A DESIRE to break a premiership drought and help drive the culture of non-negotiable success convinced Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes coach Jeremy Rowe to re-commit to the role for a third season next year.
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The Goannas' season ended in disappointing fashion with four straight losses, although MCUE's effort was much improved in Sunday's elimination final where poor goal-kicking cost them dearly.
The club's last premiership was in 1993 before Eastlakes linked with the merged entity, and Rowe is driving home the adage making up the numbers is no longer a pass mark.
"It's a club I love and in no uncertain terms I'm wanting to coach the group to success, not just to exist and compete," Rowe said.
"When I tossed things up and had a think about things, the fact we haven't had that ultimate success yet definitely motivated me.
"The fact our player retention has gone so well so far also showed the players are invested in it and up for the fight. I have a very close affinity with the group, and we're all in it for the same reasons.
"While we're all going in the same direction, which can be rarer than you think in a club, I want to be a part of it so that made my decision fairly easy."
Rowe was far happier with their application in the finals loss to the Lions, where both teams finished with 21 scoring shots.
But the Goannas couldn't nail their chances, booting 5.16 in the 30-point loss.
"The last few weeks we did feel like we lacked the effort and energy a first grade game of footy deserves, whereas today we brought that in spades," Rowe said.
"We fought very hard and there is an element of pride with that. But on the other hand we're not shying away from the fact we don't want to just compete any more, we want to be the best.
"So when you give a performance which reminds you you're not the best, we're only fourth best which we've been far too many times, it's frustrating as well."
Rowe said the chance to work with talented youngsters like 17-year-old Jamie Mooney was also a factor.
After being elevated into seniors in the last regular season round, Mooney was strong in the ruck against the Lions and kicked a goal as an effective target up forward.
"Jamie to his credit has knocked on the door and sought feedback. He's craved playing at a higher standard of footy," Rowe said.
"His want to be a competitor, mixed with his natural talent is why he's able to play and give us something.
"He was terrific today, his contested marking and he was one of the few who took his chance in front of goal.
"We brought him into the team last week to give us a bit of life, but he's given us more than that."
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