There has been a change in the coaching ranks out at Tullibigeal Lake Cargelligo with Sterling Ross taking over the first-grade role with Jaden Kelly taking the step back.
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It will be Ross’ first step into coaching a first-grade side, and he is looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m getting a bit older now, so it seemed like a good time to take the step,” he said.
“Jaden (Kelly) wanted to step back in terms of commitments, so it was a great opportunity. He is still playing so he will be around to offer guidance, but there is less of a workload on him.”
The powerful forward feels he has support behind him which will make the balancing act of playing and coaching easier.
“I’m just hoping to lead by example out on the field,” he said.
“There is a good support network who will be able to look after the bench and that sort of thing.
“For me, it will just be about getting the boys ready heading into the weekend.”
The Sharks finished in third before bowing out in the finals with two losses to Waratahs and Yanco-Wamoon.
With players moving on, Ross believes it will be a rebuilding year for the side.
“We have had a fair few leave,” he said.
“There have been about six or seven from last year's first-grade side who have moved on so it will probably be a bit of a tough season for us.”
The Sharks have youth to look to, and it will be about blooding some of those players who are ready to take the step forward.
“We are hoping to get some of the younger boys into the first-grade set-up,” he said.
“We had a good under 16s side last season who will be taking the step forward into 18s this season.
“Looking to use some of them off the bench this season in preparation for more game time in the coming years. There are a couple of boys who we are looking to recruit that will be able to slot in where we need them.”
While Ross knows it will probably be a tough season they will still be looking to get into the top five and take part in finals.
“Once you get there you never know what will happen,” he said.
The Sharks will get their season underway with a road trip to Leeton on March 31.