by Brendan Bradford - By any standards, the 2012 season was a disappointment for the Western Force. Needlessly distracted by off-field dramas including the mid-season sacking of coach Richard Graham after he announced his defection to the Reds in 2013, the uncertain future of captain David Pocock and the Will Genia contract debacle, the Force limped across the line with just three wins, finishing last in the Australian conference and 14th overall. To top it all off, foundation player and Australian rugby legend, Nathan Sharpe, called time on his illustrious career, leaving a giant hole in terms of talent, nous and experience. After six seasons in the competition, the Force has yet to make a finals appearance but change is afoot and with new CEO Mark Sinderberry, incoming coach Michael Foley and club stalwart Matt Hodgson taking up the captaincy reins, the franchise is building