The first official training run for Footscray Rugby Union Club is not until Tuesday night, but new coach Tia Suemai has already gained an insight into the players he inherited.
In a signal of intent, the Bulldog players took it upon themselves weeks ago to kick-start their pre-season campaign without prompting by Suemai or his assistant coach, Rob Auimatagi.
“We start training officially on December 6, so that’s when we’re bringing everyone all together, but the senior players have taken that initiative to get things going early,” Suemai said. “You need that kind of attitude to be successful and you need guys that are willing to put it into action.”
Footscray will be looking to take the next step and play finals in season 2017.
The Bulldogs had a disappointing Dewar Shield season this year, collecting just four wins and finishing third-last on the table.
Suemai believes in the talent he has at his disposal, but feels some changes need to be made off the field.
“The good thing about Footscray is they’ve always got the cattle,” Suemai said.
“I guess it’s just the fundamentals, the basics – getting the conditioning right and getting the mindset right.
“It has to be a place where guys really enjoy their footy – that’s No. 1.”
Suemai has lived and breathed rugby his whole life.
Like most boys growing up in New Zealand, he dreamed of one day playing for the All Blacks. That never eventuated, but he did get a taste of international rugby with Manu Samoa.
“I was very honoured to be able to represent Samoa for a couple of Tests,” Suemai said.
As a coach, Suemai is well travelled, having led sevens side Borneo Eagles and coached Victorian rugby sides Melbourne University and Melbourne Unicorns.
Suemai’s most recent job was with the Melbourne Rebels as a development officer in the western suburbs, the Point Cook resident working closely with Footscray and other clubs and schools in the area.
“I looked after the western region schools and clubs, coaching the coaches and running courses,” Suemai said.
“That’s how I got familiar with Footscray. The club kind of reminded me of my old club [Otahuhu] back in Auckland.
“I know the struggles they have gone through and got to see the success they’ve had, what they can do when they’re set and the culture is good.
“That’s when I was asked if I was keen – and I was very keen.”
Suemai’s vision is to have Footscray relying largely on talent from the west.
He wants to see a lessening of the drain of players from this region crossing the West Gate Bridge to play their rugby.
“There’s lots of raw talent in Footscray, lots of good players in the area,” Suemai said.
“Hopefully, we can attract some of those players that live in the west … instead of them travelling past our club and into the city, build a good reputation in the west.”
Suemai is “very excited” to be taking charge of Footscray.
“It’s just the history of the club and what they have … it’s a great opportunity,” he said.
