Mullewa Saints’ mission to reclaim GNFL top spot

Mullewa Saints will be hoping to reach the finals this season.

The team have a new coach and more players, and they want their smooth playing style to attract sponsors.

“We want to play in the finals,” new coach Justin Crudeli said.

“We should be able to fill colts, reserves and the league team.

“Any people out there that can afford to sponsor the club, any way they can, big or small ... we’re one of the best clubs to watch when we’re on. They’ve all got silky skill.

“Anyone who’s looking for a change, new, old, get amongst it. It’s going to be a good year.

“A lot of players are going to come over this year. They’re going to have to work for their spots.”

The club is also looking for an assistant coach.

Crudeli said they had about 14 new senior players and had already attracted four of their former players back from other clubs in the league.

They are hoping more will return to play for the love of the game.

Another option is to bring younger players through more quickly.

“We could bleed the young kids, give them a go,” he said.

With new players coming in, competition will be fiercer at training for spots on the teams.

“The people who are always there putting in, always training and round the club, those are people you want to keep around,” Crudeli said.

Pre-season will involve cardio — like running on the beach and boxing training, to avoid fatigue over a long season.

The club will have a get-together and barbecue in Mullewa on January 17.

They will keep to the schedule of training at both the Towns ground and in Mullewa.

Crudeli boxed competitively for about 10 years, winning the Golden Gloves and State titles.

He also played for Mullewa and for Geraldton-based clubs, winning a J. J. Clune medal with Rovers and also finishing runner-up.

He now coaches boxing at the Police and Community Youth Centre in Geraldton.

Training is at Tuesdays at Towns football ground in Geraldton and on Fridays in Mullewa.