NEW St. Joseph’s senior coach Ron Watt is approach the GFNL season with an open mind, as he prepares for his first match in charge at Drew Oval.
Joey’s take on North Shore in a standalone season opener, with the fixture brought forward to not clash with the ANZAC Day fixture with South Barwon.
“Everyone’s excited, you always get excited when football season rolls around again,” Watt said.
“I think it’s a terrific opportunity for St. Joey’s and North Shore to be in the spotlight for a little bit.”
READ: North Shore jump at chance to open season early
It’ll be a rather familiar opponent for Watt, who last coached at GFL level with the Seagulls, when he took them to a fourth flag in five seasons in charge with a grand final victory in 1997.
He’ll now be ironically leading the team he beat on that day in St. Joseph’s, after spending the last five years with Central Highlands club Gordon.
Watt said he’s been impressed since taking over ahead of the pre-season.
“The thing that stands out to me is the quality of people that are there,” he said.
“Whether it’s the support staff, the committee or whether it’s the players, all really good people who are invested in others.
“Football is all about people so we’re already at a great advantage.
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“I hope I can bring a real belief in what we’re capable of doing and why we’re actually doing what we do.
“I’m still learning about the players I’ve got a Joey’s and how they react in game situations.
“It’s all new and all pretty exciting.
“I think the good thing is just to coach and play and be involved in a little bit of dare.”
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