Tara Murray
New Sunshine Heights coach Colby Blyth is keen for a new era at the Western Region Football League division 3 club.
Blyth, who has played football in South Australia and Queensland, was late last month announced as the Dragons’ coach for the next two seasons.
Blyth said he was excited to start the new journey
“It’s a new chapter at the football club, with hopefully a fun culture,” he said.
“Coaching has always been an ambition of mine as I feel like I have a lot to offer people.
“I feel like I can extract attributes out of them and make them better footballers and people in general.
“I’ve got leadership qualities and I’m confident in myself to help some people.”
Blyth, who moved to Melbourne a couple of years ago, said he knew little about the Dragons before applying for the job.
He found out about the role through a work colleague, his now senior assistant coach Robbie Greto.
Blyth said he would look to make a few changes at the club on and off field, to make it a place that people want to come to.
“So far everyone is excited,” he said.
“I’ll be looking to make some big changes and drive a culture change. I want it to be like a big family, a culture where families want to be.
“We’ll look to retain our current core we already have and recruit kids and their families to the club.”
Blyth said he wouldn’t set high expectations in the pre-season and wanted to get a good idea of the side and competition first.
He said being a first-year coach players would also need to get used to his game plan.
The Dragons were sitting third when this year’s season was called off due to the pandemic.
“As we go along I’ll see how we are tracking in terms of the competition.”
Blyth said he had met a few players and they were keen to get on the training track.
Pre-season training starts on November 22.
“It’s exciting as I’m starting life as a senior coach and also being able to go down to the football field and being involved with other people.
“Especially after the last two years, it’s beautiful for everyone to get out, especially for the mental side.”
The club has also revealed a new jumper design for next year.
