Chasing glory: Steve Daniel, right, holds the Goulburn Valley League Hastie Cup aloft after Tatura won in 2012.
Photo by
Ray Sizer
He has conquered the Goulburn Valley League’s Hastie Cup three times and now Steve Daniel has one hand on the VFL equivalent.
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The mastermind coach is busy preparing for Sunday’s decider, where he will lead his Southport Sharks up against hot favourites Casey Demons at IKON Park.
Southport is aiming to become the first Queensland club to win the VFL premiership after the league expanded into north-east Australia and welcomed former NEAFL outfits.
Daniel, a three-time premiership coach at Seymour and Tatura, said it was a momentous achievement and a long time coming for the Sharks.
“It’s fantastic for the footy club,” Daniel said.
“Last year we were 10-1 in our first year in the VFL and we felt like we could’ve had some success before the season was called off which was pretty disappointing.
“We wanted to try and make a bit of a statement this year and show people that our efforts last year weren’t just a flash in the pan.
“So it’s pretty exciting for everyone involved.”
One win away: Three-time GVL premiership coach Steve Daniel has been at the helm of Southport since 2017. Photo: Southport Sharks
But the Sharks have faced plenty of obstacles during the campaign to reach Sunday’s decider.
Earlier this year, when the middle east coast of Australia was in the firing line of Mother Nature and devastating floods impacted communities, Daniel and his Sharks were forced from their training base at Fankhauser Reserve.
Left without a place to hone their skills and sharpen on Daniel’s game plan, Southport was forced to train wherever it could find open space.
“It’s been a really tough year and we’ve faced plenty of challenges,” the 2018 NEAFL premiership coach said.
“You would have seen the weather earlier this year and it forced us from our home ground due to water damage. All the grounds up here were flooded and we had to find places to train.
“Some days we were at the hockey fields, in the car parks, down at the beach or even just at a park. And then the footy club’s president passed away which was a difficult time.
“I’ve found the group is really resilient. It’s been tough, but you have got to work with what you have been dealt and I’m proud with what they have achieved.”
Before Daniel’s exploits in the Sunshine State, he made his mark in the Goulburn Valley with Seymour and Tatura.
The Lions welcomed Daniel to Kings Park from his stint at Northern Bullants where he won multiple premierships.
Daniel, who spent time at the Gold Coast Suns, is remembered for not only his impressive finals record, but the way he revolutionised coaching in the GV.
“Some of my best coaching years were in the GVL. Both Seymour and Tatura I hold close to my heart,” Daniel said.
“Seymour enticed me to come up and coach in the early 2000s and it was the best thing to ever happen to me.
“We were lucky to win a couple before I spent some time away and returned with Tatura and we won the 2012 flag. It was fantastic to get back to Tatura for the premiership reunion the other month, the club is a fantastic place and a great footy club.
“I can’t speak highly enough of both Tatura and Seymour.”
The VFL grand final will take place at 12.50pm and will be broadcast on channel Seven.
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