BRAD Hards is one of the most respected figures in the SFNL seniors’ football competition.
At 36, the Imperials club great is still giving it his all as his club works through a transition period under new coach Mark Wheatley.
As a premiership player and long-time club leader, Hards maintains high standards, just as Wheatley does after coming from coaching at AFL/VFL level.
It’s why neither of them could cop what the third-placed team served up in a humiliating 11-goal loss to sixth-placed Ouyen United last Saturday in front of many club legends, who came to No.1 Oval that day for a reunion.
Both Hards and Wheatley felt that a number of the players clocked off well before the final siren.
“I was very disappointed in the effort. Whether you’re winning or losing, you just can’t drop your head,” said Hards, who is about 20 games shy of racking up his 300th for the club.
“You can’t give up, and there might have been a few blokes who did that and I had a few things to say after the game.”
Wheatley said he was “very disappointed” in the players’ performance.
“It made me sick, to be honest with you,” he said.
“I’m not one to abuse, yell and scream, particularly when emotions are high after a loss.
“The players had a discussion about it afterwards. I then ummed and ahhed about whether to go hard at them at training on Tuesday, but I reflected on how these guys have a lot going on outside of footy and I just showed them the technical things of where we need to improve.
“I know the players want to win, but I’ve had to adjust and understand that footy’s not the be-all, end-all for some of them.”
Imps will have five changes to their team today when they travel to George Gordon Oval to play the unbeaten Wentworth Roos.
“It’ll be a good test of how we respond to last weekend,” Hards said.
“Even if we are losing, which is a fair chance given the way Wenty is playing, I hope none of our players shirk any contest or drop their heads.”
Wheatley said of the Roos: “They’re a super contest team and have some powerful forwards including Wade Hancock, who is the premier player of the competition.
“We’ll certainly have our work cut out for us, that’s for sure. But as long as our effort and attitude is much better than last week, then I’ll be much happier.”
Hancock is wary of a “possible hangover” for his side following last week’s hammering of long-time benchmark club Irymple.
“It’s a danger game for us, coming off all that hype,” said the playing coach, who has booted 24 goals in his side’s four games this season.
“We need to rock up again and not think it’s just going to happen.”
Hancock then gave a salute to Hards and what he means to the entire league.
“Brad’s been a pillar for their club for a long time, and is still one of the best players in the league,” the 30-year-old said.
“He’s always played the game the way I think footy should be played. He’s tough and fierce, and he’s been a massive part of Imps’ successful culture.
“He’s willing to do anything for his club on the field, and that’s why all the players in the comp respect him so much.”
