New Bendemeer coach Peter Cook with club committee members Paul Hyson (left) and Dallas Taylor (right) before Saturday’s AGM. Photo: Rob Chappel 201012RCE03
PETER Cook has come back to coaching after more than a decade’s absence for one big reason - to help Bendemeer win a premiership.
The former West Tamworth and Kootingal coach has signed up to mentor the Mountain Men in next year’s Group 4 Second Division and winning the title is the number one item on his agenda.
“I thought I’d come back and help them win a premiership,” Cook said.
“It’s been a while – seven years.
“Plus I’ve got a nephew (Izaac Hoban) who plays here.”
The Mountain Men have threatened to win the title since their last win in 2005 but haven’t reached a grand final in that time.
Cook said his approach would be to keep the team keen on and off the field and make sure they are fit and ready to win.
“I just have to get them fit and back to basics,” he said.
“That’s all you have to do in the second divisions.
“You don’t have to be too flash.
“It’ll be a challenge but that’s what you do it for.
“I’ve just got to get them motivated and keen.
“You don’t have to do anything brilliant and you can beat any side.”
Cook coached the West Tamworth Robins for a number of years, in various grades, before helping Kootingal win the second division title two years in a row.
He then went back to a newly-merged West Lions and coached the under 18s to two grand finals in succession.
Bendy plans to make a couple of key signings in the next few weeks and then build its squad around them.
That means it is on the lookout for the one first grader it is allowed to sign for 2013.
Training won’t start until February but the club is likely to hold some functions before then, like a meet the coach day.
The club held its annual general meeting on Saturday.