NFL: Interim president Mario Licciardi confident Hurstbridge will overcome recent off-field dramas

INTERIM Hurstbridge president Mario Licciardi says he is confident the club can overcome its recent off-field dramas and finish the Northern Football League season strongly.

INTERIM Hurstbridge president Mario Licciardi says he is confident the club can overcome its recent off-field dramas and finish the Northern Football League season strongly.

Licciardi, a major sponsor at the Bridges, has stepped in to the vacancy left by former president Stephen East’s resignation.

He oversaw senior coach Trevor Little’s return, less than two weeks after he cited “off-field things” as his reason for stepping down from the post.

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While it has been a tumultuous period, Licciardi said Hurstbridge was still capable of consolidating its place in Division 1.

“There’s no long-lasting damage at the club,” he said.

“It was merely a misunderstanding that was allowed to go longer than what it should have.”

Licciardi said he was thrilled Little had decided to continue as coach.

“I’ve seen him do some wonderful things with the group,” he said.

Hurstbridge’s Troy Barbero celebrates a goal earlier this year. Picture: James Ross.

“The group do respect him and I think he is a valued part of the team in what we are trying to achieve moving forward.”

He plans to meet with boom recruit Travis Cloke and hopes the former Collingwood and Western Bulldogs spearhead will fulfil his agreement to play nine home matches this year.

Travis’ brother Cameron had a clearance granted to Murray league club Barooga on June 5, but Licciardi said he would “love to see him back in one of our jumpers”.

“As far as the Clokes go and the way some of the things were dealt with, they have done the right thing by the club and are definitely welcome at the club,” he said.

“But unfortunately some of the events have led to where they are now.”

Travis will play a one-off game for Eastern Football League club Chirnside Park this weekend.

Asked if he felt the changes had affected the club’s players, Licciardi said: “Everything always impacts, whether it be small or major.”

“We are very confident in the group and the staff we have got around,” he said.

“Let’s get on with business, business as usual.”

The Bridges are ninth in Division 1, one game and percentage clear of bottom side Whittlesea.

After consecutive wins over Whittlesea and Heidelberg, the club has lost its past three games to North Heidelberg, Northcote Park and Montmorency by an average of 40 points.

They have a gruelling run in the next five weeks, facing Greensborough twice and tackling Bundoora, Macleod and Heidelberg.