Sharks coach looking forward

Newly appointed Albany Football Club league coach Peter Larkins is confident he is the man to take the Sharks forward ahead of their second season in the Great Southern Football League’s premier competition.

After the Sharks finished their first league season in the competition winless and at the foot of the table, Larkins was adamant 2013 would be about gaining respect and making the Sharks into a more competitive outfit.

“We have got to be competitive, win, lose or draw,” Larkins said.

“Every time we take the field I don’t want any side thinking they have an easy game.

“I want to develop the kids and build a competitive side … people get discouraged getting beat every week.”

The 41-year-old was announced by the Sharks last month replacing inaugural coach Joe Galantino, and will move to Albany before the new year where his first order of business will be to build player stocks.

“I want to get around and contact the players from last year firstly, make sure they are all committed,” Larkins said.

“I also want to contact potential recruits and try and bring some more mature footballers to the club. I’ve got a 21-year-old son, he will join us and play, and we will speak to guys looking for a change and give them the opportunity to develop.”

Larkins said he was fully aware of the situation he was stepping into but had no hesitation in applying for the job.

“It will be a challenge but it will be good,” he said.

“I am working hard already on building numbers, talking to younger guys but we don’t want to poach players.

“The way the league will move forward is having six successful clubs. We have a group here that are 15 to 20-year-olds and it is a good opportunity to get with them and try and develop their footy.”