MPFNL: Karingal ‘building from the ground up’ under coach Nathan Burke

Karingal’s winless start to the MPFNL Division 2 season hasn’t dented new coach Nathan Burke’s enthusiasm. He talks about the Bulls’ progress and challenges across the first six rounds.

Nathan Burke says his players “have been amazing”. Picture: Facebook

A couple of weeks ago, Karingal’s senior coach Nathan Burke made a heartfelt appeal to Bulls supporters to get behind his young side.

“If you are thinking of coming along then now is the time,’’ Burke wrote in his weekly club report.

“Don’t wait until we are back fighting for flags. The club needs you now. Be a part of the journey and get swept up in the effort and resilience this young group is showing.’’

Six rounds into the season, Burke is seeing promising signs despite a winless start in Mornington Peninsula league’s Division 2.

The Bulls have faced a baptism of fire, coming up against five of the top six teams in their opening matches, but Burke remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory.

“We’re getting better every week,” he said after Saturday’s 76-point loss to Chelsea, which saw the Bulls win the final quarter five goals to four.

“It’s heartening to see the improvement, especially in those crucial closing stages of the game.”

Nathan Burke with Branden Fillis. Picture: Facebook

Burke, a St Kilda great who played 323 games, has been struck by the learning curve facing his young squad.

“We’re really learning from scratch,” he said.

“It’s been eye-opening to see how little some of the blokes know about the intricacies of the game — defending, off-ball movement, those sorts of fundamentals.”

A key focus for Burke has been instilling confidence in his younger players, many of whom are experiencing senior football for the first time.

“We’ve got about a dozen young blokes who are now our seniors,” Burke said.

“We’re working on building their resilience, helping them understand that they won’t be dropped after one poor game like they might have been in the past.”

Despite the challenges on the field, Burke has been impressed with the team’s attitude off it.

“The guys have been amazing,” he said.

“We’re seeing great numbers and spirit at training, and there’s a far better culture developing. Blokes are hanging around after games and on Thursday nights — we’re really rebuilding from the ground up.”

As the Bulls continue their development under Burke’s tutelage, the elusive first win of the season may not be far away.

Karingal meets 11th placed Hastings, also 0-6, on Saturday.

The Bulls will be looking to build on their positive final quarter performance against Chelsea, in what’s shaping up to be a season of growth and development for the club.

Karingal supporters have reason to be excited about the future, even if the present involves some growing pains.