WFNL: How Western Rams are building towards first win since 2018

The Western Rams own the longest local footy losing streak in Victoria but is determined to “change the narrative”. The coach gives an insight into the process and why there are already improvements.

Western Rams coach Ash Pritchard.

You’ve probably heard local footy coaches say it before but Western Rams coach Ash Pritchard is sticking to his process.

“We’re taking baby steps, it’s cliche, but it’s what we need to do,” Pritchard said.

Tasked with ending Victorian local footy’s longest losing streak — currently at 73 games — Pritchard knows the hard work is only beginning as the Rams write a new chapter into their history.

This year marks the club’s first in the Western Football Netball League after crossing from the Riddell District in the off-season.

The losing streak stretches back to 2018 when the club was known as Rockbank but, despite the figure continuing to grow, there’s a sense of positivity some clubs could only dream of.

Western Rams leadership group for 2024.

Pritchard himself is new to the club this season, extending a coaching career which started in the early 2000s.

He’s also a man known for ending droughts having guided the Lismore Swans to their first finals appearance in 20 years in his last coaching role.

“We’ve got to stay positive if we’re going to change the narrative,” Pritchard said.

“We don’t want sides saying: ‘we’re playing the Western Rams this week, it’s an easy win by how much’. The perception has not been good in the past.

“Everyone knows it’s not going to change overnight, it’s going to take one or two years and we’re all working towards a common goal on and off the field.

“These players are resilient, the off-field figures aren’t going to give in. I’ve got faith in the boys to go out there every week and compete.”

While the opening fortnight of the division two season saw triple figure margins, there wasn’t major cause for concern with the Rams facing off against finalists from last season.

Albion and Newport played in the division two finals before the second and third tiers were merged.

The last two games have seen plenty of positives and Pritchard can’t speak more highly of his side.

The Western Rams coaching staff for 2024.

“We’re improving as each game goes on,” he said.

“There’s certain periods of games which we’re controlling. The self confidence hasn’t wavered.

“Against Laverton in round three we kicked our highest score (13.10) in several years and were only a couple of points off it on the weekend.

“The goal is to put four quarters together and then I’m confident we’ll be able to be competitive with every side.

“You can’t fault these guys for continuing to front up. My message to the players is to try and enjoy their footy. When we start to run games out better I think we’re going to be in a better position.”

As they’ve always done, the Rams have done it tough so far in 2024 with injuries forming the key storyline in their newest chapter.

“We’ve had no luck,” Pritchard said.

“We’ve had broken bones — collarbones, fingers, hands, ribs — just about everything. And we’re copping them to important players. We’re still managing to pull a reserves side together every week.

“When you’re needing to find replacements for six to eight weeks it can present a challenge. No one is sitting there and complaining, we’re just getting on with it.”

In the opening month of the season, Pritchard has needed to rely on the club’s leaders to help continue building towards that drought-breaking win.

He highlighted the impact of skipper Ryan Tyson as one player who had performed strongly.

“He leads by example and the rest of the boys follow,” Pritchard said.

“The Lewis brothers — Damon and Tyler — have been impressive. Jared Scott has been super.

“You could go through the list and say everyone is doing everything to get the best out of themselves.”

With Pritchard at the helm, he continues to preach patience especially in the unknown of a new competition.

But it’s a mystery he continues to enjoy.

“We don’t know a great deal about our opponents, we’re learning every week,” he said.

“Each game is going to present a different type of challenge for us. If we continue to get our connection better, we’re going to be a better footy team.

“It’s a year of learning and if we continue to improve, I can reflect on that as a coach and say we’re in a better position than we were.”