New coaches; a new look leadership at the Railways in 2019

Nathan Deblecourt and Terry Bell will be the new men in charge of the teams who both played finals last year. 

Deblecourt said there is some pressure coaching the side that came away as premiers last season. 

“There’s a lot of pressure coming off the flag last year,” he said.

“We’re going to be keeping the same core group.

“Who knows what could happen when September comes.

“Hopefully we can make finals.”

It was a natural progression for Deblecourt, who captained the side for the last 10 years and took on coaching roles over his years with the club.

Bell said he is excited to become more involved in the mentoring of the reserves players.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully keeping a lot of the same players and the momentum going from last year,” he said.

“All in all we just want to try and keep the core values of the club keep up the commitment to the players. 

“I’m committed to the role.

“Hopefully I can bring a bit of knowledge.

“I played a lot of footy growing up and have lived in the town, now I’ve got a son playing so that’s why I’m getting involved.

“For the last three years the committee has helped the Railways blossom into the club they are now.

“They’ve got the right frame of mind.”

In the 2018 reserves grand final the Railways were defeated by hometown rivals, the Federals.

Bell said it was a deserving win by the opposition.

“I reckon the Railways underestimated the Fedies because we beat them in the preliminary final,” he said.

“The Fedies wanted it more and were the better team on the day.

“It was good that two Northam teams won the AFA flags.

“I’m glad it was them instead of another team, but in saying that it doesn’t make in any easier.”

Deblecourt said preseason training is all about being together as a club and working on fitness.

“Just getting some kilometres in the legs,” he said.

“Nothing too strenuous while it’s still hot but we’ll ramp it up in a few weeks.”