Grant Wallace, left, and Jason Knight, right, will return to coach the Kilsyth Cobras and Lady Cobras in 2008.THE Club Kilsyth Cobras have announced that Grant Wallace and Jason Knight will return to coach the Cobras and Lady Cobras respectively, in 2008.
The SEABL men’s program welcome back Grant Wallace for his fifth season at the Snakepit, and after being runners up to Bendigo in this year’s SEABL South Conference Grand Final, they aim to go one better in 2008.
Jason Knight returns as coach of the Lady Cobras after his first trip to the post season and the first since 2003 for the girls.
Both teams took important steps forward this year and will be looking to consolidate on the 2007 finals appearances. Despite the devastating loss to Bendigo in the SEABL final, the Cobras are already excited about their prospects in 2008.
Wallace who coached his 300th SEABL game in 2007 praised the group.
“We pulled together and played as one throughout the final weeks of the season. We were bitterly disappointed with the grand final result, but it has created a hunger in the group for future success,” he said.
“I believe the group now understands what can be achieved when each individual sacrifices themselves to the team’s goals. We have a group of players who all want to return in 2008 and work towards the goal of winning a championship.”
“We have most of the pieces, I feel can compete for a SEABL championship in 2008. A couple of off season recruits will help to fill some of the identified gaps from 2007,” said Wallace.
Under coach Knight the Lady Cobras again improved in 2007 and the development of Lady Cobra youngsters including Youth Player of the Year Sarah Parsons will put the Lady Cobras in a strong position from the get go in 2008.
“This year was a season of learning and progression for the SEABL senior women’s team. We were able to come through 2007 a stronger and more diverse group. We struggled at the start of the season with players being absent for various reasons, and then for the most part of the season battling injuries.
“The team really pulled together and making the finals was a good result considering we rarely got the chance to have a full scrimmage session at training due to injuries,” said Knight. “Next year presents a great chance to improve on our fourth placing in 2007. The bulk of the squad should return, although there will most likely be some chances to the player roster as we prepare to make a run at winning a championship.
“With half the squad off training or playing with WNBL squads we will return a strong unit and providing we get the chemistry right on the training track and games, show the correct attitudes and dedication there is no reason on us not improving. I think we have a great chance of being part of something special if we can just remain focused and remain dedicated 100 per cent of the time.
“I look forward to the chance to coach a great club like Kilsyth for another season, and hope that we can bring success to our many supporters in 2008,” said Knight as he prepares for his third season in charge.
Club director of coaching Rod Popp was pleased to finalise the coaching appointments in a timely manner.
“Both Grant and Jason did excellent jobs with their teams in 2007, the club had no hesitation in extending their tenure” said Popp.
“This early announcement will allow both coaches time to recruit strong rosters for 2008 which will again include a number of talented local players, the future looks bright for the Club Kilsyth Cobras” said Popp.
