NARRANDERA coach Jordan Hedington is confident the club's hiatus this year won't stop them building further on the promising foundations they set in 2019.
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After breaking a 38-game losing streak on their way to three victories last year, Hedington feels the club's decision not to participate in this year's AFL Riverina Championship has given them time to take stock before returning for 2021.
Hedington, who won the club's best-and-fairest in his debut season for the Eagles last year, was set to coach this season before the club withdrew and confirmed he will remain in the post next year.
He has spent this year playing under former Narrandera premiership coach Jim Rice for Canberra side Tuggeranong Valley, which he feels has put him in good stead to continue the Eagles' rebuild.
"He (Rice) helped me out a lot this year with player management and things like that. I reckon I'm a better coach now than I was as a result," he said.
"If we can get six wins at least next year that would be really good. I'm not expecting to make finals, that would be a bonus, but just to win a few more games than last time and to be competitive.
"Playing there last year definitely helped me get some background on how everyone likes to play, what type of people they're like off the field and I got to know them on a personal level.
"Rocking up next season not knowing anyone would have been a lot more difficult, I think."
Hedington said he would target specific areas of their list which need bolstering to take the next step.
"A couple of talls wouldn't hurt and an on-baller, but it's up to the club and the powerbrokers on what we can do in terms of money," he said.
"Those additions would make us competitive for next year I believe, which is what I'm hoping."
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