The future is looking bright for the Deniliquin Rovers Football Netball Club, with senior coach Alex Hay officially re-signing as coach for 2023.
Hay, who has been coaching the Rovers seniors since 2019, said he is looking forward to continuing his position at the club.
“It's definitely a thrill to be given the reins again for next season,” he said.
“It is an immense honour and privilege to lead the club I grew up playing for.
“I see it as a way to give back to those who have helped me out, especially through my formative years.
“I see a huge amount of potential in the current group, which has been together for a few years now and are starting to take shape. I hope to continue that.”
Deniliquin Rovers president John Glowrey said signing Hay for the 2023 season was a “no brainer”.
“I was extremely excited when Alex agreed to continue coaching for us in 2023, and I’m not ashamed to admit it I have a little crush,” he said.
“We have seen the growth in such a young and exciting group of players, and I believe Haysie is the perfect coach to continue that growth.
“He is the epitome of what we are striving to achieve, not only on the football field but as a club.
“He brings the perfect mix of professionalism, without losing the enjoyment of football and being part of a club.”
This sentiment is also shared by the playing group Hay coaches, who view him not only as their coach or teammate, but as a brother.
“Alex leads by example and is admired by all. The way he interacts with the younger kids is a real asset to the club,” said seniors player James Gilligan.
Long-term player Scott Howard said Hay’s commitment to the group and club is second to none.
“Haysie brings an enormous amount of energy to the group, and his game day performances have gone to a new level since being coach,” he said.
“Most importantly, his commitment to the group and loyalty to the club show the calibre of bloke he is. I love him like a brother.”
“His commitment to make everyone improve is unreal, he leads by example with recovery and training unlike anyone,” said club stalwart Brendan Hope.
“Our improvement as a team in the second half of the year is a real credit to him and I can’t wait for next year to start.”
Jim Falzone, who is new to the club this year, said Hay’s personable leadership style of coaching is what makes him so special.
“He is a modern coach,” said Falzone.
“Most notable is his investment in understanding each person in the playing group. He has come through coaching the under-17s and he has an intimate knowledge of the young players in our group, their strengths and their weaknesses.
“We are a very welcoming and open group, it’s fun to play for the Rovers and it starts at the top, with the example the senior coach has set.”
Hay said building a rapport with the players is essential to the success of the side, and the club.
“I'm very fortunate to have a group that is invested in the club and what we are working towards, but also invested in each other,” he said.
“From my point of view I've tried to provide an environment where players feel valued and are able to work towards reaching their potential, which I believe is really important in getting players onboard with the direction that you're going.
“I think our improvement this season has been proof of that.
“It gives me great satisfaction having coached a number of the players through junior football, and then repaying myself and the club by staying around and contributing with performance on field.
“It's also validation for the hard work that everyone has put in during my tenure. It's been a slow burn, but I really believe that we are on the right track to create a special opportunity and I'm very thankful to have been put in the position to see it through.”
Hay said the focus for next season won’t change too much from previous years.
He hopes to continue the growth of the group and add some depth.
“A portion of that depth will be from within the club and the development of our juniors, but sourcing some experience to help foster the improvement of our list will definitely be a focus, as I'm sure it is at most clubs.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their help and support throughout the year.
“There are far too many to mention individually, but it is certainly appreciated. Bring on 2023!”