THE Parkes Cobras launched their season with jersey presentations on Friday night at the Coachman Hotel, as the buzz builds for the Western Premier League 2021 season.
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That buzz isn't just reserved for the league either; word is quickly spreading that the Cobras look like being dark horses for the premiership and there's definitely an extra air of professionalism around this club this season.
According to coach Meaghan Kempson that has been a big focus for the club heading into their second season.
"Absolutely - success begins with creating a positive and hard working culture," she said of increasing professionalism of the club at the launch.
"Discipline, both on and off the park, will be key to winning games this season."
Despite going down on Saturday to the Dubbo Bulls 2-5, the side looked very slick in the two trial wins prior, and Kempson is pleased with how her charges has attacked this preseason.
"I'm very impressed with the boys' performance this preseason; some new combinations are now forming nicely and we're building on the brand of football we started to create last year.
"The trials tell me that our strike power going forward has developed immensely from the previous season."
Mitch Hutchings will be a huge part of that with the former NSW Country junior combining brute force with a deft first touch to good effect, while Irish import Marty Doherty will be the puppetmaster pulling the strings in attack in the centre of the park alongside captain Brent Tucker.
To Kempson it is clear what the side needs to improve on in order to achieve their goal of making finals.
"It's a no brainer for me - perform consistently across the entire 90 minutes.
"If we can eradicate large lapses in play and consolidate our attacking opportunities, we'll be genuine finals contenders," she said.
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The leadership ground, voted on by the players, was also announced at the launch, with the seemingly unflappable Tucker returning as captain and Adam Parker, Alec Bateson, Daniel Clark and Ryan Dunn all popular inclusions as leaders.
Sponsors were on hand to present the players with the brand new jerseys, and the reversible strip, made by local company Goosey Sports, looks brilliant.
The launch was a fantastic event enjoyed by players, sponsors, family and supporters, and on behalf of the club Kempson extended her thanks to the work of sponsors who make that extra air of professionalism possible.
"Massive thank you to the Coachman Hotel for hosting the event.
"We also appreciate the efforts of all minor sponsors who were there on the night to assist with the jersey presentation," said Kempson.