DOSA coach Daniel Willing on the strong impressions his players have made

New coach Daniel Willing has DOSA up and running during his first pre-season in charge as he opens up on his first impressions, a key recruit and a new look leadership group.

The 2024 DOSA leadership group with Harri Loveless named the captain.

DOSA coach Daniel Willing is excited by the potential of his group in season 2024.

After previous stints with Lauderdale in the Tasmanian State League and Lindisfarne in the Southern Football League, Willing is taking on a new challenge with the Old Scholars Football Association Club.

He was named as the club’s new senior mentor back in September, replacing the outgoing Nathan McCulloch.

After now overseeing the Roosters for several months, Willing has a much better idea of what he has to work with.

“I’ve been super impressed, we’ve got a super committed and hard working group who want to get the best out of themselves,” he said.

“When you’ve been involved at TSL level and you are coming to another league, you’re a bit unsure of what to expect but there’s a lot of positives about how we’re tracking at the moment.”

Daniel Willing has spoken about his time in charge of DOSA.

DOSA’s 2023 season came to an end in the elimination final after going down to OHA by three points in a thriller at the TCA Ground.

“I think the boys who were here last year were pretty disappointed with how the year finished,” Willing said.

“Towards the end of the season, they had up to eight of their best 22 out so those guys have returned driven to help us take the next step.”

There are also several new faces who could help the Roosters rise further up the ladder this season, most notably Michael Cassidy.

The ex-TSL star brings over 100 games of state league experience to the club and will follow in the footsteps of his father.

Willing and Cassidy have a long relationship which stretches back to his childhood and the coach is keen to see him back in action.

“What he’s going to bring on field is one thing, but it’s what he’s going to do in a leadership aspect,” he said.

“He’s got a fantastic ability to be able to teach people, which is a great thing for me to have as a coach.

“And I think he’s as fit as I’ve seen him which is a pretty exciting prospect.”

Daniel Willing during his time with Lauderdale. Picture: Chris Kidd

Earlier this week, the Roosters also confirmed a new look “two-tier” leadership group.

Harri Loveless has been named as captain with Jake Doran and Tom Doran as his deputies.

Damon Curtain, Fin Lapham and Zac Doran have been identified as the group’s emerging leaders.

“The three senior guys have been outstanding since I got to the club, I’ve been able to hang a lot of ideas off them,” Willing said.

“Even those younger players have been super impressive during pre-season. It’s important we have that next wave of young guns coming through.”

Willing said DOSA would continue to ramp up preparations for the new season in coming weeks with practice matches.

Other recruits to the club have included ex-Lindisfarne duo Connor Millward and Joe Sowter.