By ADEM SARICAOGLU
THE Rockbank coaching hand-over from Leigh Sporle to Robbie Lynch has been a smooth one, according to the new Rams coach.
Lynch, who last year was Sporle’s right hand man as the club’s fitness and conditioning coach, was handed the senior coaching reins in January after Sporle moved interstate for work.
Having already established himself at Ian Cowie Reserve after pulling on the boots for two games in 2013, Lynch said the transition has been a successful one.
“I pretty much did all the training and most of the match day stuff as well, because Leigh played a few games (in 2013),” Lynch said.
“So while it’s not a shock, I guess the foundation’s already there to be in the position to take over and be comfortable with it as well.
“I went over (to Rockbank) the same time as Leigh did, so I’ve pretty much been a part of everything that’s gone on.
“So my lead into taking on the role has been pretty smooth, not only for myself and the club but the players as well. I’ve already built up that rapport and that respect with them.”
The Rams have almost become a forgotten entity in the Riddell District Football League in recent years, but in 2013 they did scramble their way to a 6-10 record.
Just as his predecessor was, Lynch is keen to put Rockbank back on the RDFL map in 2014.
And with the help of some fresh new signings and a renewed sense of belief within the playing group, the Rams may well just turn some heads this coming season.
“The culture was one of the things we addressed when we first walked into the club,” Lynch said.
“It was about just having the respect of the other teams in the league, respect among themselves and to get the club back up there where it should be, and also to just try and provide a hardworking culture.
“So while not being too extravagant, we’re really demanding of what we want from the guys on Saturdays and that they deliver.”
Among Rockbank’s noteworthy inclusions are Malcolm Lynch, Isiah Stevens, Chris Warrell and Leigh Sobotnicki, while goal-kicker Matthew Krul is one of the major departures – headed for RDFL rival, Diggers Rest.
Lynch has been reluctant to set a particular measure for Rockbank’s success in 2014, but did tell Star he’ll back his Rams in for the entire year.
“Every game we’re looking at as winnable – that’s the mentality we’re going to take in,” he said.
