WITH a raft of new recruits, as well as premiership heroes welcomed back, there is a familiar buzz at Warringal Park this pre-season following an unfamiliar end to Heidelberg’s 2015 campaign.
After playing off in 10 of the last 11 Division 1 grand finals in the club’s most successful era, the Tigers last year missed the finals for the first time since 2003.
Charles Gaylard has since taken the reigns after Craig Hunter stood aside as senior coach at season’s end.
Speaking to NFL.org.au, the 28-year-old playing-coach has enjoyed the role so far.
“I’m definitely enjoying it to date. I’ve got fantastic support around me which makes it a whole lot easier, with Jason Heatley, John Matthew and John Bourke,” Gaylard said.
“(Heidelberg) has had a lot of success in the past. When I walked through those doors the club was really welcoming.
“Yes, they demand success but it’s full of really good people and have a number of fantastic volunteers. That’s where it starts.”
There are few better to have on board as an assistant coach than Heatley.
The former West Coast and St Kilda forward’s football CV includes flags as senior coach with Wantirna South in the Eastern Football League in 2008, and Northcote Park in 2012 – ironically against Heidelberg.
Heatley also coached the NFL representative side over the past two years.
“His record speaks for itself, just the way he communicates is unreal,” Gaylard said.
“He’s a massive asset for the Heidelberg Football Club.”
The Tigers have gone on a recruiting spree in the off-season, landing former Melbourne on-baller James Magner, former Richmond and VFL forward Dan Connors, Essendon VFL captain Marcus Marigliani and Port Melbourne ruckman Sam Gilmore.
Club legend Dale Nolan has returned to the club after a stint at Mornington, along with Adam Symes, while Mark Favrin has returned from Monbulk.
Named at centre half back in Heidelberg’s Team of the Decade, Nolan played 168 senior games for the Tigers from 2003-2013.
In an era where Heidelberg competed in a record nine grand finals in a row, Nolan formed an integral part of the 2004, 06, 07, 08 and 09 premiership sides, and won the best on ground medal in the 2006 grand final.
But despite an active off-season of recruiting, Gaylard also recognises the talent lost in the off-season.
“We’ve got a fair few new players but we understand that we lost a few players last year and we also finished seventh on the ladder,” he said.
“We’re coming from a fair way back but if we want to play finals we have some work cut out for us and recruiting is part of it.”
In a development which has the new playing-coach excited, former Carlton defender Paul Bower has also recommitted to the Tigers for 2016.
“He just had a stint over in America with NFL punting and for whatever reason it didn’t work out and he’s recommitted to the football club,” Gaylard said.
“It’s good to have him back.”
Key forward Daniel Archer, who kicked 30 goals in 15 appearances last season, is only a 50-50 prospect to play this season while he studies in Hong Kong.
But Gaylard is not completely ruling the former St Kilda big man out for 2016.
“Daniel Archer is still on our list but at the moment he’s overseas. In the middle of the year he might come back,” Gaylard said.
Former captain Jason Kennedy has left the club and joined Deer Park in the WRFL, leaving the captaincy vacant.
But Gaylard believes Kennedy’s absence opens up new opportunities for the club’s young talent.
“(Jason) is a champion of the football club and it was sad to see him go, but that provides an opportunity for a younger player to come in and fill that void.”
The Tigers are yet to announce their new skipper for season 2016, but will be holding a jumper presentation after the club’s practice match on March 19.
On the tailend of a record-breaking era, the Tigers’ aim to return to the finals in 2016, according to Gaylard.
“We’re like every other club I guess, in the fact that we’re aiming to play finals and if there happens to be some changes during the year then we’ll re-asses our goals from there.”
And on his own pre-season, Gaylard is shirking no responsibilities as a player and coach.
“I’m just like any other player out there, do all the running, all the skills work. It’s all about preparation.”
