A CONSTANT presence during one of the most challenging eras in North Shore’s storied history, Patrick Cleary can see the light at the end of the tunnel for the struggling Seagulls.
After a winless 2019 season in which the club’s average losing margin was 109 points, Cleary says Nick Dixon and Darren Winter’s appointment as co-coaches, coupled with some handy recruiting, has changed the mood at Windsor Park.
“2019, when we were losing, it was definitely not a fun place to be,” Cleary said.
“I think what the boys have bought in and the commitment, it’s definitely making it a fun place to be at the moment.
“I think that’s one step to getting back to where we want to be.”
Dixon and Winter were only appointed in mid-January following the departure of Mark McDowell late last year.
However, Cleary says the Seagulls have settled quickly under the new duo.
“I can’t believe how much structure they’ve brought to the place already,” he said. “They’ve only been in the job two-and-a-bit months, and they’ve been unbelievable.
“Windy, with his experience, and Dicko’s come from the VFL system, it’s been awesome.
“I think for the last two years, we didn’t seem like a GFL club.
“We’re definitely heading in the right direction; I can feel it.”
While Cleary has seen an exodus of players during his time at North Shore, he never considered playing elsewhere.
He’ll be rewarded for his loyalty when he plays his 100th game for the club in the second half of the season, having made 87 of a possible 90 appearances since arriving from St Mary’s in 2015.
“When I first arrived, I wanted to be a GFL senior player, and I’ve always wanted to play finals footy for North Shore,” he said.
“I’m a pretty loyal person, and they’ve been loyal to me. I was pretty happy to stick around.
“I’m not one to jump ship, even though I did leave St Mary’s for opportunity.
“I like the place, and I want to get back to finals.”
North Shore opens its season at home against South Barwon on April 17.
Twitter: @tom_king79
