TONY Bishop admitted his first training session with the Tamworth Australian Football League (TAFL) representative squad was a tough day.
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Bishop drove to Armidale on a recent Sunday to run his eye over a 30-man squad named to play North Coast in an annual representative fixture at the Coffs Harbour International Sports Stadium on July 16.
While many of the TAFL squad members are new to him, the Coffs Harbour venue is something he knows about, having played touch there with representative sides in the past.
“It’s a magnificent ground,” the Tamworth Kangaroos and TAFL coach said.
“It’s fantastic, like playing on carpet.
“I’ve played a heap of touch over there on it. It’s a great facility.”
He’s hoping it can showcase the blossoming abilities of the TAFL side and, with the help of assistant coaches Zac Economou (Nomads) and John Woolaston (Gunnedah Bulldogs), can mould a team to threaten the North Coast side on its home turf.
He said 24 of the 30-man squad “kicked off their campaign at Bellvue Oval, Armidale on a very chilly morning”.
He said the players acquainted themselves first and then got to work on a high -intensity 90-minute session.
“It was extremely encouraging,” Bishop said.
“Enthusiasm was high throughout and the players have already shown that they are committed to performance together and should account for themselves and their league well come July 16 when they take on North Coast League at Coffs Harbour International Stadium.
“With a dangerous forward line of Zac Economou, David Richards, Jed Ellis-Cluff and Cameron Graham, the opportunity is certainly there to win the match.
“Also with stalwart Andrew George, Swans insider James Dunstan and young guns Daniel Leon and Brock Quinn working through the midfield, the side looks to be shaping up well.
“Leadership and superior ball reading from Tom Hunt across half back should also set a good platform for the side.”
Ellis-Cluff, the New England Nomads captain-coach, is part of the TAFL squad and, while glad to be in the team, is also happy to be playing under Bishop.
“He’s got a tough job,” Ellis-Cluff said.
“Having to prune that squad back will be hard. I’m looking forward to playing though.”
The TAFL squad will train again at Gunnedah this Sunday.
TAMWORTH AFL REPRESENTATIVE SQUAD: Max Beinke, Rob Kemp, Zach Collier (Moree), David Richards, Matt Foley, Hamish Pearce, Cameron Graham, Tom Hunt, Clarrie Barker, Zac Economou, Luke Raymond, Harry Fruend, James Treweeke, Jed Ellis-Cluff (New England Nomads), Brock Quinn, Daniel Leon (Tamworth Roos), Ben Maddern (Narrabri Eagles), William Priest, Stephen Fairless, James Dunstan (Tamworth Swans), Alistair Hillard, Patrick Higgins, Andrew George, Andy Mack (Gunnedah Bulldogs). Emergencies - Velani Chakalisa (Nomads), Rhett Graham (Tamworth Kangaroos), Carl Frazier (Tamworth Kangaroos). Coach Tony Bishop (Tamworth Roos), assistant coaches Zac Economou (Nomads), John Woolaston (Gunnedah Bulldogs).
