Greensborough to use dual grand final defeats to fuel 2020 campaign
Greensborough coach Mick Harford described last season’s dual grand final defeats as a “bloody difficult time of year” but is confident the club is ready to contend again in 2020 despite the loss of a star midfielder.
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Greensborough coach Mick Harford has described last season’s shock grand final defeat as a “bloody difficult time of year” as the NFL Division 1 outfit sets its sights on redemption in 2020.
The Borough entered the decider against West Preston-Lakeside as a hot favourite after a dominant season but failed to deliver its best when it mattered most.
But Harford has no doubt Greensborough will be contenders again this year after falling one step short of the ultimate prize in the seniors and reserves.
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“We had a bad half an hour, maybe an hour, for the whole season,” Harford said.
“For us, there’s just a box that’s still unticked. We ticked a lot of boxes last year but that one wasn’t ticked.
“Our team target was to only give away eight goals a week – two goals a quarter – and they only kicked eight goals. The only part of the game I didn’t plan on was us not kicking enough goals.”
Star midfielder Charlie Molyneux is the only departure from the Greensborough’s senior grand final side.
Molyneux played 27 games in his two seasons with the club, kicking 25 goals and earning a mention in the best on 21 occasions.
Harford poured cold water on rumours David Ellard was set to return from Western Australia but hinted at recruiting announcements in the coming weeks.
“(Charlie) did sign with us before Christmas, so we thought it might have been put to bed, but his fiance got a great job in Adelaide,” Harford said.
“It’s disappointing because he’s a great player and a great human being, but we shook his hand and thanked him and we move on.
“I heard those rumours but David’s pulled the pin in Perth.
“I had a bit of a laugh when I heard that and I got a phone call from the president asking if it was true.”
Mitch Merkel will return to Greensborough full-time, while reigning Rosbrook Medallist Tom Bell, Nick Riddle and Daniel McLinden have come back in top shape after spending the summer in the Northern Territory Football League.
After losing just two games last season, Harford said his team would have a target on its back this year.
“Everyone is improving and clubs are recruiting, it’s going to be challenging, we don’t for one minute think 17 wins are going to fall into our laps,” he said.
“We’re all chasing West Preston, back-to-back premiers, that’s everyone’s challenge.”
Greensborough will kick off its 2020 campaign with a road trip to face promoted Whittlesea on Saturday, April 4.
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