Force optimistic about Super 14 in 2008
7th February 2008, 13:45 WST
Their chief executive has left, their membership is down, and their reputation is damaged by allegations of animal cruelty and brawling players.
But the Western Force insist 2008 will be - almost has to be - their best year yet.
Western Australia's prevalence for sporting controversy struck the Force hard in the off-season - perhaps harder than the native quokkas of Rottnest Island were struck during a drunken bonding session which caused all the trouble last November.
When it emerged players had inappropriately handled the iconic marsupials during a late-night barracks barbecue, all hell broke loose.
Three years into an already turbulent existence, the Force found themselves crucified in the court of WA public opinion which up until then had been almost totally supportive.
And on the back of lurid headlines about ongoing legal action, and payments to smooth over assault allegations against Matt Henjak in South Africa, the hostile eastern states press had a field day.
With Scott Fava and Richard Brown named, shamed and fined as the quokka shockers, CEO Peter O'Meara subsequently left after declining to commit more than one more year to the club.
And so with all that acrimony and activity, the fact the Force jumped seven places in the Super 14 last year and was for a time a genuine finals contender has been forgotten by many.
But not captain Nathan Sharpe and coach John Mitchell.
Both say this year, on field, is pivotal to the club.
And with Sharpe out of contract at the end of the season and considering lucrative offers from Europe, it could be his last chance to taste success with the club he helped form.
"This year is a crucial one for the team. The first two years we have progressed well, but this year is a really important one to stamp our authority on the field," Sharpe said.
"Certainly we would like to be involved in semi-finals, and if we can be ... then any team can win the competition. That is a possibility for us."
Mitchell said he would be concerned is his side were not targeting a top four spot this year.
"I would be worried if we were not aiming to contest finals, I am sure that is everyone's aim," Mitchell said.
"We have got a few other little targets amongst the group that we think are maybe a bit more realistic and a bit more measurable.
"But we are looking to improve again and getting started in South Africa."
That start sees the Force given the hardest possible introduction to the year, with a three game tour to South Africa.
But having never lost a game there in their first two seasons, Sharpe says they will leave Perth next week with high hopes.
"It gives us an opportunity to start really well, come home with a couple of results under our belt and set us up for the season," Sharpe said.
With the loss of Rudi Vedelago, Angus Scott, Digby Ioane and Brendan Cannon from last year's starting squad, the Force's talent pool contains more mobility but less stability than last year.
Mitchell said the experience gained in the now-defunct ARC could be vital dealing with the new laws - as could the injection of fresh legs.
"I really think we can prosper by the way we play the game, and I am sure an attacking mindset is going to get rewarded under the new laws," he said.
AAP
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ontentID=57618
