Magpies assistant coach Mark Ozich says there were positives from this year's season.
He chats with Mark Story.
In a nutshell, what went wrong this season?
We didn't win anywhere enough games, that is it in a nutshell.
This year boasted one of the most "local" Magpies squads in recent history -
do you think there was any correlation between this and the year's results? Did the homegrown element work against the team or preclude outside signings?
I don't believe so. While there is a significant step up from club rugby to Mitre 10, those local players who were exposed to this level of the game will be better off for the experience in 2017 and will now fully understand how much hard work they will require over the next 10 months to be competitive at that next level. My opinion is we have a responsibility to promote our local players when and where possible and only when we have clear gaps in our playing rooster that are unable to filled locally should we need to go outside our local players.
Despite it all, what were the positives?
In the Manawatu game we saw for the first time this season what the team are capable of. It was exciting to watch and represented the type of rugby we as a group have been looking to display, and a style of rugby that our community can relate to. It was high energy, more accurate ball movement into space and guys working off the ball for each other. For me on a personal level it has been great to continue my education as a coach and build relationships with the players, officials, volunteers and wider rugby community.
Who was your 2017 top forward and top back?
While I don't really like signalling out individuals, but given the question here I'd make an exception - For me a number of guys stood out for different reasons. - In the forwards the growth of Pouri Rakete-Stones and Tim Farrell has been great to watch. Ash Dixon has led from the front at trainings and on game day with his physical presence. Also, Jason Long who has grown and is developing into a quality prop and is a great team player. Finally, in the pack Gareth Evans showed how much of a physical menace he is and he just demands high standards from all involved.
In the backs Richard Buckman was great off the field and delivered consistent performances on it. Ihaia West led the team around the park well and made some memorable plays. Cardiff Vaega, Sam McNicol, Brad Webber and Jonah Lowe were all solid performers and excellent contributors on and off the field as well - as was the entire team.
If the head coach position became available for 2018, can we expect you to throw your hat in the ring?
At this stage we are going through a review process with the players and management. I'm here next year as an assistant coach, but if the role did come up I'd most certainly put myself forward for the position.