The Lower Macleay Magpies face a daunting task to begin their anniversary season but new coach Bo Wilson claims the side will be “better off in the long run”.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Magpies are celebrating 10 years since their inauguration but will start the Hastings League competition on April 7 with limited numbers.
Wilson said there’s plenty of depth within the squad but that a high number of players have other commitments during the opening rounds of the season.
It’s an important year and we are really trying to do something special to make it a year to remember.
- Lower Macleay Magpies coach Bo Wilson
“It will be a challenging start with a fair few players away but we will all know we have a job to do and if we stick to it then we will be better off in the long run,” Wilson told the Argus.
“Even if we only have 13 players for the first few rounds, I still think we will be able to have a good start to the year.”
The Magpies have never missed the finals and Wilson said there hasn’t been a more significant year than 2018 to ensure they keep the streak alive.
“It’s an important year and we are really trying to do something special to make it a year to remember,” Wilson said.
“We have a good mix of players – some old blokes and some youth coming through so we are definitely capable of pulling something off.”
The Magpies’ pre-season continues this Saturday as they kickoff the Bain Cup against the Comboyne Tigers, however Wilson won’t worry about the scoreline.
“I am not too worried about the result, I want to see us working on the things we have done during the pre-season and executing our game plan,” Wilson said.
“If we can do that and stick to it this Saturday then I know we will be able to do it throughout the season and that’s more of a plus than earning a win in a trial.”
Wilson claims the 2018 Hastings League season will be a competitive year with no weak teams in the competition.
“From what I have heard, all the sides are sounding really strong and it will make for a tough competition all year,” Wilson said.
“While starting the season strong is very important, we know it will be a long year and we will be looking to hopefully build momentum right from the start.
The Magpies fell one game short of a grand final appearance last season as they suffered a defeat to the Tigers.
The preliminary final rematch will be a good indicator for the progress of the Magpies ahead of the season commencing in three weeks time.
