Cobram coach Bill Puckett growing each year in top job at AWFA club

BEAU GREENWAY: Do you feel like you're developing as a coach each year?

BILL PUCKETT: I'm still getting better and I'm still not where I want to be, but I've looked back at my first year as coach and I was too much of a player rather than being a coach and a player as well. I found it hard to keep the boys in check and also push them. It was hard to get more out of them because they were my teammates the year before and the next year I'm telling them what to do. The season just gone was probably the toughest pre-season of my standards and everyone said how much they loved it.

BG: What has been the biggest challenge?

BP: I didn't really have the experience of dropping players or naming a captain. I've got a bit more authority now and a stronger word when I say something. Not that I didn't in the first place, but I feel like I'm growing each year in the role and really enjoying it and thriving off it.

ALSO IN SPORT:

BG: Has there been a lot of excitement for the club off the field with the completion of new facilities at Apex Park?

BP: It was a bittersweet moment because we were so excited and happy to see the building go up. It was a monumental thing for the town and community, but we're yet to use it really.

BG: How is your pre-season coming along?

BP: We'll try to play some games against anyone available in the local area. Usually it's Shepparton teams. January is usually our first week of proper pre-season.

BG: Are you set to welcome anyone back?

BP: It will be nice to see a couple of our experienced lads who have had a couple of years out with injury like 'Sticks' (Aaron Feldtmann), our club captain, get back. Jackson Smith has had a couple of cameos over the last couple of years through ACL injuries and he's ready to go. I've heard a couple of rumours Ray Diramacca might be back. It will be a well-balanced side with experience and the strong youth we've got coming through.

BG: Myrtleford league and cup winner Raul Pahina was among your key signings, have you retained him?

BP: I've kept in touch with him throughout the whole period and he's all guns blazing. I think the only one we'll lose is Stefan (Milidrag), the Canadian lad, who had to go home. I can't see the borders opening any time soon for him to come back, but he said he'd want to come back and give it a go when he can.