Hampton Park football manager Shane O’Brien with new Redbacks coach and former Springvale legend Jason Caples.By Brad Kingsbury
HAMPTON Park Football Club’s senior playing group has found a way to ruin the last three consecutive finals campaigns in the first week of competition, and new coach Jason Caples’ aim is to improve on that frustrating record in 2008.
The 38-year-old former four-time Springvale premiership hero has been appointed to replace the club’s mentor for those three seasons, Jason Chapple, who stepped aside after this year’s shattering elimination final capitulation to outsider Tooradin.
Caples is used to success – he thrives on it – and that is obvious almost the instant you meet the veteran of 231 Victorian Football League games, who retired in 2005.
The steel behind his relaxed smile and firm handshake is unmistakable, and, if he can translate that resolve to the talented but inconsistent Redback players, their Casey Cardinia league rivals had better watch out.
It is the two-time Scorpions best and fairest winner’s first senior coaching stint after two seasons as an off-field assistant to Peter Banfield with his old club.
“When I stopped playing I guess I just wanted to get a way from footy for a while, but after this year I knew I wanted to coach and when I got a call from Shane (O’Brien) it just went from there,” Caples said.
“I was very impressed with the way Hampton Park went about it, and that had a big influence on my decision.”
The former strong-marking centre half back has not ruled out pulling the boots back on, but said he would rather think he would not have to do that.
Caples’ coaching philosophy is simple and to the point.
“Basically it’s fitness, discipline and skill,” he said.
“Those three things are most important. You need the skill and a good fitness base, no matter what level you play, and I think that discipline – doing the right things on and off the field – is most important.
“You must have the ability to knuckle down and work hard.”
Caples watched Hampton Park’s good era of success in the late 1990s and he used to work with former coach and club legend Mick O’Brien, so knows a bit about the club’s recent history.
“I’m aware that Hampton Park has had a bit of a reputation as wild boys, but that’s past history,” he said.
On the playing list, both Caples and football manager Shane O’Brien were confident the majority of the 2007 team would stay intact, while certain areas would be strengthened.
“We don’t need to recruit too many blokes,” Caples said. “Maybe a good quality on-baller and a ruckman.”
Off the field there have been significant changes as well, with a new committee elected, led by incoming president Charlie Daly.
The club has put recent financial uncertainty to rest by announcing a profit in 2007 and starting the new season in the black.
Hampton Park will host a meet the players day starting at noon on Sunday 11 November, that will feature a Twenty20 cricket match between a team of footballers and a team of the club’s cricketers.
