The New England Nomads have experienced mixed results in their start to the AFL North West season but if there latest result is anything to go by, there's exciting signs ahead.
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In their round one game, they were beaten by the combined Moree Suns and Narrabri Eagles team 14.9-93 to 12.14-86 before losing to the Tamworth Swans 18.12-120 to 14.12-96.
But then they reversed those results, and then some, by thumping premiers Gunnedah 24.20-164 to 2.6-18.
New coach Clarrie Barker said a combination of low player numbers early on and new personnel finding their feet contributed to the slow start.
"We did have a few people out for the fist two weeks of the season," he said.
"We have a few new players as well, a few new young players, and they are just adjusting to the league and finding their feet up here."
Also new this year to the Nomads is Barker's promotion to coach. Having come up through the ranks in Armidale before progressing to a Sydney club, Barker thought it was his time to step up.
"It has been interesting, it has certainly been a challenge," he said.
"I played a handful of good footy games down in Sydney and I just thought there was no other real option to have a go at coaching to try and pass on things I have learnt, especially to some of the younger players that are coming through and through the university and stuff.
"I thought it was a good opportunity to pounce on."
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Of their defeat of Gunnedah, Barker admitted the Bulldogs were down on troops but was happy with the resounding victory.
"Gunnedah were missing a few players but we still gave it to them," he said.
"It will be interesting when we go down there and verse them again."
Barker kicked three goals in the win while fellow long-term Nomad Dave Richards managed four.
But it was the 10 goal haul by newcomer to the side in Noah Connick which impressed the coach.
Barker said the University of New England student arrived from Newcastle with a wealth of experience in Aussie Rules.
"He is a really good add [addition] to the team," he said.
"He played a lot down in Newcastle and I think he was part of the Swans Academy at one stage.
"It is pretty rare to find someone like Noah who has played it from a young age but all uni friends stick together and come over and pick it up as quickly as they can."
He also mentioned the Nomads women and the juniors who took the field.
"The women certainly brought something really special to the club and hopefully they can continue throughout this year and many more to come," Barker said.
The Nomads will face the Inverell Saints at Bellevue Oval this Saturday and Barker is hoping the home ground advantage can play in their favour.
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