After just missing out on finals in the Geelong and District Football League, Werribee Centrals have made some amendments to their coaching structure.
Experienced local coach Nick Diker has joined the fold to give some off field support to playing-coach Rhyce Prismall.
Prismall said the addition of an experienced coach to help him on the sidelines will be invaluable to him and the team.
“It’ll be unique, because I am a playing coach, it’s an aspect that some people would see as an advantage but also a disadvantage,” he said.
“Every year that I’ve been in charge, I’ve been able to add more people to that gameday role to assist me.
“But we’re still a bit off the measure compared to the premiership sides in our competition.
“So, I think the more people we can add is only going to add to our advantage over the opposition.
“To add someone of Nick’s calibre and experience, it’s going to be huge for me not only to learn from him.
“A coaching panel that debates and questions and challenges each other is only going to improve each other and the players as well. It adds a different dynamic.”
The Centurions finished in 10th place in 2022, and rose to seventh this year, it what was a great development year.
“Our goal was to play finals this year, and then we thought it might be a bit of an overstretch,” Prismall said.
“But mid-season we were looking pretty good and it became a reality that we could make finals, but unfortunately it dropped away for a number of reasons.
“So, hopefully with a healthier list and adding some players as well as the addition of Nick, I think finals would be a bare minimum for us next year.”
The Centurions have been able to hold onto the vast majority of their playing list, which holds them in good stead going forward.
“I think we’ve been able to create an environment where people enjoy coming to training and really enjoy the functions,” Prismall said.
“We had a really good influx of young kids come through the club over the last couple of years, who are really good club people and who have grown up through our junior program together.
“Also the people who we’ve brought in aren’t there to just chase a premiership or their own glory, they’re there to really build something.
“That’s really exciting, they’re willing to spend their social time at our club and really improve it.”
Harper Sercombe
