The puzzle pieces are falling into place for Pakenham as the long preseason draws to a close under new senior coach Paul Carbis.
After four complete seasons under Ash Green since his appointment in late 2016, Carbis will offer a breath of fresh air and a new voice to a playing group coming off its best season in some time in Outer East Football Netball.
With any new coach comes a change in philosophies, approach and game style that takes time to implement, but Carbis feels the players are making the necessary adjustments with round one on the horizon, and has set the bar high for what he feels the side can achieve.
“I think the goal for us is to get in the top three,” Carbis said.
“I’ve been excited because I knew the boys were after something different.
“’Greeny’ (Ash Green) had been there for so long and did a great job, now it’s ‘okay, what can we do to actually add to this footy team?”
“We’re working on the three facets of the game – defence, contest and offence, and they all work together.”
Zac Stewart is a welcome face back on the track, who missed the entire 2023 season through injury after earning Team of the Year selection in 2022, as is Jackson Bramich, who spent last season travelling.
They’ll be fighting for positions in a playing group that remains largely in-tact from last year’s squad that reached a semi-final, drawing on resilience time-after-time to push for a preliminary final birth against Woori Yallock.
Carbis expects an even competition as a consequence of the Outer East’s restructure, with three teams making the jump from Division One last season, making for a loaded top flight.
Practice matches against West Gippsland Football Netball Competition premiers, Inverloch-Kongwak, and finalists in the Goulburn Valley Football League, Mooroopna, will offer the ideal preparation for a round one showdown with Narre Warren – a contest front and centre of mind for Carbis and his men.
“The boys are really excited and I spoke about Narre Warren last week, they gave us a hiding both times last year,” Carbis said.
“We’ve got high respect for (Narre Warren) but we’ve got to go out and make sure we take everything on-board over summer, and see how we go against one of the best teams in the competition.
“With 12 teams coming in, I think the top six or eight are going to be super even, you’ve got to be on your game every week.
“Our goal is to try and go one-better and get into that top three, for sure.”
Koby Grass, however, will not be available for Carbis this season, after singing for Sydney’s VFL side for the upcoming season.
A dashing half-back and Gippsland Power graduate, Grass trained with the Casey Demons VFL squad in 2023 and played every game for Lions last season.
