Ben Turner will coach Lower Plenty in 2020 despite likely relegation from NFL Division 1

It’s been a “steep learning curve” for Lower Plenty in Division 1 this season and the Bears are sticking with coach Ben Turner to guide them again in 2020.

Lower Plenty coach Ben Turner. Picture: Josie Hayden

Lower Plenty will keep faith with coach Ben Turner in 2020 despite likely relegation.

Turner guided the Bears to the NFL Division 2 premiership and promotion in 2018 but the club has scored just two wins in a testing return to Division 1.

Regardless of the outcome, Turner said he’d made a commitment in pre-season to continue building the club.

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“Being appointed for 2020 and being a part of this club is an enjoyable experience for me,” he said.

“At the start of the season, the chats with the committee, we talked about 2020 and what it might look like.

“We made a commitment for 2020, not based on results at that stage, just being at the front and coach of the football club.”

Lower Plenty is sticking with Ben Turner in 2020. Picture: Hamish Blair

The Bears made the perfect start to the season, knocking off rivals Montmorency in Round 1.

However, a serious ankle injury to captain and reigning Division 2 best-and-fairest Patrick Flynn in Round 2 was a devastating blow.

Lower Plenty’s second win of the season, a stunning upset over second-placed Heidelberg in Round 6, snapped a six-game losing streak.

Turner conceded the top flight had proved a steep learning curve for the Bears.

“We’ve learnt a hell of a lot about our group and the level we need to get to in Division 1,” he said.

“It’s been a big jump but, hopefully, we when we reflect at season’s end it’s one we’ll benefit from.

Kyle Galloway rucks against Thomas Blake. Picture: Hamish Blair

“The season started wonderfully well, getting a win against your neighbour in the fashion that we did, but we had some hard lessons straight up after that.

“Then to get the win over Heidelberg at home was a really memorable one and certainly instilled belief in the group.”

The Bears face Macleod (home), Heidelberg (away), Greensborough (home), North Heidelberg (home) and Montmorency (away) in a horror run home.

Turner said preliminary talks regarding the club’s playing list for next season had started.

“Nothing major, we’re just starting that process now,” he said.

“Our intentions are to retain our playing list — that’s our primary objective — and once we’re aware of our situation for 2020 we’ll concentrate on what we need to bring into the football club.”

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