In fact, Brisbane Lions Assistant Coach Adrian Fletcher describes it as “the busiest time of the year”.
The Lions’ football operations staff began preparations for 2013 almost immediately after the Club’s final match of the season - which was almost a month ago.
“We spend the week after the last game going through our review process, and then go straight into planning for 2013,” Fletcher said.
“We start discussing the way we want to play, the players we need, and the trends of the game - and link that up with recruiting.”
“I almost wish I was still a player - because after the season they get to take their boots off and enjoy a break.”
The coming weeks are about to get even more hectic, with Free Agency (Monday 1 October), the AFL Draft Combine (Tuesday 2 October), and Trade Period (Monday 8 October) all scheduled to commence over the next seven days.
“When you’re a coach, this is your busiest time of the year. You have to get it right. Whatever we do, we have to do it properly.”
“Everybody in the Footy Department - from coaches, recruiters, developers and footy operations - is working together to help the Club improve.”
2012 AFL Premiers Sydney are proof that shrewd recruiting - through both the Drafts and from other clubs during Trade Period - can help deliver the ultimate success.
