Coach wants Miners fit for work

By RUSSELL BENNETT
THE Berwick Miners will be under no illusions when they return for pre-season training next year: It’s finals, or bust.
After their 2012 season of ‘development’ came to a close with a Croydon Stars forfeit on Monday night, the Miners’ focus has already started to shift to 2013.
The team’s coaching staff is conducting one-on-one review sessions with players this week – assessing the strengths and weaknesses, highlights and lowlights of their individual seasons.
“Next year it’s all about making the finals,” head coach Mel Martin said.
“No more ‘we’re an improving team’ and the players know that.”
Martin said his side could have won four Division One games this season, which would have seen the Miners play finals.
Instead, they remain anchored to the bottom of the top tier standings with just three wins.
Martin said the hard work for next season had already begun, with his players talking about organising their own off-season gym sessions.
“This team definitely has great enthusiasm,” he said. “They want to get better.”
The Miners are under strict orders not to come to pre-season under-prepared or out of shape.
“They need to be quicker, fitter and stronger and they all realise that,” Martin said.
Even though the side is still in its season review stage, Martin was quick to point out the group’s 2012 highlights.
“Definitely winning that Royals game (was a highlight,” he said.
“They won Division Two last season and had been talking a big game prior to playing us.
“Our performances against the Crusaders were a big step up from the year before as well.
“That improvement is a real indicator of where the club stands.”
Martin acknowledged that “developing” sides take two steps forward and one back, but said: “Our guys have gained enough experience now – there’s no excuses.
“We need to create that winning culture. We need to win.”