Sexton leads Dragons from pretenders to . . . contenders

SANDHURST Football Club president Danny Ellis yesterday likened the impact of first-year coach Ben Sexton to that of his Sydney Swans counterpart Paul Roos.
Sure, the scale might be different, but the results the two men have managed to squeeze from their respective playing groups are virtually identical according to Ellis.
"He (Sexton) has been brilliant," Ellis said. "Ben took over the role (of coach) in unusual circumstances, but the way he has all the boys wanting to play for him is remarkable. He's a bit like Paul Roos in that regard." Like the Swans coach, Sexton has guided Sandhurst to within two wins of premiership glory in what can only be described as awkward circumstances.
The journey began back in November last year, when then coach Rick Andrews announced he was quitting the position in the hope of returning to Maryborough to play.
With Andrews gone, the Dragons went on a desperate search to find his replacement.
Tongala star Brad Campbell was approached, as were two or three other candidates before the club eventually managed to convince Sexton to take up the position.On field, the Dragons started just as slowly.
They lost five of their first seven games, forced to play a string of young, light-bodied rookies.
One match they had 13 teenagers take the field.
Then things started to turn around.
Andrews was lured back to play, and the likes of Rob Thornton, Luke Jones, Leigh Gathercole and Wayne Mitrovic began to hit their straps.
The Dragons scrapped into the top-five on percentage only and have since eliminated Kyneton and Maryborough from the premiership race. Only Eaglehawk and Gisborne remain.
"We always thought if we could get our full list out on the paddock, including our Bendigo Bombers players, that we were a top-three side," Ellis said.
"To Ben's credit, he's kept things basic and that's been a real help. With players coming in and out of the side all the time with the Bombers, there's the danger for a little bit of unrest to creep in, but it's been smooth sailing.
"A lot of that's got to do with Ben and how he approaches the game. "The guys see how he goes out and plays; the way he attacks the footy and they just want to follow."As impressive as Sexton has coached this year, his real value over the next two weekends will be felt on-field.
A rampaging Sexton at centre half-forward, tearing down grabs like a fit Wayne Carey, could deliver Sandhurst the premiership it so desperately craves.
However, if the fairytale eventuates, it will likely spell the end of Sexton's stunning career.
Ellis conceded yesterday it was doubtful the 30-year-old would go around again in 2004, as either player or coach.
"At this stage he probably won't (play again)," Ellis said.
"He hasn't given us a definite answer, and won't until this year's campaign is over.
"But if he does go, we'll look to replace him with someone who can continue to develop our list."If Sexton retires, it would be an ironic end to a bizarre year for the Dragons, but in keeping with the 2003 theme.
Expect the unexpected, much like Paul Roos and his Swans keep delivering.