by Wedgie » Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:44 pm
Budget preview of the game by Kieran Hall:
Its fair to say Glenelg would have exptected more from its first two games against expected cellar-dwellers Sturt and West, however two defeats have consigned the Tigers to the foot of the table - and now they face an angry Port side.
Adding to the Magpie' motivation today after their shock loss to the Double Blues last Sunday is the memory of their most recent visit to Brighton Road late last year when they received an 81 point belting.
The Bays effectively ruined their chances of victory against West with innaccurate kicking for goal (they kicked 12.20 to the Blood's 15.6), and were no doubt given plenty of practice in front of the big sticks during the week.
And this week's Coach's Box by Don Cooper:
Mickan making his mark at Tigerland
Whilst Glenelg's League outfit may not have taken an official part in the major round last year, coach Mark Mickan believes the Tigers' last three matches of the season - played under finals pressure - instilled a strong desire in the group to prove themselves as the real deal in 2007.
"I felt there was a large degree of improvement in the side in 2006 - both on and off the field - but what we identified from a playing perspective was our inability to produce enough four quarter games," stated Mickan.
"We seemed to be able to put together solid first and final quarter efforts, but our intensity waned during the middle stages and that's where we need to improve this year."
Based at the aptly named Challenge Recruitment Oval, Mark admits while there "weren't massive off-season changes" made to the core group, he is more than pleased with the depth of talent and character welcomed to the club for 2007.
And whilst the club's need to bolster its midfield ranks has been more than satisfied by acquiring the likes of Ben Kane (Hawthorn), Byron Murphy (Frankston), Adam Cook (Geelong) and co, it's more than just pure ability that is sought by the Tiger mentor when determining a prospective player's capacity to earn his stripes in his squad.
"The number one attribute I look for outside of a player's skill level is a sound character, " said Mark, a terrific ruckman during his playing days with West Adelaide, the Brisbane Bears and Adelaide Crows.
"They must complement our group dynamics and be receptive to the culture we are trying to create at Glenelg, particularly in regards to possessing a committed work ethic."
And there is no fooling the former teacher either, who alsho holds a graduate diploma in psychology.
"I think its a science that helps to understand people and their complexities and how those complexities impact on an individiual's behaviour and performance. And in respect of coaching that can be a great asset," he said.
"Coaching is very much about trying to create a culture and processes in which people can thrive and are encouraged to offer their best.
"It was once said to me, 'you're their coach, but they're not your players' and I guess in some respects that's true. Whether it be teaching or coaching, the philosphies are fairly similar in regards to providing individuals with the tools to develop and achieve.
"But when it comes down to it, success at anything is as much about a person's attitude as it is their ability."
Whilst Mark's attitude towards coaching reflects his controlled and articulate demeanour, the gentle giant is more than happy to give his family and friends a decent serve now and again - a practice that is thankfully contained to his backyard tennis court!
"It wasn't really until my mid-30s - when working at the Crows - that I took up tennis, having a regular hit with the likes of James Fantasia and Steven Trigg at Russell Ebert's house,' said the inaugural Crows Club Champion, who admits the demand as a full time coach leave limited spaces on the social calendar for such events.
But although stringent management ensures quality time is spent with his partner Callie, things are set to become even more hectic around the Mickan abode around late August. With the imminent arrival of the couple's first child coincident with Mark's plans to have the Tigers primed for their first formal visit to the business end of the season since 1999, it could well be the birth of two new eras in the life of one of the game's most affable characters.
Armchair expert wrote:Such a great club are Geelong