Its finals time at the Phillip Island Football Netball Club, and its business as usual with the island’s  four sides back in familiar territory once again.

The Club seniors’ team top two ladder finish at the end of the past six seasons has been maintained yet again.

With coach Beau Vernon at the helm from 2018, the senior team finished top of the ladder for the first four years, including the two years of Covid (2020 and 21), and in second place in the home and away series in 2022 and now again this season.

They won back-to-back premierships in 2018 and 2019. 

Former AFL and island senior player Cam Pedersen took over the senior coaching role this year.

“We’re excited to be in the finals. It’s a chance for us to show everyone the hard work we have put in all year,” Cam said at a training session last week.

The lure of winning another flag is his driving force, as he works to bring the most out of his players and  go ‘all the way’.

Cam took on the job at the beginning of the 2023 season when the position became vacant after Beau Vernon moved to Queensland.

He was well qualified for the task as assistant seniors coach for the previous three years.

His years of experience in the game of football include 80 games playing for Melbourne in the AFL; two Best and Fairest awards as an island player in the West Gippsland Football Netball League; and three Best and Fairest Award for Phillip Island.

The title of playing premiership coach would be another well deserved string to his bow.

As a playing coach he is in the minority.

“It’s interesting that the two top teams this year both have playing coaches” Cam noted.

But he sees this as an advantage.

“While it can be a challenge at times, I find it easy to be on the field. I’m there on the spot and see what needs to be done,  and can react to it. It’s quicker that way,” Cam said.

But he also has  three assistant coaches who combine well to make up the team effort.

He is ably supported by Daniel Larsson and James Stirton from the bench, and the experienced Damien Holmes playing on the backline.

As the team head to Nar Nar Goon on Saturday to take on minor premiers Inverloch, the Bulldogs are well prepared for the challenge.

Having a week off while awaiting the second semi final, Cam lightened training sessions to one night only  “to freshen the boys up and give them some time out.”

He is well aware of the heightened expectations that come with finals footy and the added pressure that some players feel at this time.

“The intensity definitely goes up, especially during the game. You have less time to think and you know that it’s do or die,” Cam says.

“What we try to do is keep things as normal as possible. It’s important to do the basics well and to stick to our game plan.”

Unfortunately, injuries to some of the more experienced and some valuable players  have proven to be season ending. But Cam is heartened and gained confidence by the endeavours of the younger, talented players who have relished the opportunity to play up in senior football.

“The young ones definitely bring energy and excitement to the senior team. They see it as an opportunity and it’s given them a massive boost of confidence,” he said.

As a nurturer of young players, Cam realises that coaching is not just about playing  on a field and winning games.

He knows that understanding the personal needs of his players is part and parcel of the job.

“The thing that I’ve learnt is that coaching isn’t all about the skills. It is also about caring for the players, sharing their concerns and in many ways, awareness of their mental health,” he explained.

Optimism and pride

The vibe of finals football is felt throughout the entire Club, and a sense of optimism and pride pervades.

None is more proud of the Club’s acheivements, with all four senior sides playing in finals this weekend, than PIFNC president Chris Ross.

Chris is in the enviable position of being PIFNC president for the past six years,  and of being at the helm when success has reigned supreme.

“We’ve had (another) good year, both on the football field and over at the netball courts, where four of our junior netball teams – U11, U13, U15 and U17 – have all qualified for finals,” he said.

“Our strength comes through from our juniors. We have always been strong in the area of junior football and netball, and have had outstanding results across the board,” he added.

All four of our football teams have qualified for the finals.

“We’ve got a great Club, with good people supporting it,” said Chris, referring to both the on and off field support from the broader community.

It is an aspect of the Club . . . . the largest across the West Gippsland Football Netball League . . . that sees Phillip Island held in high regard within that League, and is seen as a benchmark for success.

“Along with that we’ve had two great coaches in the past six years with Beau Vernon and Cam Pederson. They have established and maintained high standards and success.

“I’m looking forward to holding some silverware up high in the coming weeks.”

All football and netball supporters are being urged to head to next weekend’s round of finals with the  Seniors and Under 16s playing in second semi finals on Saturday at Nar Nar Goon, against Inverloch and Warragul respectively. 

On Sunday The Reserves and Under 18s team play an elimination semi final in a do or die effort at Kilcunda Bass.