WITH the 2025 football season fast approaching, Violet Town's new senior coach Brad Gleeson provides insight into how the squad is shaping up ahead of the first round.
"It's been good, we've probably had periods where we would've hoped for more numbers at training, but I think we've averaged around 18–20 most nights," Gleeson said.
"We've definitely seen improvement from back in November until now, and that's the trajectory we're looking for.
"Hopefully, that sets us up to be more competitive week in, week out during the season."
Preparation has been underway with a couple of months of preseason training and several practice matches under the teams' belts.
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"We've had two hit-outs so far; we played Moyhu on a Thursday night, and last Saturday we hosted Yea FC at Violet Town.
"Both games were played in 35-degree heat, so they were very taxing."
Gleeson feels like Violet Town has built some continuity within the group, given there's been a big changeover in playing personnel, and while the building blocks are in place, the rookie coach says it is going to take time to mold the group and adapt to change.
A pre-Christmas recruiting spree set up the club for 2025, and a combination of experienced players and youth will see an improvement in the squad.
"No, we haven't added anyone new since our pre-Christmas announcements," Gleeson said.
"We're pretty happy with what we've recruited; we're trying to find a balance where we don’t have a complete overhaul of the playing group.
"However, if the opportunity arises to recruit during the season, we will certainly look at it."
While pre-season has had a few players who have caught the eye, Gleeson says he is looking for strong performances on Saturdays to 'do the talking', and as the club transitions from preseason into the regular season, talk also turns to leadership.
"Ryan Jennings will captain the club again, and we're currently putting together a leadership group, which is being driven by a player vote."
The first-round game is away against Nagambie on Saturday, 5 April and will certainly prove tough.
"Yep, what a challenge first up, but I know the boys are looking forward to it, as am I.
"We know the quality Nagambie has at their disposal, but I'm certainly instilling belief in the boys that if we bring our best—based on the glimpses we've seen through the preseason—we will give ourselves every chance of winning."
Although Violet Town will go into the season opener with two or three players unavailable for different reasons, Gleeson said the focus was on the work being done at the contest and building a game plan around that.
"From a defensive point of view, we’ll keep things pretty simple; we’re aiming to control the footy a lot more so we’re not constantly defending."
Talking about the culture of the club, Brad has certainly enjoyed the year so far.
"It's been great - there's a real passion from the group to be more competitive this year, there’s fantastic interaction within the squad, despite it being a new group of players, and the young blokes are keeping the older players motivated.
"Which is all great to see."
With the first round fast approaching, there is plenty of excitement with the resumption of football and netball across all clubs.
