Incoming Coleambally coach Michael Griffiths has identified a need for speed at the Blues next season but the big ruckman is also bringing an open mind when he heads to town next week.
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Griffiths said he’s excited to begin the next chapter of a football journey that has taken the Dandenong boy to Adelaide, Perth and parts of country NSW and Victoria.
“I’m looking forward to it. I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t a good move,” Griffiths said.
“I know a little bit about Coly, I used to be at Griffith and we played a few trials against them.”
Appointed last month, Griffiths, expects a different challenge to his introduction to coaching at Picola League club Katunga last season.
“I’ll have to come up and meet the guys and get a feel. Obviously Coly playing in the grand final, they’re more of an experienced side whereas Katunga hadn’t played finals for 10 years,” Griffiths said (Katunga reached the preliminary final).
“So I think the age group might be a little bit different but I’m sure I can bring a bit of knowledge and things I've learnt… maybe just a bit of guidance. But I’ll come up, get a feel and make a plan.”
Speaking to The Daily Advertiser from Melbourne, Griffiths, 33, said finishing a hectic work project hasn’t left much time for football so he’s looking forward to turning his attention to it.
“I’ll have my game plan that I want to implement but I don’t want to over-complicate it,” he said.
“I think with one thing, we need to add a little bit of speed. I know the guys are more heavily built and ageing a little bit.
“I like a bit of slingshot footy but you need to be defensive as well. I’ll make those adjustments as we go. But I’ve got my idea in my head – the quickest way is through the middle, that’s the shortest direction to goal but if we haven’t got the players, I’ll have to make a judgement on that.”
Griffiths replaces first-year coach Josh Hamilton who is yet to make a decision on his future following the disappointment of an eight-week ban after the grand final.
“I’ve spoken to Hammo a couple of times in the last couple of months and I’m pretty confident that he’ll play but the decision will be his,” Griffiths said.
“He’s obviously a bit flat with his suspension but we’d love to have him. He’s still got his mates here and he’s a very good footballer so we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.”
The Blues have picked up young defender Tom Morton from Leeton-Whitton but lost Kodie O’Malley (Turvey Park) and Wes Kiley (Narrandera). While Carl and Tony Pound retired after the grand final, the club hasn’t given up on talking them round.
