This article is proudly sponsored by Rhino Rugby

After finishing last in 2018, Gordon completed their fairytale return to Shute Shield prominence with a hard fought grand final win over Eastwood in late October.

While coach Darren Coleman and some big name recruits added plenty of class to the Stags in 2020, Coleman believes the efforts of the existing players, supporters and staff made the difference at Chatswood this season.

Overview with Darren Coleman:

“It was an incredible season and an incredible reward for all the people that worked so hard together over a number of years to get things back on track at Gordon,” Coleman said.

“I always believed that we could do it, I wanted to win it last year actually which most people thought was a little silly, but going from last to first is something that really drove the group. We spoke about going “L to F,” last to first, all the time.

“It was great to see a lot of people working hard together. We had a lot of buy in from Matt (Glascott) the president to the coaching staff and the playing group. The existing players were all super hungry for success and the new guys we bought it were similar and fitted into the group and the club’s culture really well.

“It’s always the million dollar question. Are you a tight group because you’re winning or are you winning because you’re a tight group? I’m not sure really but I know we were both this year.

“The momentum at the club shifted quite a few years ago and that was led by the president and the board. The colts program has been strong for a number of years now and it was great to get grade back to where it should be as well. Matt (Glascott) kept the ceiling high and had very high expectations and fortunately we were able to deliver.

“I think the improvement of the colts program was probably the driver for the club’s success and particularly its depth. In the lower grades, I think the fourth grade starting side had 13 Gordon colts in it and third grade had 14. They were the heart and soul of the club and then we sprinkled a bit of cream on top.

“The coaching group did a really thorough off season review at the end of 2019 and we spent a lot of time looking at what we were missing and what we needed to add to go from outside the top six to the playoffs and then to a championship team.

“I also believe, and others will dispute it, but I believe we trained harder than anyone else through the COVID break, which helped us a lot early on.

“The grand final was just a really great day. I was just so happy to see so many Gordon people there. To see the hill filled with Old Boys and the stands filled with older Old Boys. So many of them reached out before and after the grand final and explained how much it meant to them and that was really rewarding.

“Eastwood had a points decision in the scrum battle over the course of the day, no doubt, but if you look at the scrum penalties, I think they got six and we got four. I’m sure Batg (Eastwood coach Ben Batger) see’s it differently to how I do.

“Sure, they had dominance in some of those scrums but I’m not sure if they were absolutely going forward and going over. Were all those collapses out fault? You can watch a scrum fall over and 10 scrum coaches would all probably have a different view, so it’s tough to say.

“The guys we brought on from the bench, guys like Nick Fraser and Dom Hardman (CHECK) really saved us. We made three front row substitutions in that far corner and fortunately they got us out of there.

“In saying that though, if Eastwood had of scored, they would have led by one point with nine minutes to go and I honestly believe we would have found a way to score and win.

“The hour in the sheds after the game was incredible. That is pure nirvana and we all really soaked it up. The next few days are a bit of a blur. We had an amazing presentation night the following week and celebrated three premierships and that was really enjoyable.”

What needs to happen at Gordon between now and round one this year? 

“There will be a lot of continuity with Billy Melrose and Liam Winton continuing on. Riley Carter and Cam Blades are also staying on, so I don’t think the club will lose any momentum.

“Like any premiership winning side, we’ll lose guys to professional contracts so there will be a turnover of players but Billy is a really good operator and he’ll recruit to plug the holes that that will create, plus we’ll have another batch of colts coming through who are all used to and hungry to win.

“I’m really excited about the clubs appointment of Sailosi Tagicakibau as colts director. The previous director did a great job, but I think Sailosi will add a different dynamic to that program.

“The club is in great hands and in a really good position moving forward.”

Which of your players do you expect to go on to bigger things from next season?

“Tom Silk was probably the surprise package this year. I think I said I expected big things from him at the start of the season but he probably exceeded those expectations.

“He won the club’s best and fairest, which is voted by the players each week, ahead of of Mahe Vailanu, Harrison Goddard and Rodney Iona.

“He’s on the radar of the Sevens program and several Super Rugby clubs and really deserves a shot.

“Vailanu, Goddard, Iona and Charlie Able have all picked up professional contracts and I think they’ll all do really well.

“Outside of the top group, I’m really excited about Josh Nercessian. He was our second grade No.12 this year and was unlucky not to get a bench spot in the grand final, he just got injured at the wrong time.

“He’s following a similar trajectory to Tom Silk and I think he’ll be a very good first grader next year.”

Bold prediction for 2021: 

“I’m hearing some rumours that Rob Taylor is back in the mix at Sydney Uni so I think they’ll be back as a force.

“I say it every year, but Easts have been there or thereabouts for a while now and they are going to have to crack through at some point. It might be next year.

“It’s going to be such a great comp again and that’s the beauty of the Shute Shield. All the clubs are so competitive and so driven to win, it makes it the special competition that it is and it’s going to be sad to leave.

“There’s nothing better than waking up on a Saturday and heading to the field to watch fourth grade kick off, seeing all those familiar faces and watching a full day of footy. It’s something that is really special and something I’m really going to miss.”

Rhino Rugby, the only one stop shop for all your Rugby needs. Used by the best in the world this Australian company provides the Rugby community with not only the highest quality but also the best value.

Be it Balls, Scrum Machines, Breakdown Equipment, Protection, Field Accessories, Tackle Bags, Hit Shields, Kit Bags and their full range of teamwear on field and off field they are ready to so a deal for you and your club, school or association.

Call them on 1300 556 112 or email sales@rhinoaustralia.com.