North Heidelberg is hungry to get back where it feels it belongs – the top flight of the NFL.
The Bulldogs enter 2014 on the back of a disappointing 23-point loss to eventual Division 2 premier Whittlesea last year.
The Bulldogs had high hopes of winning the flag after finishing runner up in the 2012 Grand Final, though footy can be cruel sometimes, and that’s a lesson this club has had to rebound from.
The Bulldogs have a new head in the coach’s box this time around. Steve Saddington, a playing assistant the past two seasons, takes over the reins now from Leigh Gray.
“Under Gray I looked after the midfield and some Tuesday nights I’d take the whole training. Time management is something he (Gray) taught me,” he told NFL.org.au.
Having spent the past two years in an on-field leadership role, Saddington said his new position would be purely in an off-field capacity.
He has seen first-hand how success is built after spending much of his career with Division 1 powerhouse Northcote Park and hopes to bring those experiences to Shelley Reserve.
“Obviously coming across from Northcote Park what I noticed is obviously Northcote Park is more professional,” he said.
“Here people are more social. A lot of people here are doing stuff for no money, unpaid roles. That’s just the way the two clubs are. Here you can tell people love hanging around here, the rooms are never closed.
“Every club is trying to get as professional as they can. It’s just the way footy is, everyone’s trying to get better, and to get to Division 1, that’s what we need to get.”
“I wouldn’t have taken the job if that wasn’t the goal (winning a premiership). From the day I took the job, basically the next four weeks I was out and about meeting people, recruiting people.
“There are probably about 15 new guys into the club total. I think the key for us, having no juniors, we have to recruit really hard before we get the juniors up and going.
“We really targeted good people that weren’t just chasing money, that sort of thing.”
Saddington believe he’s found a gem in fellow workmate Marc Lonergan.
It’s been a crucial acquisition, with a number of other highly-touted recruits following close friend Lonergan to the Kennel.
Amongst the inclusions are Lachie Dowling (Morwell), Dave Taylor (Castlemaine) and Jarrod Spurrell (Norwood).
“These boys have played Division 1 footy which is really good,” Saddington said.
“Experienced players play good footy so you sort of hope that filters through.”
“Marc Lonergan rucked for Yarrawonga last year, had a few injuries but he’s played rep footy in Ovens and Murray. We work together, so he was the first one I made contact with.”
With the pre-season coming to an end, club legend Shane Harvey looks on track to feature in the coming weeks after suffering a season-ending finger injury last year.
Meantime, veteran ruckman Jason Dean may go on again despite announcing his retirement at the end of 2013.
“Jason Dean looks like he’s decided to play again which is another big tall. Things have been pretty good this pre-season.”
Despite entering his debut season as coach, Saddington isn’t afraid to set the bar high.
He was adamant the Bulldogs were aiming for big things this season, and a premiership is something they are daring to dream of.
“I think (winning a flag is realistic) so that’s what everyone’s goal is obviously. We’ll find out a lot more Round 1. Obviously Fitzroy Stars missed out last year so they’re the side to beat.
“It’s going to be a good test for our guys this weekend. They recruited pretty heavily as well. They beat us pretty easily last year.”
Despite having high hopes ahead of the new season, Saddington concedes it will be tough in an even competition.
“I think the beauty of this division it’s pretty competitive,” he said.
“Panton Hill is the one I know and they seem to have picked a few blokes up, but the rest of us, Hurstbridge, Mernda, they seem to have recruited really well.
“Lalor have got a few of their old heads back again so you don’t know what you’re going to get. Epping have had the wood on us when they played us two years ago (and) we’ve found the team that has come back has been pretty strong.
“I think anyone can beat anyone on their day, so hopefully it will be us.”
