"It's not how hard you fall down, but how you pick yourself up that really matters"
Anyone that thinks the MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs are content with finishing outside the AIHL Finals in 2015 is sadly mistaken. Anyone that thinks the Mustangs are complacent about losing eight games by one goal in 2015, is also once again, sadly mistaken.
The MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs suffered what can only be described as a championship hangover in 2015 after being Goodall Cup champions in 2014. We played hard and just missed out on the finals. Experience is a great teacher and we'll be back.
We know our fans were disappointed to hear our much loved coach Brad Vigon announce his retirement at the end of the 2015 Season. Brad will always be remembered fondly at the Mustangs. Bringing the Mustangs from the wooden spoon to champions in such a short time is a feat not often seen in Australian sport. His legacy is assured.
When one door closes another opens and the Mustangs have been busy recruiting a coaching team that will lead our team into the 2016 season and see us return to the finals.
Team favourite Michael Flaherty will step up as Head Coach in 2016. "Mick" has a long history in the sport - coaching state teams and in the AJIHL. He is also the assistant coach for Team Finland in the Senior Men’s division of inline hockey, and has been for the past two years. Having assisted Brad Vigon last year, Mick developed a great relationship with our players and we are sure they will all look up to him.
The MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs are expanding our panel of assistant coaches in 2016. Head Coach Mick will be backed up by Jon Moses and Damien Holland.
Jon Moses has been widely touted as one of Australia’s best ever local players, having a remarkable career over three decades. He played on numerous Victorian and Australian teams, he is a Demons legend and his experience and expertise will be fantastic for the Mustangs.
Damien is arguably one of Australia’s greatest ever players. He made Chicago Blackhawks rookie camp in the 80’s and many thought he was going to be Australia’s first NHL player. If you’ve seen him play in goal now, at age 47, it gives you a glimpse of his experience and skill level. This will certainly be a bonus for the young Mustangs goalies whom we will develop with Damien’s experience and mentorship.
Bring on 2016, it promises to be very exciting for the MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs. We believe the harder we work, the luckier we’ll get!
- Andrew McDowell – Director of Hockey Operations
Front Office Changes
The MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs have also made significant changes off the ice for 2016.
Andrew McDowell
Andrew McDowell has stepped aside as Vice President of the Melbourne Mustangs to give 110% to his department of Hockey Operations to ensure growth of the players and the team on and off the ice.
Hamish Jones
Hamish Jones has been appointed Marketing Manager for 2016. Hamish brings with him masters degrees in Communications and Business Administration and will be assisted by a team of 10 across sub-teams of Marketing, Social Media and Events. Hamish will ensure the MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs experience is the best it can be for the fans and to grow the club and the game of hockey.
Myles Harris
Myles Harris has been appointed Vice President of the MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs. Myles will focus on customer service, club relationships, structure as well as the growth of the game within the Victorian and Australian sports community. Myles brings with him established relationships within Australian sport as well as a digital marketing background assisting clubs, sports and companies outside of ice hockey.
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