He has good reason. 

He heads a strong committee which is receiving support from outside interests - the Magpies Old Boys Club (MOB) is again up and running while the club has been able to secure the signing of players Grogan feels will renew interest in the Magpies next year.

“Yes, at this stage the committee and I feel what we have already planned for next year is all extremely positive,” Grogan said.

“First of all we have the signature of players who we feel will not only add to our local playing strengths but be warmly welcomed by our legion of supporters, who I really believe are the best in the group.

“Then we have the MOB committee who this year did a tremendous job with former players here and from away joining up to support the club and players. 

“There is no doubt one of the big advantages we have as we plan for next year is the ‘out of club’ support from a number of locals who at some stage have played for the Magpies and now want to offer their help in putting sides on the paddock which past and current supporters will be proud of.

“It’s a great feeling to have this support, and with it comes attitude to succeed on and off the field.

“While on support, it goes to local business owner and individuals who put dollars into our club year after year, to make the club stronger and next year we are going to emphasise this with gifted players signing on with the Magpies.

“Attitude, that’s the word for the Magpies in 2015, I feel without it you have very little.

“It all starts with attitude from the players to attend training and to play here at home and away.

“Once we have that right we are sure there will be a flow on effect across the whole spectrum of the club.

“But I should add that our supporters and general public who have been good over the years even when the senior sides aren’t going all that well, are also very important to our success.

“They attend games and support our weekly fund raising, something past committees deserve credit for,” Grogan said.

“But next year we want to give these and more supporters something to cheer for and the first step to this comes with the signing of established players from out of town who come with excellent credentials as players and clubmen.

“We wanted new players who will bring new interests to Spooner Oval and those across the group. We want to get everyone, players and spectators, back and involved in the club.”

Grogan said the club is not trying to buy a premiership.

“At this stage I’ve heard some say we’re out to win the grand final, that’s not quite right.

“First off all we want to put three sides on the paddock which our supporters are proud of, if we make three semi finals well and good and a grand final, that would be massive.

“But there is a long way between now and September next year, one step at a time and like I said earlier, attitude is that first step.”

Grogan is also full of respect for past Magpies committees.

“I have the utmost respect for anyone on a committee, those who take on a job with attitude and do it to the best of their ability. We want players to follow this first of all by not going out on the grog all night before a game and of course attend training and group sessions. 

“By not following these rules not only are they letting themselves down but their fellow players, the club and supporters,” Grogan said.

Grogan feels one of the major steps the club took for 2015 came with the signature of former Bathurst St Pats and Cowra playmaker Tim Holman.

“Tim certainly started the ball rolling, he is brilliant playing in the halves and I’m sure supporters will be impressed with the way he plays the game,” Grogan said. 

“He lifts the side, is very talented, and he has the right attitude to succeed on and off the field and being a former team mate to our captain coach Zac Merritt is another plus.

“All our reports tell of a clubman, gaining Tim’s signature he had a very positive effect as others want to play alongside him,” Grogan said.

An example of this comes with the signature of KJ Wood who played with Holman this year at Cowra last year.

Wood is also experienced have played at different levels and can handle any position in the forwards.

“We are more than happy with these two, the interest generated by these two has more players asking the prospects of playing next year with the Magpies,” Grogan said.

Brad McMillan, who did well as first grade coach this year has signed to play again. 

McMillan has played in the Sydney competition and his experience off the field this year saw first grade go very close to playing semi finals.

Also back for the Magpies is Ben McGuire who this year played in Canberra. 

“Ben can play centre or lock, he has ability all over the field,” Grogan said.

“Those who followed the juniors last year know how talented he is. I feel if he had have been fit for the semi finals last year I’m sure the side could have gone all the way to the grand final. I have plenty of time for this young player, I can see him having a big year in 2015.”

You can add Ethan Gaffney to that.

Gaffney is another from the junior Magpies who has gone on to play at all levels in league and union while attending Farah High School in Tamworth then at senior level for North Tamworth while receiving more representative honours.

“As they say, Ethan has the right breeding being the son of former first grade, and successful coach, Steve Gaffney and the grandson of Zac Fowler who needs no introduction to league fans across the district,” Grogan said.

“We have signed a player by the name of Masi [Seru], a giant from Fiji, who has impressed at training with ball skills and is expected to make a huge impact from the second row,” Grogan said.

While Grogan is excited about next year so too is coach Merritt.

“I played with Tim (Holman) at St Pat’s, we are good friends and he can certainly play,” Merritt said.

Merritt said he knows he has a big job next year and has gone into training early starting a few weeks back.

“I want as many as possible to come on board, however I’m like the committee, the attitude has to be there to first of all get to training as we are going to play the West Wyalong Knockout early next year.

“The committee and their supporters are strong, I want to be just as strong on the field,” Merritt added.

Last week, 25 attended the Magpies first group training for 2015.

To the delight of Merritt there were many new faces at Spooner Oval, plus players who haven’t been seen for a few years coming back on board.

Grogan said he has more positive news on the Magpies which he hopes can be released prior to the Christmas break.