Glenelg aiming to build on encouraging 2017 SANFL season under new coach Mark Stone

GLENELG coach Mark Stone will advocate a strong work ethic as he pushes the Tigers to improve on last season and climb back into the finals.

Glenelg player Elliot Chalmers and CEO Glen Elliot at Gliderol Stadium in Glenelg. Picture: MATT LOXTON

GLENELG’S new coach Mark Stone does not shy away from the admission he faces an imposing challenge in his first season at the helm of the Tigers.

His knowledge of the SANFL and its state league clubs is limited and he confesses to knowing little about even the Tigers.

That has meant hours and hours watching games on the computer, getting a rapid education on the competition, how it flows and the way teams go about their business.

That does not mean finding immediate success cannot be achieved and he can use former Sydney Swans colleague and friend Marty Mattner as glaring evidence it is very possible with a squad which buys into his methods.

“I know it can be done and I know it can be done at Glenelg.” Stone said. “We have lost 12 players and gained 15 so it is pretty much a new squad.

“We are coming together as a new group and learning about each other. And we know we have to do that quickly.

“We need to start with the things we can control. What people say about us outside that, whether that be the media or other teams, we can’t control that.

Glenelg's 2017 best and fairest Matthew Snook. Picture Mark Brake

“But we can change the perception of how we are seen by the things we can control, which is primarily effort, teamsmanship, culture and environment. Until the habits are really, really strong and allow us to be really competitive for long periods of time, that is where we start.

“That starts with training and approach to training, and how we approach each other.”

The Tigers were seemingly headed for the finals last season, only to fall of the rails in the final month with a succession of poor losses.

Stone said an old saying “you get what you deserve in this game” summarises last year. While he says it is not for him to make judgment on 2017, he said the message he has established is the side was not good enough, or hard enough, for long enough.

A former assistant with the Swans, West Coast and Fremantle, Stone has warned Tigers fans there will be ups and down this season, times when the side looks really good and times when it falls away and needs to be realigned quickly.

What he did notice watching the Tigers was an overuse of the handball and he will demand his players kick the ball more.

“Over-handballing invites pressure and does not create chemistry with your guys upfront,” he said.

His work will also involve a change in what the side does between the two 50m arcs.

“We finished last in inside 50s last year so we need some method to get the ball in there,” Stone said. “The opposition inside 50s were very big against us too.

“Between the arcs we have got to improve and that starts with effort and work-rate, we are going to be fit and strong and we will teach the guys to work for long periods of time.”

There have been more issues for Andrew Bradley and his shoulder. Bradley had surgery after round eight last year and missed the rest of the season. However, there were further complications and he had surgery again in December, putting him out of action until at least May.

Jesse White is a big recruit from Collingwood. Picture: Mark Stewart

LOOKING AHEAD

GUN RECRUIT

Jesse White has been lured to the Bay after a 10-year AFL career which included 127 games and 148 goals for Sydney and Collingwood. Gives the Tigers an imposing target in attack and White will also have a mentoring role for his young teammates.

ONE TO WATCH

New coach Mark Stone has been impressed with Josh Koster and Brad McCarthy, who was in the state under 18 program last year. Both have been impressive on the training track.

RISING STAR

Elliott Chalmers played a dozen league games last year so he has had a taste of the requirements of the top grade. He has the potential to cement a spot in the league side, although just where is the question. His versatility means he can be played in a raft of positions.

BIG OFF-SEASON

Jack Yates missed all last season after having a knee reconstruction and he has had a productive summer. Toby Cox and Cameron Buchanan have also been among the leading performers in pre-season.

2017 SEASON RECALL

FINISHED

Seventh

BEST & FAIREST

1. Matthew Snook

2. Jonty Scharenberg

3. Brad Agnew

LEADING GOALKICKER

Liam McBean 38