New coach to see milestone

SHAUN O'Loan isn't one to over-complicate things.

Shaun O’Loan is excited by the prospect of coaching Goodna A grade in the club’s centenary season. . Picture: David Nielsen

SHAUN O'Loan isn't one to over-complicate things.

Given his record as a coach, he doesn't need to.

The man to lead Goodna in next year's Ipswich Rugby League boasts A grade titles at both Goodna and Brothers and multiple Brothers junior titles on his resume.

O'Loan was approached to take on the job at Goodna and admits part of the temptation was being involved in the club's 100th year anniversary in 2012.

"That's a big plus," he said.

"I think it is exciting.

"I've still got good mates I used to play with there."

O'Loan sees his communication skills as one of his biggest assets.

"I talk to everybody and I can coach," he said.

"Nothing is going to happen overnight but Goodna was not too far off the pace this year.

"It was a turbulent year but we all want to make it a family club and move forward."

O'Loan coached under Chris Fullarton at the Ipswich Jets in the 1990s and the pair are mates.

But they have not spoken about Fullarton's early sacking in his first year in charge at the club.

Fullarton's premature end came on the back of a player rebellion after the coach had tried to impose stricter protocols at the club.

But O'Loan doesn't foresee any such problems.

"The players I've spoken to are willing to train," he said.

"I'm just going to use the skills I've got and work it out as we go.

"Forget about this year, let's be happy and think positive.

"If I get 10 to training, or 20 or 50, let's go forward."

O'Loan's methods are proven, with Brothers A grade and the under-18s he coached to a surprise grand final triumph this season.

So he is sure to try and instil some of the Brothers' magic at Goodna.

"I was one of the ones that helped put them in shape," he said of his time coaching Brothers A grade.

"Between Mick Wilson and myself and Heath McQueen and Graham Halls, we put the model in place.

"We certainly know how to turn it around."

The key is having good leaders at the club and O'Loan has spoken to former club captain Craig Wehrman about a role with the club in 2012.

"We both agree on some things," O'Loan said. "But about him playing I'm not sure."

O'Loan's priority is to re-sign this year's players before looking at recruiting anybody else.

Until he knows who he's got, it is hard to make predictions but O'Loan intends being involved in the 2012 semi-finals.

"The first goal is to get a group together who want to play footy," he said. "I've just got to wait and see what I've got."

Goodna Eagles' pre-season training begins at Richardson Park, Brisbane Terrace, on Thursday, November 3, at 6.30pm with all players welcome.

Originally published as New coach to see milestone