Last year was supposed to be the 26-year-old’s first year in the role, however, the coronavirus pandemic caused the Picola District Football League season to be cancelled.
Therefore, his first year consisted of only one practice match against the Hay Lions.
‘‘We have looked to emulate what we did in the build up to the 2020 season. That should put us in a good position for this year,” Hay said.
‘‘The time off has actually been good for some of our older players to rest up, so they can take on this year at full strength.”
The Rovers exceeded expectations in the 2019 season, making their way to a preliminary final despite finishing sixth on the ladder.
It was a season when the Roos finally broke their finals drought, scoring their second post-season win in 25 years and their first since 2008.
Hay said with the monkey now off the back of the club, his side was in a good position to build towards its first piece of silverware.
‘‘When we finished up in 2020 I had a fairly motivated group and everyone has already recommitted, which has made my life a lot easier,” he said.
‘‘The most positive thing was that a high expectation was set not just by me, but the playing group themselves as to what needs to be done.
‘‘I’ll stick by what I had planned last year. We have been conscious of keeping the playing list local to ensure that everyone can be at every training session unless there are circumstances out of their control.’’
FAST FACTS
COACH: ALEX HAY 2019 FINISH: FOURTH (12-7) 2019 BEST AND FAIREST: DES MORGAN 2019 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: JOSH FLIGHT (38) GROUND: MEMORIAL PARK NICKNAME: ROVERS
PLAYER CHANGES
IN: Adam Bodey, Matt Dowling, Lewis Habraken.
OUT: Nathan Kerr, Dylan Kerr (Rumbalara), Djaran Whyman, Josh Flight.