From the Barossa & Light Herald - barossa.yourguide.com.au/home.asp
Article - barossa.yourguide.com.au/...y=2003&m=3
-----------------------------------------------
Freeling primed to bounce back
by GRANT EDWARDS
Wednesday, 12 March 2003
Following two forgettable seasons, Freeling is approaching season 2003 under the watchful eye of a football legend.
Former Hawthorn premiership player John Platten has taken the coaching position and snared several new recruits to help try and drag the Redlegs from the Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association's bottom rung.
Only one win in two years has set a challenging task for the champion Brownlow Medallist, who has tackled his new footballing role with gusto.
Freeling is searching for some stability from its head coach, after last year's appointment Rob Mowday resigned mid-season.
Beginning on the track in November last year, Platten has focussed on developing a strong fitness base throughout the summer and is beginning to introduce a new game plan.
"The past three months have been good positive stuff," Platten said.
"The players have been out trying their hardest and that is all I can ask for at this stage.
"It is pretty hard because it is my first year and I haven't seen the competition much over the past 20-odd years while I was in Melbourne. I have heard it is a pretty good comp and I saw a grand final here a couple of years ago."
Much of Freeling's squad has been maintained and bolstered with some talented new recruits. The Redlegs are allowed 10 imports this season, and the increased numbers are expected to be a boon for both the A Grade and Reserves.
Former North Adelaide on-baller Ben Casey has been snared by the Redlegs, along for Chris Platten, Travis Miller and Adam Pryce.
Chris Platten, John's brother, has been playing with Elizabeth and has played previously with Barossa District. He is expected to take on a forward line role and use his silky skills and experience to guide the Redlegs around goal.
Miller comes from the South East and will probably play in defence, while Price is a former Glenelg player and should take on a key position.
Another new addition is Stuart Pinkney, the brother of James, who was one of Freeling's most consistent performers last year.
Returning for Freeling will be the likes of Nathan Warnest (vice-captain), Paul Leske (captain), Darren Leske and Michael Mahar, all leading lights for the Redlegs in 2002.
As part of season preparations, Freeling will take on Elizabeth in a trial match on March 29, and then Arthurton/Maitland on April 5.
Platten said he was confident the team could improve on the past two years.
"Being my first year, it is all pretty fresh at the minute. I am looking forward to it and I'm pretty excited about it," he said.
"As long as the boys are competitive, that's all I'm after, and that they enjoy their football and hopefully get something out of it."
The club is hosting a Meet the Coach dinner on March 28. Platten will talk about his intentions for season 2003 and his illustrious career.
Tickets are $40 and the evening gets under way from 7pm.
Phone Rob Kerin on 8525 5247 or Shane Lapidge on 8525 2427 for tickets.
Article - barossa.yourguide.com.au/...y=2003&m=3
-----------------------------------------------
Freeling primed to bounce back
by GRANT EDWARDS
Wednesday, 12 March 2003
Following two forgettable seasons, Freeling is approaching season 2003 under the watchful eye of a football legend.
Former Hawthorn premiership player John Platten has taken the coaching position and snared several new recruits to help try and drag the Redlegs from the Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association's bottom rung.
Only one win in two years has set a challenging task for the champion Brownlow Medallist, who has tackled his new footballing role with gusto.
Freeling is searching for some stability from its head coach, after last year's appointment Rob Mowday resigned mid-season.
Beginning on the track in November last year, Platten has focussed on developing a strong fitness base throughout the summer and is beginning to introduce a new game plan.
"The past three months have been good positive stuff," Platten said.
"The players have been out trying their hardest and that is all I can ask for at this stage.
"It is pretty hard because it is my first year and I haven't seen the competition much over the past 20-odd years while I was in Melbourne. I have heard it is a pretty good comp and I saw a grand final here a couple of years ago."
Much of Freeling's squad has been maintained and bolstered with some talented new recruits. The Redlegs are allowed 10 imports this season, and the increased numbers are expected to be a boon for both the A Grade and Reserves.
Former North Adelaide on-baller Ben Casey has been snared by the Redlegs, along for Chris Platten, Travis Miller and Adam Pryce.
Chris Platten, John's brother, has been playing with Elizabeth and has played previously with Barossa District. He is expected to take on a forward line role and use his silky skills and experience to guide the Redlegs around goal.
Miller comes from the South East and will probably play in defence, while Price is a former Glenelg player and should take on a key position.
Another new addition is Stuart Pinkney, the brother of James, who was one of Freeling's most consistent performers last year.
Returning for Freeling will be the likes of Nathan Warnest (vice-captain), Paul Leske (captain), Darren Leske and Michael Mahar, all leading lights for the Redlegs in 2002.
As part of season preparations, Freeling will take on Elizabeth in a trial match on March 29, and then Arthurton/Maitland on April 5.
Platten said he was confident the team could improve on the past two years.
"Being my first year, it is all pretty fresh at the minute. I am looking forward to it and I'm pretty excited about it," he said.
"As long as the boys are competitive, that's all I'm after, and that they enjoy their football and hopefully get something out of it."
The club is hosting a Meet the Coach dinner on March 28. Platten will talk about his intentions for season 2003 and his illustrious career.
Tickets are $40 and the evening gets under way from 7pm.
Phone Rob Kerin on 8525 5247 or Shane Lapidge on 8525 2427 for tickets.
Footypedia, a labyrinth of local aussie rules history - www.footypedia.com
