By RUSSELL BENNETT
BRAD Jones has embarked on a new chapter as ROC’s senior football coach. But don’t be mistaken for thinking that means a new beginning for the playing group.
Starting over is the last thing the 28-year-old has in mind. Jones has returned to club he played juniors and seniors at, and was an assistant coach at just two seasons ago.
He is already the third senior coach for many of his young charges, but he’s already made one thing abundantly clear – he’s in this for the long haul.
Appointed for two years with an option for a third, Jones said: “We need stability and we need to put the steps in place”.
He comes back home to Starling Road after a year as head coach of St Francis in the VAFA. And he returns under a key mantra: mateship, discipline, loyalty and a desire to continue to learn.
The Berwick local loved his time with the X Men – a club he says is led by “a great committee” – but welcomed the challenged to return to the ranks of the CCFL.
Jones also has experience as Steve Coats’ senior assistant with the Roos in 2012 after premiership seasons at Nar Nar Goon alongside former mentor Clint Williams – who he says has taught him more about the game than anyone.
Jones still raves about the ROC club he left in the first part of his footballing life.
“As a whole – in terms of culture, success, sponsors and members – it was fantastic,” he said.
“We were a power club in the old West Gippsland league but coming through to Casey we still acted as the power club without the success to back it up.
“To be honest, it has dwindled away but I was here two years ago and the beauty is the exciting group of young players here.
“That attracts every coach that wants to be a part of future success – having the responsibility to put the steps in place to make sure they succeed, to create more supporters, members and sponsors.”
Jones was quick to point out that “there are probably 15 kids under the age of 21 at ROC who have played around 60 senior games – their bodies are into their third or fourth pre-season”.
Those youngsters won’t be seeing another ‘year one’ of their development under Jones. He plans to build on the work done by the likes of Greg Tivendale and Coats.
“We’re now in year four or five,” Jones said.
“I might be their third coach but I’ve had a lot of contact with them – through being an assistant here – and we just have to make sure we keep climbing and not plateau out. These kids must keep learning.”
As for new recruits – Jones’ philosophy is simple.
“We’re trying to bring good people to the club,” he said.
“Then comes ability.
“I don’t care if you can kick 100 goals – if you’re not a good person and you don’t fit in with the group, it’s not worth your while being here.
“The older guys – the Benny Tivendales and Mick Moylans – they’ve all been mates for a long time and I think that’s the beauty of this.
“With the class of Andrew Logan and the Tivendales, and then the young guys who are willing to run, it’s a good spot to be.”
ROC will hold a Meet the Coach night at Starling Road on 13 November. Pre-season will start 25 November.
