EDFL: Justin Sherman speaks on Craigieburn’s ongoing rebuild

Craigieburn coach Justin Sherman says his side has had to overcome “inner demons” before its drought breaking 959-day win as he continues to rebuild the Eagles.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day”.

It’s a saying Craigieburn coach Justin Sherman is living by as he aims to rebuild the Essendon District league club.

The Eagles were relegated to Division 1 for the 2022 season after they went winless last year in 12 Premier Division games.

On Saturday, they broke through for their first win since the 2019 grand final – a wait of 959 days.

Since then, the club has undergone significant changes to its playing list while Sherman has come on board to replace premiership Lance Whitnall.

The opening three rounds had been a rollercoaster for the Eagles, losing to premiership contender West Coburg by 36 points in round one.

A 129-point drubbing at the hands of Airport West followed before they fell narrowly short against Roxburgh Park, losing by two points.

Justin Sherman previously coached in the NFNL. Picture: David Crosling

But now Sherman believes his side’s development is there for all to see.

“As long as we keep improving, we will be okay,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of new faces coming in the door and there’s been an adjustment period to a new coach, a new game plan.

“Guys have been putting in hard work behind the scenes and Saturday’s win was well deserved.

“There’s been some inner demons we’ve had to overcome and there’s been some definite feelings aired about the battle the boys have faced.

“But they’re all determined to help move our footy club forward.”

When Sherman arrived at the Eagles, he knew he had a monster rebuilding job ahead of him.

And one of his first steps was beginning to establish a “club-wide” culture which flowed through from the seniors to the junior program.

“We’re aiming to build the culture and confidence of everyone,” he said.

“And we’re going to do that by continuing to work hard as players and individuals.

“We want to grow as a club, not just a senior team.

“It’s so important to have a strong junior set up and pathway into the senior teams because they are the future of any club.

“That’s why it’s important we continue to strengthen the four walls at Craigieburn.”

Craigieburn won the 2019 Division 1 premiership. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Among one of the biggest headlines after Sherman’s appointment as coach was the return of Jake Carlisle to his junior club after he retired from the AFL.

The star recruit has not yet been sighted on the field but has taken up a role as an assistant to Sherman, who has previously coached Lauriman (NFNL) and Kyabram (GVL).

“He’s a bit of a natural if I’m honest,” Sherman said of the former Essendon and St Kilda utility.

“Jake has been outstanding and we’ve got a great relationship as I do with all of our coaches. He’s been focusing off the field more than anything because he’s really enjoying it.

“His work has been in the player development space and the young guys are thriving off him.

“He’s been one of the pillars for the improvement in our group so far this season.”

Brodie White (right) has been impressive to start the season. Picture: Hamish Blair

Several new faces introduced into the Eagles’ line-up in 2022 have been impressive starts to the season including Amos Farrell and Corey Middleton, a former junior who returned to the club, who have been named in the best three times.

Meanwhile forwards, Brent Gordon (nine goals) and Sam Rexhepi (15) have 24 majors between them.

Familiar faces Billy Morrison and Brodie White have also enjoyed excellent starts to the season.

Now with their first win behind them, Sherman hopes his side can push further up the ladder.

“All it takes is one week to turn it around,” he said.

“We’ve got no set target on what we want to achieve this season but we would love to play finals.

“Anything is possible as long as we continue to improve.”

The Eagles will travel to take on Hillside this weekend.