Demons taking steps in right direction


Published on Monday, February 19, 2018

Author : James Strebinos

Mernda coach Paul Derrick admits it is good to be back at his former club as he prepares to lift the Demons back up the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 ladder.

After a successful term at Roxburgh Park, which saw the Essendon District Football League club make two grand final appearances in his three years in charge, Derrick has returned home for his second stint as Mernda coach.

Having previously served as caretaker coach back in 2011, Derrick, a Mernda life member, takes over the coaching role from Steven Power.

Speaking midway through the club’s pre-season campaign, Derrick said it was nice to be home – albeit at a new base, following the club’s move to Waterview Recreation Reserve in 2016.

“I had the pleasure of playing at the club for 22 years, which included a bit of coaching, and although the facilities have changed in my time away, I love this place and after three years at Roxy (Roxburgh Park), it’s good to be back,” Derrick told NFNL.org.au.

“The atmosphere and attitude around the place is very positive and I feel like this club is taking a big step in the right direction.

“We have tried to add depth to the midfield and implement a massive fitness base.

“With up to 60 players on track, and although we are still a while to where we want to be, things are looking bright for the season ahead.”

Derrick has been busy in the off-season bringing more talent into his new side, including forward Timothy Blacker and inside-midfielder Brad Dimech (pictured below).

Blacker booted 75 goals in 41 games for Roxburgh Park, while Dimech, at just 19, has already played 63 senior games for Roxburgh Park and Westmeadows.

“Timmy is a key forward coming from Roxy and a terrific player. (He is) a touch injury prone but if we can keep him fit then we hope he can get a quality season out of him,” Derrick said.

“Brad is a tough nut and tearing it apart out on the track. He adds extra midfield depth and has played senior footy since the age of about 15.

“Coming into the side from Westmeadows after previously being at Roxy with me and he will bring a lot of toughness and class to the team this season.

“We have had another 10-15 players coming over to look for an opportunity to play senior footy this year and at this stage we will have as much as 40 players to choose from come Round 1.”

Mernda endured a tough 2017 campaign, finishing third-bottom on the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 ladder with a 4-12 record.

But despite the club’s battles last season, Derrick is anticipating a top-four finish in his first year back at the helm.

“We should be a lot more competitive compared to last season, but that’s footy clubs they go up and down and everyone knows that,” he said.

“Realistically we will be aiming for a top-four spot and as we should as our sights are set on a premiership.

“But we will be focusing on a return to the finals and whatever comes from there.”

Mernda starts its new campaign at A.E Cracknell Reserve when it plays away to Panton Hill on Saturday April 7.

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