Football
3 April, 2025
Eagles focused on maintaining momentum
A young Warrack squad is focused on making an impact on the 2025 season following a strong summer on and off the training track.
In coach Matt Walder's second season with the club since coaching Ararat to a premiership in 2023, the veteran leader sees his players' hard work and sacrifices paying off each week.
"Last year was all about setting the groundwork," he said.
"It was a year of reestablishment for the club and this playing group.
"We want to reinforce some principles we put in place last year.
"But by the same token, we needed to add to the list to make sure we are moving forward and get some leadership and experienced personnel around the young group."
Following a 2024 season featuring one win and 15 losses, Walder said the Eagles identified weaknesses and recruited well.
"We have bolstered our list," he said.
"We picked up a number of players from South Australia… and we've also got a home-grown lad, who now lives in Melbourne, coming back to play for us."
Warrack travelled to Keith to take on the Crows before hosting Sunraysia club Merbein in Brim on March 29.
With a round one bye and an Easter' break', the Eagles season doesn't start officially until April 26, two weeks after every other club.
"The boys have known about this for months, so we've adjusted our plans accordingly," Walder said.
"We can see a few rounds of footy before our first game, too, which is a bonus."
The extra time allowed the club to hold a mini-camp in Brim across the weekend.
Walder is no stranger to success with the club, having coached the Eagles to its last premiership in 2002.
The veteran uses his experience to find the right mix of physical and mental challenges for the squad.
"I think you need to find the right balance," Walder said.
"You have to set some groundwork. It's a tough game.
"You've got to be in a good head space and find a balanced view on life as well as football.
"I think it's the balance for both. It's not just purely physical or psychological. I think it's a good blend of both nowadays.
"There is a lot of positive mindset and reinforcement and belief, and that comes from success and playing together for a while, so we're still establishing that in our club."
