If you were in Thailand, you’d be selling the 2018 Forbes Magpies as same same but different.
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Last year’s coaching coordinator Cameron Greenhalgh will take over the head coach’s job at the Magpies heading into 2018, while last year’s captain-coach, Jake Grace, will still lead the side on field.
It’s a slight change to the model successfully employed throughout 2016 and 2017, with the Grace-Greenhalgh combination helping the black and whites snap a 29-year premiership drought with a memorable Group 11 first grade title in 2016.
“I’ve coordinated a few of the grades and helped Jake with first grade the last couple of years,” Greenhalgh said.
“He’ll continue on as a player and I’ll take on the head role. Nothing will change much.
“Jake will lead the boys on the field and I suppose, not much will change. But we’ll keen to improve on last year.”
The Magpies’ premiership defence was ended in the second week of the finals, Forbes going down to Parkes 28-18 at Spooner Oval.
Two straight losses in the semi-finals was a tough way for Forbes to bow out in 2017.
But, despite the loss of powerhouse prop Zac Merritt and Jesse Wighton’s expected move to Dubbo ahead of next season, Greenhalgh was confident there’s enough talent in Forbes to push the Magpies towards another strong campaign.
“There’s always young guys coming through ... I’m not concerned about what we do and don’t have,” he added.
The new head coach said developing local talent will be his focus.
“That’s what we’re about,” he said.
“It’s a culture we’ve brought in (the last couple of seasons) that maybe we lost a bit. I want to continue that and improve on the last couple of years.
“I want to give the local guys the belief that they’re up there with the best in the Group, because they are.”