GOING from easybeats to a premiership threat in what feels like a blink of the eye, South Wagga coach Andrew Hull believes a new level of professional has the key to the club’s change of fortunes.
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After making a concerted effort to recruit new players following last year’s horror season, it’s really paying dividends.
Sharing top spot with Junee after the first six rounds of the Football Wagga competition, Hull thinks a new training regime and a few new players have made a big difference.
“We’ve recruited quite a few players with a number of young bloks coming across to South Wagga and we’ve really just stepped up our game,” Hull said.
“From the results last year I knew we had to step up our training and that’s what happened.”
Now training twice a week, new recruits including Luke Nichols and Duran Cox have been welcome additions.
Hull believes they have increased the skill level at the club.
One main aspect Hull has been working on is improving the team’s defence.
South Wagga come into round seven with the second best defensive record, conceding only eight goals so far this season.
The 25-year-old also believes he’s learnt a lot in his new role over the past year.
Stepping into the coaching ranks after a serious anterior cruciate ligament number in 2013, Hull described himself as “a little bit lost” in the new role.
However things have swiftly changed this year.
“It’s taken us a while and at the start of last season it was all new to me,” Hull said.
“I’ve learnt from there and even last season we improved and now this season we’ve improved again.
“The club is taking a huge leap forward and it’s all thanks to the guys working for me and playing for me.
“All the guys are really committed to making a better team and a better club.”
South Wagga have only had its colours lowered once this season, in round one against Junee, but face another tough test against reigning premier Wagga United on Sunday.
The Crows haven’t been the same team this season, currently sixth in a condensed ladder, but Hull doesn’t want the team to get too ahead of itself.
“I believe United is a strong team but maybe they are taking a few games to find their structure,” he said.
“I’m sure they will get the hang of it eventually and it will definitely be a tough game.”
