Premiership coaches boost Sharks

With a winless 2016 behind them, Albany are hoping they can bring a fresh approach to the new season as ex-Railways premiership duo Scott Sedgwick and Kim Mayfield take over the coaching reins.

After announcing former North Albany premiership coach Mick Mustey would lead the club in 2017, the Sharks were forced to part ways with Mustey in March due to personal isssues.

The club moved swiftly to replace Mustey with Sedgwick and Mayfield set to provide the Sharks with a wealth of country football experience.

In a boost to the Sharks ruck stocks, they have confirmed the addition of premiership ruckman Stewart Davies, who has moved on from the Kangas.

The inclusion of Davies will allow newly appointed captain Rick Wallis to move into the forward line, according to Sedgwick.

“Davies will give us first use of the ball out of the middle so he’ll be very handy,” he said.

“That will allow us to have Wallis playing as a true centre half-forward.

“It’s worked really well so far having Rick playing up there so we’re pretty happy with that setup.”

Despite the less-than-ideal start to the season, Sedgwick said his side would be ready for the opening round.

“The group is going good — it’s been really positive at training, everyone’s upbeat and looking forward to the start of the season,” he said.

The Sharks will lose key backman Tom Dunn, Henry Graham, Josh Duane and Jordan Wallam while colts players Jaike Dale and Brandan Woods have also moved on.

Jesse Ruckwood is expected to slot into the side’s forward line after moving across from Mt Barker.

Sedgwick said he would implement more rotations with an emphasis on maintaining possession.

“We’ll be focussed on rotating players off the bench rather than resting them on the field,” he said

“We’ll be playing possession football — we want to handle the ball and use the ball well this year.

“Last year we turned it over too much which led to a lot of easy goals for the opposition.”