Experienced coach to Rowe the Lyndale boat next year

LYNDALE has appointed the experienced Tony Rowe as senior coach for the 2015 Division 3 season in the Southern Football League.

s05pp203 EFL Division 4 Football Canterbury v Heathmont at Canterbury Sports Ground. Canterbury coach Tony Rowe addresses players at quarter time

A good, honest, young team. Plays it hard. Could do with more fitness and discipline.

In his capacity of match-day coach of Ashwood this year, Tony Rowe formed a favourable impression of Lyndale.

The Pumas went on to reach the preliminary final and when coach Rodney Benstead stood down and the position was advertised, Rowe put in an application.

He was successful, being appointed last Monday.

Rowe has great coaching experience, having steered Belgrave to a premiership in 1999 and had senior roles at Syndal Tally-Ho (now Chadstone) and Canterbury.

Rowe said he arrived at Lyndale at a good time, with the seniors finishing third and the reserves winning the grand final in thumping fashion.

But he said he would make “subtle changes’’ and move towards a game plan that could “stand up under pressure’’.

“I said to Ed McLean (Lyndale president), we might take a step back, but we’ll take a step forward in the long run.

“The players will be fitter, too. That’s nothing against the previous coach. But they need to be fitter. We’ll start training December 1.’’

Rowe said he would strive to make football enjoyable.

“We’re not playing AFL footy. We’re playing what I call sociable football. We’re playing for keeps on a Saturday but — and I said this to the interview panel when I went for the job at Lyndale — my philosophy is that it’s family, work, then football.

“If a bloke rings me on a Tuesday and says he can’t train because he’s got work or family, I don’t think it should go against him. That shouldn’t prohibit him being available for selection.’’

Rowe said the Pumas were speaking to a ruckman and forward and would search for a “quality’’ playing assistant coach.

He also expects some reserves players to step into the senior team.

Former Casey Scorpions VFL champion Steve Harrison, who bobbed up for a few senior matches late last season, is likely to play on.

Prominent local cricketer Dale Tormey won the 2014 best and fairest from Ordell Buntine.

Rowe said he’d been surprised at the standard of Division 3.

“Very impressed. I always had the belief that Southern, well, it’s ordinary footy, but it’s better than what I gave it credit for.’’

Ivan Lajoie will continue as coach of Lyndale’s reserves.