Tarneit can prepare for the Western Region Football League division 3 finals safe in the knowledge that its coaching hierarchy is secured.
The Titans have locked away senior coach Mark Elso and reserves coach Cameron Evans for 2018, giving both teams the opportunity to focus on the task at hand.
Titans president Matt Drake-Brockman lauded the move and the coaches’ abilities.
“It’s great to have Mark and Cam coming back for 2018,” he said. “We’re quite lucky for a new club to have some good coaches involved.”
It will be Elso’s third year in charge of the expansion club. He took Tarneit to the preliminary final in his first season and will begin a flag assault from third in this year’s finals.
“We made a prelim last year and we’ll be playing finals this year, so we’re happy with how the seniors are going,” Drake-Brockman said. “The reserves are sitting second on the ladder and made a grand final last year.”
Tarneit’s focus is to build a sustainable playing list for the long term.
The Titans want to avoid the pitfalls of opening the cheque book and recruiting for short-term success.
“We all know where we’re heading, we know where we’re at and that’s probably the best part about us,” Drake-Brockman said.
“We’re not going to go out and try and buy a premiership. We’re going to hopefully build a team and keep growing.
“Mark understands where we’re at and that we’re not going to spend more than we can afford.
“We’ll take it nice and slow … there’s been so many clubs around us that have fallen off the perch. You’ve got to be careful.”
Elso has built a great rapport with the Tarneit players. His ability to put his plans into action and get an understanding from his players have impressed Drake-Brockman and the Titans board.
“He’s a deep thinker as a coach and he certainly has good structures in place, but the way he communicates is his best attribute,” Drake-Brockman said. “He communicates what he wants to achieve really well and the boys have got a lot of respect for him.
“That’s the key to any good coach these days. If you can’t communicate what you want to your players, you’re in a bit of strife.”
Tarneit will head into the finals as the clear third-ranked side, but none of the other three finals teams will be comfortable about meeting the Titans in a do-or-die situation.
