A NEW era of coaching has been ushered into J.E. Moore Park.
As West Preston-Lakeside senior coach Leigh Cole settles in, the new era has already orchestrated memorable wins against NFL powerhouses, Heidelberg and Montmorency in rounds four and five.
Cole is enjoying life as a Rooster after defeating the 2014 grand-finalist and semi finalist in consecutive weeks.
“(It’s been) fairly good so far, it’s good to be involved in the league and good to be involved in West Preston footy club, great bunch of guys. (I’ve) really settled in well," he told NFL.org.au.
Coaching apprenticeships are an essential addition to any aspiring senior coach’s CV.
For Leigh Cole, the road to the Roosters’ helm came under the teaching from five-time Hawthorn premiership player and Port Melbourne 2011 premiership coach, Gary Ayres.
Cole cannot speak highly enough of his time as Port Melbourne assistant coach to Gary Ayres in the VFL.
“He (Gary) is just a great people manager. Players love him, the staff love him, he’s got time for everyone, and really gives you the opportunity to do your own thing and give you some responsibility rather than just go move a few hats around for him.
“It was a great learning curve for me,” he said.
Despite starting the season with one win and two losses after three rounds, Cole insists the Roosters have been persistent in learning, in order to turn their fortunes around.
Now sitting 3-2 heading into an important round six encounter against Eltham, confidence has been instilled in the Leigh Cole regime, which has seen the side improving week by week.
It sounds cliché, but the Roosters have been sticking to their structures taught over a laborious pre-season, which has seen the wheel turn.
“Nothing (new) really to turn things around, I think it’s just the progression of the side. They’ve had to learn a lot of new things,” Cole said.
The Roosters’ round three 15-point defeat to Bundoora, after trailing by a goal or less at each break, formed the catalyst of the famous wins in the subsequent two weeks.
“I think even the Bundoora game, it was disappointing to get the result that we got, but there was definitely improvement again from the previous week,” Cole said.
As the Roosters continue to learn, Cole believes the results will continue to improve.
“A few less mistakes and we could easily be four and one. But I guess having said that, Montmorency are probably the same; they could have won if they had a few less mistakes on the weekend as well.”
Along with Cole, the added inclusion of former AFL player David Rodan has paid dividends to the Roosters in 2015.
Rodan, who played 185 AFL games across three clubs from 2002-2013, was amongst the best in the Roosters’ stirring wins over Heidelberg and Montmorency.
He has been a welcomed addition to the West Preston-Lakeside family, according to Cole.
“It’s good for everyone – players, coaches, supporters, he’s obviously got a lot of experience and he’s happy to share it, so he’s a great bloke.
“Good personality to have around (and) of great benefit to have out on the field.”
West Preston-Lakeside hosts Eltham this week as the Roosters look to string together three wins in a row for the first time since rounds 4-6, 2014.
And with confidence booming under the Leigh Cole reign, the Roosters are ready for the challenge.
You can follow NFL reporter Daniel Cencic on Twitter @DC_Sting.
