BREAKING NEWS: Kyle Willmott, the newly appointed coach of the Lithgow Workies Wolves, is determined to transform the Tony Luchetti Sportsground into an impenetrable fortress for rival teams. With a focus on climbing the ranks in the Peter McDonald Premiership, Willmott aims to make Lithgow a place that opposing teams dread visiting.
In a region known for its harsh winters and challenging playing conditions, Willmott is pushing to leverage home-ground advantage. “That was our goal last season and we’ll continue this year to make it so no one wants to come to Lithgow to play footy,” Willmott stated, emphasizing the unique challenges posed by the local weather.
Lithgow, which often experiences rain and freezing winds, has a rich tradition of tough matches. Last season, despite finishing at the bottom of the standings with only one win, the team consistently challenged stronger opponents, losing several matches by narrow margins. Willmott noted, “Last year, I think three of the top four teams only beat us by somewhere between two and six points.” This resilience highlights the potential for growth as the team prepares for the upcoming 2025 season.
Willmott, who has a long-standing connection with the club, returns after co-coaching alongside Jack Sullivan in 2023. He aims to build on the team’s recent success, where they secured their best win record in four years. “Ninety percent of our first-grade side was playing in the 18s in the last three years,” he explained. “Now, they’re old enough to have a bit of experience and it’s time to teach them how to be first-graders.”
The community support is a vital aspect of the Wolves’ strategy. Willmott highlighted the strong local following, stating, “When we go away to some games, we’ve got a bigger crowd than the home team.” This communal spirit can be pivotal as the team looks to attract new talent while nurturing homegrown players.
As the season approaches, Willmott is keen on enhancing the squad’s experience level. He hopes to attract returning Lithgow juniors and possibly recruit a seasoned player to guide the younger team members. “If we could just land one experienced front-row or a half,” he said, “that could elevate our game.”
However, financial constraints remain a significant hurdle. Lithgow is competing against wealthier clubs, making it challenging to secure high-profile signings. “You hear of the money around some of those signings, and we’re paying four players for the same amount,” Willmott remarked.
In a positive turn for the club, no major player losses are anticipated for the upcoming season. Fans are hopeful for the return of last season’s key signing, Kadiyae Ioka, who plans to take on a player-coach role and is committed to a full pre-season.
Pre-season training is set to kick off on November 28 at 5:30 PM. Willmott invites anyone interested in joining the Lithgow team for the 2026 season to attend, promising an exciting journey ahead as the Wolves seek to reclaim their place in the competition.
With Willmott at the helm, the Lithgow Workies Wolves are poised for an ambitious season, aiming to turn their home ground into a formidable stronghold and build a team that rivals the best. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
