THINK big.
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That’s the message coach Corey Lambert has been drumming into his players since taking the reins at Urana Road Oval.
And while the Murray Magpies may have won only two matches to claim the past two wooden spoons, Lambert is putting no ceiling on what the club can achieve this season.
“I’ve asked the players to think big in everything we do,” Lambert said.
“Every club starts the season on zero points and you build from there.
“Just because the club has finished where it has in the past and has been struggling for success there is no reason why we shouldn’t be thinking big this season.
“Where that takes us is another story — but we’re aiming to be successful.”
It’s hard to argue with Lambert’s optimism.
His arrival has sparked a recruiting frenzy, with the Magpies landing close to 20 new players headlined by Josh Senior, Alex Jones, Ryan Johnson and Ben Ryan.
“It has been a fantastic off-season,” he said.
“The players have really embraced what we are trying to achieve at the club and had the courage to commit — it’s been super.
“You talk to the players that have committed and they couldn’t be happier.
“At the moment everyone is super positive and it’s very encouraging.
“Coaches are always biased towards rating their lists, but I couldn’t be happier with who we have got on board.
“I think we have got a really good mix of players.
“A lot of them have got Ovens and Murray experience and the one’s that haven’t have done well at the lower level.
“When you put that all together and put a side on paper — we look very competitive.”
In a positive sign, the Magpies have averaged 30-plus players at pre-season training as players realise spots in the senior team will be a lot harder to earn in previous seasons.
Lambert predicts there could be up to 15 new faces run out for the club’s opening round clash against CDHBU at Lavington Oval on March 29.
The coaching panel will also have a new look with Dan Lambert and Ben Watts joining as assistant coaches, with Chris Brosolo coaching the reserves.
The Magpies will play Greta and Dederang-Mount Beauty in practice matches.
