Mooroopna coach John Lamont is well known for his rousing addresses.
Mooroopna coach John Lamont has revealed how his side is taking inspiration from Carlton’s AFL revival - as they look to hit their stride in the Goulburn Valley League.
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The Mooroopna Recreation Reserve helmsman is hoping to bring the good times back to the club, with the Cats having gone four decades without tasting premiership glory.
Having last claimed the GVL flag back in 1986, Lamont’s focus is built upon blending older heads with up and coming talent as he looks to foster a winning atmosphere within the locker room.
Now, the experienced boss has detailed how he has developed an understanding of the psychology of sport - with his words of wisdom to his players often reflective of his belief in the importance of mindset when taking to the field.
Speaking to the News, the former North Melbourne assistant and development coach explained his methods as he recalled using Carlton’s turnaround in the AFL as an example of how fortunes can quickly turn for any side.
Mooroopna coach John Lamont is respected as one of the GVL’s brightest minds.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
After parting ways with coach Michael Voss midway through the AFL campaign, the Blues have gone undefeated under the tutelage of interim replacement Josh Fraser - putting together three consecutive wins.
The apotheosis of this rise came in the form of a recent four-point victory over the high-flying Geelong Cats at the MCG.
“Before the game, we spoke about Carlton’s recent changes in the AFL,” Lamont said, recalling his message to his players en route to victory over Seymour on Saturday.
“They were playing some good footy earlier in the year but couldn’t put four quarters together, then the pressure came off with the departure of Voss - next thing they’ve peeled off three wins in a row.
“So if you get your approach right mentally, anything is possible and we were aware that Seymour had come off beating Echuca.
“But anything is possible if you play with freedom and have a real go at it - from our oldest to our youngest, everyone could contribute.”
For Mooroopna, this season has been one of transition so far, with a tally of three losses and five wins leaving the Cats in ninth place in the GVL ladder after eight outings across the term.
Despite mixed results, the 23-point victory over Seymour in round eight represented an impressive performance from Lamont’s boys as they avenged defeat against Euroa in consummate style.
“They came out with the attitude that we wanted,” the Mooroopna coach added.
“We’ve got two massive away games in a row coming up, involving last year’s Grand Finalists, so my message to our group is simple - are we going to step up to the challenge or not?
“The big challenge in footy is going to play the best sides at their home grounds, they’re tough games.
“So it’s a case of do we want to be a part of it or not? My message is make a decision and bring the appropriate attitude,” he said in a rousing closing address to his players.
“That’s the psychological side of sport, we’ve got to do what Carlton has done - knuckle down and do the same thing!”
Next up, the Cats will head to Kyabram for the clash in round nine on June 6, before a trip to Rochester on June 13, as they look to build up some momentum following the victory over the Lions last time out.
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