Swans book for 2010 finals

– Marc McGowan
CASEY-SOUTH Melbourne coach Mark Ridgway is tipping his side to be a finals contender next summer.
Ridgway, a former Tasmanian state cricketer, has suffered through a difficult first season at Casey Fields after crossing from St Kilda, but believes the club is improving.
“I feel sorry for the guys that they’ve never been coached (properly), but next year will be a fantastic year,” he said.
“We’ve got a good bunch of blokes who all want to learn and listen.
“Without making any bold statements, we’re on the verge of being a pretty competitive side and maybe a top-eight side next year.”
First-year Swan and Victorian quick Damien Wright has already signed on for next season.
But Ridgway revealed that Dandenong officials are showing interest in Casey-South Melbourne teenagers Clive Rose and ex-Panther Tom Hussey, but that both would be at the club in 2009/10.
“They’re chasing Rose and Hussey, which we’re a little bit disappointed with, but we’ll push on. They’re both committed to our club,” he said.
“Considering Dandenong didn’t want Tom Hussey at the start of the year and now they want to chase him – that doesn’t make sense to me.”
Ridgway also confirmed he will be the coach of the Swans next summer.
“This year has tested our patience and we do get frustrated by it all, but if you look at our results from all four grades on the weekend, it shows we’re on the right track,” he said.
“If I didn’t think we were on the right track and didn’t think the club was going anywhere I would have bailed.
“Part of the five-year plan is to hopefully win a premiership in the next five years.”