Hibernation Over!
Matt Buxton
Thu 3rd September, 07:00AM
QUITE A START: Bears coach Ben Gardiner has helped his side from the cellar to the VB NSW Cup Finals - but is the best yet to come?
When Ben Gardiner was appointed head coach of the North Sydney Bears in round seven of the 2015 season, he was faced with mentoring a side that had an exceptionally unflattering record of three wins from their past 30 starts.
Fast forward just four-and-a-half months, and that same side will take on the Canterbury Bulldogs in Week One of this years VB NSW Cup Finals Series, following a turnaround that has been nothing short of remarkable.
Possessing the deadly halves combination of Cody Walker and Darren Nicholls, the experience of Darryl Millard, the class of Cameron McInnes and an influx of young blood, the Bears went on to secure eighth position on the competition ladder.
Greg Florimo, a legend of the 108-year-old club and their current CEO, is delighted with the vigorous improvement.
Im very proud of what weve achieved this year after last years result, said Florimo.
I think the coach and the players can be very happy with where weve worked to after where weve been from, and I think that making the semi finals is a great achievement, but its also the start of what could be something very special.
The addition of Gardiner is a welcome one for Florimo, as he can be credited for the fast-tracked improvement and progression the Bears have shown to make the finals from the position they were in.
[Gardiner has] been good, hes brought his own perspective to the team and his own energy, said Florimo.
Hes certainly a career coach, hes a very determined guy that has an attention to detail like I havent seen before. I think that energy that he brings certainly translates into the team and I think theyve played some good footy under him.
The Bears defeated competition heavyweights Wyong in Gardiners first appearance in charge, then went on to overcome other incredibly strong teams including Penrith, the Warriors, Newcastle, Canterbury, and had two draws with Mounties.
They have shown they can stick it with the best and, all in all, Gardiner is somewhat satisfied with the performances shown so far in 2015.
Im reasonably happy. Like all coaches Im frustrated at times, other times I think that we couldve done better and other times Im really happy with how weve done, said Gardiner.
But the one thing I say about our team, our club, our staff and players is that they apply effort every week, and the effort is on and off the field. If we keep applying that sort of effort, whether its this year, next year, or the coming years the club is just going to get better as an organisation and ultimately thats what were here to do.
If Gardiner had to sum up the key to the Bears success, he would use the word consistency.
Consistency in terms of having a regular team each week, a line-up that presents an opportunity to develop partnerships, establish a culture, and build momentum.
Having a consistent team on the field obviously allows you to build combinations and allows you to win some more games on the run because then youre working with the same people week in week out, explained Gardiner.
If its not consistency, its teamwork. If you dont have those consistent players on the field you need to have those players who are willing to adapt and be flexible and move around and play different positions. I think weve been able to get a balance between having some consistency throughout the year, then at the same time getting that flexibility where players will play in any position - thats where our team attitude comes into play.
Lining up in Week One of the finals is certainly an achievement to be proud of, however an early exit will certainly not satisfy Florimo, Gardiner, the players and the Bears faithful who regularly show up to North Sydney Oval to watch them play.
Gardiner is adamant there is still plenty of room for on-field improvement, and admits the job is not done with the re-building process ongoing.
The club as an organisation is rebuilding and getting back to where they want to be at, said Gardiner.
Weve probably had a situation at the Bears over the last few years where weve done our best to get where we need to be, but it hasnt quite worked out for us. But this year weve been able to put together some good performances on the field which has reflected a better attitude off the field, and were starting to move forward.
With only one win from their opening six matches of the season, a finals appearance looked incredibly unlikely, but if they continue to play like they have in the second half of the year the Bears are destined for big things.
http://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2015/09/03/hibernation_over_.html
