by Chris Yeend, Midland Express
The Romsey Football Netball Club is full steam ahead for the 2014 Riddell District Football Netball League season. The club recently appointed Dean Helmers as coach of the senior team. The club has enjoyed a golden era in the last five seasons with three grand final appearances and finalists on two other occasions. With some of the best off-field facilities in the region and a committed team on the field, Romsey Park will be a happy place to be next year with Helmers at the helm.
"I'm absolutely excited, I can't wait to get into it," Helmers said.
Helmers is one of the legends and great characters of the competition and when he is involved in a club, great things happen. He led the Sunbury Kangaroos to a grand final in 2011 and just fell short of the club's first premiership. He crossed to Romsey the following season, the club that toppled the Roos in the premiership decider, and helped out as an assistant to then senior coach, Mark Pederson.
"I went there to help Mark, he is a good mate of mine and he has put a lot of good work into the club," Helmers said.
Unfortunately Helmers was part of another losing grand final team in 2012. He spent much of season 2013 assisting the club in an unofficial capacity and remaining an integral part of the team.
Helmers is determined to recruit and maintain a strong list; and considering his background, he will work really hard to deliver on his promises.
"We're not here to make up the numbers, we're here to win a premiership," Helmers said.
Helmers is determined to keep the current list together and recruit where necessary to fill the holes. He is eager for his senior team to work closely with the juniors to assist in their transition from the Under 16s, Under 18.5s and through to the Seniors. He has big plans for all three teams, Under 18.5s, Reserves and Seniors.
"I want to have all three sides playing the same style of football," Helmers said, "I was able to execute that at Sunbury (in 2011) and all three teams made the grand final."
"The basic ideas haven't changed."
Helmers' recent appointment was made on the back of full support from the Romsey committee.
"I feel really good having the backing of the committee who support everything that you want to do," Helmers said.
Helmers said that he's excited to be out of the assistant's role and back in to the position as head coach. He enjoyed a great run with the Kangaroos and was a very handy footballer in the past. His career was cut short in 2011 when he badly broke his foot in round two of that season and it took seven months to be able to walk again. He captained Rupertswood to its first premiership; played with the Western Jets in the Under 18 TAC Cup, spent several seasons at Geelong but couldn't break into the powerhouse team of 1995; and played at Macedon and in Darwin. He has had a great football journey and that has aided his knowledge and ability to form a good game plan and communicate with his team to execute it.
Helmers enjoyed being a bit more behind the scenes throughout the last two seasons. He was able to sit back, evaluate and gain a grasp of what is needed to succeed.
"When coaching, you do get caught up in the game, it was nice to sit back and watch," Helmers said.
There has been many things said around the community of Romsey about the club in the last 12 months, a lot of rumours and misinformation. Helmers has firmly planted his foot down in what that means to him as coach of the club.
"I wasn't involved in the club, I couldn't care less about last year, we're here to move forward and it's going to be really good," Helmers said.
The Redbacks will return to the track in the second week of November with a five-week pre-Christmas training program. Former Geelong and Essendon ruckman, John Barnes, will also assist in some of those training sessions.
Function
The Romsey Football Netball Club will be holding a special function titled 'Let's get ready to rumble' with Australian boxing legend, Jeff Fenech, as the special guest. The three-time world title champion will be a big hit at the event on Saturday, November 16, from 6.30pm at the Romsey Hotel. Tickets are strictly limited and cost just $75 with meals included. Don't miss this exciting community event ahead of the club's preparations for the 2014 Riddell District Football Netball League season.
Last Modified on 21/10/2013 15:35