Braybrook Football Club has drawn a line in the sand.
The Western Region Football League outfit, intent on returning to the competition’s top echelon, welcomed a new committee in recent weeks. And Bryan Patton has taken on the role of president after being involved with the club for most of the past decade.
After taking some time away, Patton returned to the Bombers’ during the 2015 season and, seeing the tough position they were in, put his hand up to help.
“I heard a few stories about what was going on and wanted to give the club a bit of a chop-out,” he said.
“One thing led to another and next thing I knew I was being asked to take over next year.
“The team I have with me … it’s a fresh look on things and we’re bringing something different to see if it works.”
After winning a premiership the year before, the 2015 season will go down as a disaster for Braybrook, the club having finished last on the division 3 ladder.
The Bombers won four games and had a percentage of just 58.70.
The club has confirmed Jamie Lane as senior coach for next year, with Ricky Charles set to lead the reserves.
Lane took over at Braybrook as a caretaker coach during the 2015 season and Patton said he was instantly impressed by what he saw.
“When I went back last year he [Lane] had just taken over the coaching.
“To my knowledge he had never coached before but when the club needed it he put up his hand. He didn’t have to do that. One thing that impressed me is that everyone listens when he speaks,” Patton said. “All the boys who have stuck around are a really close unit and they respect him like no one else.
“If you’re going to build a club starting from the bottom you need a coach the players can follow. He’s one of those blokes.”
The Bombers will engage in a two-part process while putting the 2016 playing list together over the coming month. Patton says the club will focus on adding quality players but will also reward those who have stayed loyal through the tough times.
The short-term goal is finals for next year, while long term the club wants to go toe to toe with the best clubs in the WRFL.
“It’s an even competition so if you can get everything going the right way, as opposed to everything going the wrong way, then I don’t see any reason why we wouldn’t be able to play finals,” Patton said.
“Gradually, every year, we want to get a bit better.
“The end goal will be division 1.”
