MPNFL 2021: Crib Point building a strong culture

Magpies coach Steve Hamill says he’s enjoying coaching more than ever, even though his side is 1-9. He explains why.

Crib Point coach Steve Hamill says the Magpies are building towards a strong future. Picture: AAP/ Chris Eastman

Steve Hamill has coached premierships, been a champion player and is highly respected in football circles.

Ups and downs, he’s experienced them all — and more.

But he insists this season, as coach of 1-9 Crib Point, has rekindled his love of the caper.

He’s having a blast.

“It sounds weird to say that but, mate, I’ve never enjoyed my footy coaching as much I have right now, which is a really crazy thing to say,” he said.

“But just the character and resilience of this whole footy club is unbelievable.”

Crib Point defender Tim Cook battles with Karingal’s Marc Holt in 2019. Picture: AAP/ Chris Eastman

Crib Point has lost eight games in a row, its latest by two points to Pearcedale on Saturday.

But Hamill is adamant the Magpies are heading in the right direction and building the foundations for sustained success.

“I’ve been consistent the whole way through,” he said.

“It’s about developing traits in our side. Wins would be good but it’s not about the wins.

“There’s lots of foundation work going on there that’s really positive.”

Going forward, Hamill said Crib Point needed to add players who have played a higher level to assist with the growth of the club’s young talent.

Crib Point ruckman Jarrod Fisk (left).

“At the minute our kids are the ones driving it,” he said.

“We’ve got some senior players who have been stalwarts. But those good sides have those good players who have come from above down.

“We haven’t got any of those. We’ve got our blokes coming forward.

“The next stage for us is to keep building. Mate, all these 19-year-olds two years ago are now 21-year-olds. And in two or three years they’ll be 23-year-olds and they’re going to be ready to go and you can sort of see it now.

“You’ve got to have a bit of cream at the top to attract.”

On Saturday, there was another glimpse into the future for Cribby.

Casey Demons-listed Miles Shepherd and the exciting Jett Bauer-Lodge were outstanding as the Magpies lost narrowly to Pearcedale.

“The emergence of a couple of our younger guys, all of a sudden you can just see they’re starting to get it,” Hamill said.

“He (Shepherd) is now starting to realise he can impact games. He started on a back flank and I threw him forward and he kicked three (goals) in the second quarter and got us back into the game.

“Jett Bauer-Lodge also took a big step forward.”

Crib Point assistant coach Andrew Brady said the Magpies were lucky to have Hamill in charge.

“I never get tired of Hammer talking to the players,” he said.

“He’s held in such high regard at the club. One of the very best.”