REBUILDING is a term Moama was hesitant to use at the beginning of 2019.
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When experienced heads departed the club, and the under 17s claimed their fifth straight premiership in 2018 – a new direction was needed.
And there were changes coming both on and off the field.
Now with the end of the season fast approaching, senior football coach Luke Eldridge says his young group have embraced the new found culture.
“Everyone is excited with the direction we’ve elected to take as a group,” he said.
“One of our goals was to make the club a place where people wanted to be, not somewhere people are just coming down to have a kick of the footy on a Saturday.
“I believe we’ve been really successful in getting the message out to our players in both footy and netball.”
Results on the field haven’t been as successful — in terms of wins and losses — but fans can see the Mowers are heading in the right direction.
Moama have highlighted their potential, pushing the best teams in the competition on several occasions.
But their best just hasn’t been enough as they have fallen by under 10 points on four occasions.
“I’ve been really pleased with how we’ve been able to stay in games,” Eldridge said.
“When we have fallen away – especially against the better sides – they’ve taught us we need to play four consistent quarters.
“But that’s all about the journey we are on which is a really enjoyable one.”
Even when times have become extremely tough at Moama Recreation Reserve, the Magpies have all brought into the cause determined to push forward, together.
“When you are losing, it can be difficult to stay motivated,” Eldridge explained.
“You always hear stories about teams losing their passion and enjoyment of the game in these circumstances, but we want to stick it out.
“We all know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we’re excited to reach it together.”
Moama’s chance to take further steps forward comes in the next five weeks in games against Numurkah, Nathalia, Rumbalara, Barooga and Katandra.
“In the games against those top sides our goal is to stay in the game for as long as possible,” Eldridge said.
“Our back is definitely going to be against the wall, but we’re capable of pushing them until the final siren.
“The last three games will be like a mini finals series for our group and we’re looking forward to embracing it.
“If we can manage to pick up three in a row at the end of the year it gives us plenty of confidence heading into next year.”
Given the glimpses into the future Moama have given this year, Eldridge is aware he could face a battle to keep his players together moving forward.
“It is no secret we want to keep this group together for as long as possible,” he said.
“We’ve been lucky to set up the club’s foundations for the next five years. They’ve now formed the nucleus of our seniors and reserves moving forward.
“There is always going to be interest in your best players, that’s just the nature of footy.
“We’re confident our culture means guys want to play for Moama – now and in the future.”
Like other teams in the Murray League, Moama will once again look to strengthen across the summer.
And already Eldridge has identified the need for a key forward as one of his side’s biggest requirements.
“We’ve had guys kick goals, but we haven’t hit the scoreboard as heavily as we would have liked,” he said.
“Fraser Buchanan has consistently kicked goals, but he is on the smaller side of key forwards and Luke Dunham has given us a strong option in recent weeks.
“All sides need a focal point in attack and we would like to add someone who can complement what we already have in the playing group.”
Moama’s midfield has been one of their biggest strengths this season, but they are already looking for more depth in the middle for 2020.
“You are always looking for guys who can add something different,” Eldridge said.
“Our younger players have held up really well against experienced bodies but they do sometimes lack a little bit of support.
“Having a bigger body in the midfield can help guide players out on the ground as well.
“We just want guys who are going to buy into the Moama cause.”