Luke Potter, Sam Coetzee determined to lead St Virgils to more success
St Virgils stormed to the Old Scholars premiership last season and they’re showing no signs of slowing down under its new co-coaches. Go inside their first pre-season in charge.
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New St Virgils co-coach Sam Coetzee has a clear goal in mind for his partnership with Luke Potter.
“We’re keen to build on the legacy of those before us,” he has declared.
Coetzee, last year’s senior assistant, and Potter, the 2023 premiership captain, have taken over from club legend Jaye Bowden for the new Old Scholars Football Association season.
They’ll be at the helm of the competition powerhouse who are again the raging hot premiership favourites just several weeks out from the start of the new season.
“I don’t think there will be too much of a difference compared to the past few years,” Coetzee said.
“Luke will provide us with that leadership in a playing capacity on the ground and I’ll be guiding everything from the bench. From my own point of view, a difference will be taking on more of a lead role talking to the entire group.
“We want to keep the legacy alive, we’re super hungry, that’s our theme for the year ahead.”
While other clubs may have been more public in unveiling their signings, St Virgils have preferred to quietly go about their off-season business.
Coetzee revealed the Saints have added 12 fresh faces into the playing group from last year.
“It has only added to our depth, an injection of new players is always going to be welcome,” he said.
“We’ll also get a couple of guys back who missed out on the premiership team because of injury. Tom Morgan did a knee in late 2022 and had a few issues, Brad Weston battled a groin and on their day, they’re in the side. They’ll almost be like new recruits.
“Some of the club stalwarts have add an extended break over pre-season so they’ll decide where they sit in the coming weeks.
“Everyone’s come back in really good shape, so I’m keen to see where we’re at.”
Out of the 2023 premiership team, Alex Dilger is a confirmed departure as he’s set to play for Queenstown in the Darwin Football Association.
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