Roosters game plan to alter course under new coach

North Adelaide interim coach Michael Handby has predicted subtle changes to the game plan against Central District in Elizabeth as he attempts to stamp his own brand on the Roosters.

NORTH Adelaide’s interim coach Michael Handby, above, has predicted subtle changes to the game plan for this weekend’s clash against Central District in Elizabeth as he attempts to stamp his own brand on the Roosters.

Having replaced Ken McGregor as coach on Tuesday, Handby said the game plan would be in reconstruction mode for the next few weeks. But Handby has emphasised he is in the position on an interim basis as he continues his coaching education.

“I’m excited by the opportunity,’’ the former South Adelaide midfielder said. “It came a lot quicker than expected but it is an interim gig.

“You only get one crack, the football world is brutal.

“I do want to have a shot at it in the future but my plan now is to get respect back for the club, improve the mood around the place and galvanise the club again.

“Sometimes change can breathe some fresh air. Once you get into a rut it can be hard to get out of it.

“When you get into a situation where you have won one game and are under performing ... it was similar to when I was a player at South.’’

The Roosters have sunk to the bottom of the ladder following the loss to Glenelg before last weekend’s bye.

Adelaide will challenge Woodville-West Torrens with a distinct height advantage at Woodville.

The Crows, coming off a confidence-boosting win over Sturt before last weekend’s bye, have named three players over 200cm — Jack Osborn, Luke Lowden and Reilly O’Brien — while another seven are over 190cm. Fraser Thurlow is the only Eagle above 200cm and he has six team-mates who top 190.

The Eagles also had a bye last week and they have endured a testing week on the training track to ensure the players are switched on for the battle.

“This group is extremely hungry and coming off a bye does not concern me,’’ Eagles coach Michael Godden said.

“We have had a heavy focus on us this week.

“Adelaide is very much developing their own so you know what to expect.’’

The Crows conquered the Eagles comfortably in both contests last year but Godden is confident his players are better placed this season. They have won all seven games since dropping their season- opener against West Adelaide.

Co-captain Luke Thompson, a member of the Crows last year, has been ruled out with an ankle problem.