A new frontline has emerged at Ainslie; the returning core players of the Senior Teams have adapted to the changes and are excited for the youthful shakeup.
The Senior Men’s teams have gone into pre-season with a strong sense of comradery, carrying a consistent cohort of players the past few seasons. With a solid team dynamic, Ainslie have been looking to develop their set play and game sense around the midfield and backline. First Grade Captain Matthew Teasdale spoke about the way the team was eager to get back to training and playing together.
“It’s something we do well, the guys enjoy each other’s company…We want to keep up as much momentum going through the season as possible”
With the loss of some key forwards from last year; Ainslie have seen a depth of talent step up. These players have been hard at work adapting and reflecting on new play styles with the coaches as they develop. 2024 Second Grade Leading Goal Kicker, Cameron Terry, spoke to some of the take aways from the season opener against Tuggeranong:
“It’s exciting, we did so many things right and the things we want to work on are quick and easy fixes”
Not to mention flourishing young forward Jesse Dunstall who is consistently putting points on the board, as he sets about his second senior season. Earning the Rising Star “Alan Ackie Hawke” Award in 2024, there’s no doubt he’ll be stepping up in his role this season. Jesse spoke about the player dynamic in the new frontline:
“As a young forward it was pretty positive signs, we’re all pretty close and we just gotta keep it up throughout the season.”
Jason Tutt, Head Coach of the First Grade Men’s team has been putting a significant focus on the forward players, given the shakeup to the players it has been the goal to get their gameplay as tight as it can be. When asked about the change to the lineup he had this to say:
“Expect the forwards to perform differently from years past, but still push as hard as ever”
Joining Jason for the third-year running are fellow coaches John Harper training strategy and set play, Brett Sheehan on ball movement and scoring, and Nathan Cawley focusing on defence. Alongside them is Nick Beaumont who will be coaching the reserves.
Ainslie have seen strong player retention this season whilst supporting some new and returning talent that will strengthen the squad. Connection is a significant component of the game plan, speaking volumes to the community and support network at Ainslie. These are players who could be playing AFL wherever they choose, and they choose Ainslie.
Where can you catch the action?
This weekend we’re going head-to-head against Belconnen at Adero Law Nest.
Rising Stars will get the ball rolling on Friday 2nd of May at 7:15pm.
First Grade and Second Grade will be back-to-back on Saturday 3rd Second Grade at 12:30pm and First Grade at 2:25pm.
Lachlan Dixon
Journalism Intern Student, University of Canberra