Mark Neeld already having positive impact on South Barwon squad after GFL coaching announcement

Former AFL coach Mark Neeld has not been in his new South Barwon role long, but already the Swans are experiencing the difference an elite program has to offer.

Football GFL: South Barwon v St Mary's South Barwon 18 Jackson Carmody is tackled by St Mary's 31 Trent McMullin Picture: Mark Wilson

SOUTH Barwon president Tim Sherman believes new coach Mark Neeld is the perfect fit for the Swans, with “big plans” already mapped out for next season.

The club announced the former AFL coach would take on the coaching role for 2023 after Dave Farrell left the Swans and took on a role at Ocean Grove.

Sherman said there was an “excitement” around the changes Neeld planned on making for next season.

“The game plan he’s spoken about is certainly a little different to what we’ve had over the last few years, so it’ll be interesting to see how quickly the boys can take that on and make it work for us,” he said.

South Barwon missed finals in 2022. Picture: Mark Wilson

“It’s funny, with an AFL or an ex-AFL coach, everyone has this expectation that he’ll come in with all these magic potions and all these weird and wonderful theories.

“At the end of the day they’re doing it with very similar theories and processes, and it just comes down to who can do it best.”

South Barwon has lost ruck Luke Davis, who was named in the GFL team of the year for 2022, and James Syddall to Barwon Heads in the BFL, but the Swans have signed Chris Hughes (St Bernards) and Ben Kellett (North Warrnambool) for next year.

Sherman said the club was primed for success, despite the big-named losses from last year’s squad.

The Swans lost some key players, but still expect to challenge for finals next season. Picture: Mark Wilson

“Neeldy has made it clear that he’s here for success, he’s not the type of guy that would take on a job like this just for the fun of it,” he said.

“There’s a couple of new additions that we’re really excited about, and hopefully we can get a few more in over the next couple of weeks.

“The boys are really keen and just want to get into it and see what Neeldy has to offer, there’s just that excitement that comes with something that’s new.

“He’s certainly got a clear direction there, what it looks like and has a blueprint on how we’re going to get there.

“So that’s really clear and all the players are on board for that.

“They’re starved for success a bit, it’s going to be a long haul but step-by-step he’ll map it out and show what needs to be done in order to achieve those big plans and become a successful club again.”

Originally published as Mark Neeld already having positive impact on South Barwon squad after GFL coaching announcement