THE winds of change are sweeping through the Goulburn Swans.
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After leading the Swans to consecutive finals campaigns in recent years, the man most recognised with local AFL, Steve Armstrong, will no longer be at the helm of his beloved club.
The 400 plus game veteran pulled stumps of his AFL career at the end of season 2014.
Former 2009 premiership winning coach, Heath Russell will now return to take the reins.
But it won’t be the only change when the club begins pre-season training next Wednesday.
For the first time in the club’s history the Swans will begin the season with their exclusive use of Goodhew Park.
From what was a vacant and disused block, Goodhew was transformed earlier this year into an AFL Canberra standard oval and the Swans’ home ground.
The introduction of the inaugural AFL 9’s tournament also has club officials with high hopes a swath of new young players will try their hand with the Sherrin.
This adds to a likely competition reshuffle, with the Swans set to play in a regionally dominated conference in the ACT’s third grade.
It’s an exciting time for the club, but the new coach insists he’s taking a minimalistic approach.
“I’m not going to change much,” he told the Post.
“A few aspects regarding our team culture may need to change a little bit. I want the players to really play for one another, build professionalism and get a few structures and set plays in.”
Russell is also set to introduce a single week training schedule come the beginning of the season instead of regular twice a week commitments.
It sounds unorthodox but he says it may work out better.
“It’s a long season and through those cold months it’s not good with only 12 blokes turning up. Hopefully this way we have the full 22,” he said.
“We can put in a real good effort instead of just passing by on the two (Tuesday and Thursday).”
Swans president Grant Haigh says it’s exciting times for the club.
“Everyone brings their own different aspects to the sport, and Rusty’s way of thinking is a little bit different to Fox’s (Steve Armstrong),” Haigh said.
“He has played for Narrandera, so he has a different style of footy and he is a different style of player I suppose.”
One thing was unanimous between the president and new coach.
Despite the change, both say the legacy Armstrong had brought to the club was undeniable.
“When you think AFL and Goulburn a lot of people associate that with Steve,” Haigh said.
“When you’ve got a 400 plus player in Fox (Armstrong), it’s something to aim for. But I don’t think anyone else will get there.
It’s unheard of to reach those games. I mean there are guys who play for us that were coached by Steve as juniors when they were 12 or 13-years-old.”
Russell said he hoped Armstrong would still have an important role to play with the club.
“He’s been a stalwart. He’s respected not only for his football ability but he’s well respected off the field too,” Russell said.
“I would have happily kept playing under him, but he announced it, and I think because I’ve coached before it was only natural and probably the best option that I step up again. Hopefully he’ll still be involved in some way.”
The Swans invites anyone interest in trying their hand at AFL to have a social kick at a meet and greet at Goodhew Park next Wednesday Dec 10 at 5.45pm.
