in preparation for what will be a challenging season. Arriving at a Club that finsihed 9th of 10 teams (with 1.5 wins) is poles apart from two amazing years at the South FC that resulted in two flags and very few losing games.
In true Thomas style he has won over the player group with his brutal honesty and attention to detail. "The grounds up here are very short but wide so the game plan needs some tinkering and the GP's have been well utlilised to provide invaluable feedback to a young but keen playing list".
Coaching in the 2nd tier QFA competition will be a steep learning curve for Thomas who has already had to deal with a revolving door of Players that leave due to work or the opportunity to play in higher divisons. Added to the off field challenges is the lack of a salary cap which means the Club has to work overtime to secure players. Dealing with recruiting and player contracts has been exciting and challenging at the same time.
"Our facilites are really excellent with a great oval that includes the Clubrooms within the oval. This leads to corporate hospitality issues and has been a real eye openor to the Business of Football".
"On field despite the loss of several players I am really pleased with the attitude of the Players and how they have responded to my training regime which features 3 sessions on the track and another night of alternate training including weights. We currently average 35 plus at training and I will need to reduce this to a senior training list of 32 by our first pre seasons games at the end of February. I have a senior assistant coach and two other line coaches so its a pretty professional setup; the expectations are high which creates some genuine pressure to tick all the boxes". "
I have a one year contract and both the Club and myself will review 2017 as this season unfolds.
With all the drama's of the Melbourne Bombers this is one Bombers team that all Broken Hill football fans will follow with real interest. As for missing Broken Hill Thomas was quick to point out he was missing a good PIE!
Last Modified on 17/02/2016 19:21