EFNL 2022: How incoming Whitehorse coach Andrew Haining plans to lift Division 3 club

New Pioneers coach Andrew Haining reveals his plans to help the club climb the Eastern league Division 3 ladder next season ...

Incoming Whitehorse Pioneers mentor Andrew Haining is confident his group can climb the Eastern league Division 3 ladder next season as he embarks on a senior coaching career.

The ex-Montrose champion spent close to a decade plying his trade as a ruckman in the league’s top-flight and will serve in a playing capacity next season.

It signals the next chapter in a career which has taken in more than 200 matches and the Eastern league’s highest individual accolade – the Chandler Medal – in 2014 as the best and fairest in the top division.

He’s earned three Team of the Year gongs to go with a premiership in the second tier in 2013 and a life membership at Montrose.

Andrew Haining in action for Montrose. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Haining arrives at the Pioneers who finished the Division 3 season in sixth spot with a 6-10 record – six points from a finals berth.

They enjoyed wins over finalists Donvale and Coldstream, lost to last-placed Glen Waverley and ran preliminary finalist Warrandyte to within a kick.

Despite the inconsistent results, Haining believes confidence to be the key to bridging the gap on rivals.

“Just getting everyone on the one page,” Haining said.

“From what I’ve watched on the vision, there’s some good parts of play, but if I can improve everyone and get them on the one page, same game-plan (and) instilling a heap more confidence within the playing group – a confidence player will always play better.

“That’s my job is to instil as much confidence within the group as possible.

“If you’re beating top teams, you’re switched on, but if you’re losing to the bottom teams you’re taking each week for granted sometimes.

“I think it’s going to be a big step up with the guys playing 18 games opposed to 16. We’re ready to hit the ground running.”

The Pioneers placed sixth in Division 3 this year. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Haining said his stint as reserves mentor two years ago at Montrose ignited ambitions to become a senior coach, with the Pioneers’ emerging list making the job an attractive prospect.

“Similar to how Montrose were this year, they’re very young, so they’ve got a core young group,” he said.

“For my first coaching role, I wanted a younger playing list and that really excites me.

“They’re at that impressionable age where I can pass on a bit of knowledge.”

Haining helped a young Montrose outfit to its first finals appearance since 2014 this season, with it winning a final in Division 1.

He’ll look to split his time between the ruck duties, forward and calling the shots from the sidelines in 2023 as he hopes to develop the squad – including emerging ruckman Sam Bury.

“I was definitely getting towards the end (this year) and not wanting to play anymore but the way I ended the season has really given me confidence that I’ve still got a bit more in the tank,” Haining said.

“Being out there will be able to help me further coach the guys in the midfield.

“My plan with the club is long-term, it’s not just about winning today, it’s about setting them up for success in the future and I see myself only playing one or two more years. I’m keen to work with Sam and develop him as a ruckman, so I’ll balance my time.”

The new coach is confident the club would retain most of its senior list, headlined by the re-signing of best and fairest winner and Team of the Year representative, James Fasan.

It may welcome back some familiar names, but the focus remains on development as it hunts its first finals appearance since 2018.

“We’re keen on nurturing what we have, and growing within versus trying to get the big one-off recruit. It’s really important to us creating a warm, welcoming, family environment,” Haining said.

“We’ve got the women’s team who won the premiership, so it’s a strong culture already. I want to harness a lot of that and grow it.”