Cougars bring in youth for premiership tilt

UNIVERSITY is looking to the future as the start of the Allied Pickfords Cup approaches.

Jaiden Fidge of University. Photo: Kevin Farmer

AUSSIE RULES: By the time round one rolls along there’s a fair chance University will boast the youngest list across the Allied Pickfords Cup.

That isn’t worry coach Tony Bullen however, who is embracing the challenge of leading this group of young men towards a premiership tilt.

With 13 players aged 19 and under, Bullen is looking forward to what lies ahead in the new year.

“We’re not going too bad in terms of training,” Bullen said.

“We’ll have a young side this year which is going to change the way we play a little bit.

“Good numbers are starting to roll in so things are looking reasonable at the moment.”

Bullen said he anticipates the club will look to take full advantage of the pace in his players legs and try to stretch the field.

“Obviously the younger blokes will have the leg speed, so we want to change our game to use our strengths,” he said.

“There aren’t as many big bodies so we can’t afford to try and kick to packs, we’ll get out-muscled.

“But especially on bigger grounds we can try and expose some sides.

“Someone like Jack Lord is heading into his second season and will only benefit from the experience.

“Jaiden Fidge is another who has been in the system for a couple of years now, and we’re looking for players like him to take that next step.”

Bringing a new group together hasn’t been without its tests, however Bullen said the squad is on the right path for success.

“It’s good that they want to learn, but they want to do things at 100 miles an hour,” he said.

“We’ve had some guys come across from rugby and we’ve had to explain in different terms what we’re trying to achieve.

“It’s good for coaching. It tests you a bit more and the boys are responding well and are very keen.

“It’s about making sure they’re heading in the right direction.”

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