Senior Nelson Bay Marlins AFL Club teams are already working to put a disappointing 2018 season behind them and starting afresh in the new Hunter and Central Coast league.
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The Marlins men, women and reserve sides began training at the end of November, before Black Diamond AFL was ousted as the region’s operator and replaced by AFL Hunter Central Coast, in an effort to be as prepared as possible for the 2019 season.
“Last year was difficult for us,” head coach Sean McGrath said. “We lost 12 of our core players in the men’s side before the season started then had six season-ending injuries in the women’s side.
“We’ve made some changes in the off-season. We want to not only get the men’s teams back in the finals with the women, but to chase the ultimate success for all three sides.”
Last year was the first time since the inception of the Black Diamond AFL women’s competition in 2015 that Nelson Bay was not a grand-finalist.
The Marlins were knocked out the grand-final race with a preliminary final loss to Wyong.
A majority of the women have returned to the team this year, which will be coached by Dean Purtle.
He was appointed the coaching role in December.
“One of the things I really like about this team is the consistency. More than 20 girls turn out to training every week and it has a great team culture,” Purtle said. “This is a new challenge for me but one I am looking forward to.”
The Marlins first grade men’s team was all but gutted at the beginning of last season with 12 players departing. The loss reflected the team’s season – it finished ninth on the ladder (third last) with just three wins.
McGrath said he was optimistic about the 2019 season.
So far, only two core players have said they will not return this season: Jayden Rymer, who has been offered a contract with Broadbeach AFL Club, and captain Adam Grinyer who is moving overseas for work.
“We've retained everyone else and got five new guys so we have a fairly settled group already,” McGrath said. “There is a change in dynamic of the group but we're excited about this year.”
The five new players have been brought up from the Marlins junior club’s under-17 team.
McGrath described each young man as a “quality player” that would assist the men’s and reserve team.
The Marlins reserve squad finished last season at the bottom of the ladder.
It is not yet known how the league change will affect the participating clubs.
All teams that played in the Black Diamond AFL will return and the structure will largely remain the same, McGrath said.
The club is still seeking volunteers for the 2019 season and a reserve coach. Anyone interested can contact McGrath on 0407 835 162 or via email: seanmcgrath20@gmail.com.
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