2014 season wrap
After high hopes leading into the season, 2014 was a difficult year for the Wilston Grange Gorillas. Making the step up into the newly formed QAFL, and with the aspirations of finals football, Matt Trewhella’s men finished the home and away season in seventh position with just six wins for the year. They finished the year strongly with a 76-point win over University of Queensland, and will look to carry that momentum into 2015 as they attempt to bridge the gap between themselves and the top five teams.
Who’s in?
The Gorillas have managed to secure the services of ex Sandgate captain Michael Richardson, who along with his footballing ability brings with him a wealth of leadership experience.
In a huge boost to the depth of their list, 2014 NEAFL listed players Jack James, Declan Bevan and Jason Satchell from the Aspley Hornets, as well as Lachlan Argus from the Northern Territory Thunder are now full time Wilston Grange players. Look out for these guys to have a weekly impact.
Who’s out?
After a season plagued with hamstring concerns, David Tough has moved over to the Yeronga SBFC. The Gorillas will definitely miss his leadership qualities and off field presence.
Pre-season focus
Defense. As most of Wilston Grange’s losses last year were under five goals, the focus over summer has been tightening up their defensive structures. Trewhella believes that if they can reduce the scoring ability of their opposition, they have the firepower up forward to match it with the top teams.
Coach Matt Trewhella’s thoughts on 2015
“We want to play finals, that’s our goal to take one of those finals spots. All our planning and our fitness and everything we are doing is around playing finals, to be ready to play finals and to be ready for that time of year,” Trewhella said.
“We have had probably the best numbers we have had in three years.
“We have been able to retain a lot of the 19’s that have come up to senior age group which is something we haven’t had before, so we are starting to get a real flow from our juniors who are coming into the senior team. It feels like we have nine new recruits but they are all around 18.
“The fans can expect a competitive and more organised outfit. We will be fitter and more prepared than last year so our ability to play out games should improve. We faded late in games due to fitness and an inexperienced team.”
Who has the X factor?
Look out for the new recruit, Declan Bevan. The dynamic left footer has a huge tank, can play a key position role, but also has the speed to run as an outside midfielder, the ultimate swingman.
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