As the 2025 NTL draws near, we’re excited to introduce Troy Morgan who is once again leading our Men’s Open teams this year. Troy brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to his role, and we can’t wait to see the impact he will make on and off the field.
In this interview, we’ll get to know Troy, including his journey in touch football, their goals for the NTL, and his thoughts on the strengths of this team. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the leaders shaping the future of South West touch football.
- How long have you been involved in touch? I’ve been playing touch football since 1980 and have been involved in various capacities, including as a player, coach, development officer, board member, and chairperson of Qld Touch. I’ve represented both Qld and Australia and have played in seven World Cups. I was incredibly honoured to be the Australian Flag Bearer at this years World Cup.
- Have you coached at this level before? Yes, I have coached at the Open NTL level for Razorbacks, Rustlers, and SWQ. My latest stint has been as the Open Men’s SWQ Coach for the last three years.
- What’s your proudest moment as a coach? I love coaching and being part of a team environment. There have been many proud moments, but I think my proudest moment as a coach for SWQ was making the Open Men’s NTL Final last year. To make the final with a tough win in the semi-final, when we were down to five players for the majority of the second half, was one of the gutsiest team efforts I have seen. It was a young team growing from potential into a strong, united team of substance.
- What are your goals for your team this season? This team came together over three years ago, and we have progressed from Quarter Finals to Semi-Finals and then to the final last year. So, a real goal for this team is to win the championships. The ultimate goal every year, though, is to be made up of a group of players who meet the standards we set to be the “player we would love to play beside.”
- How would you define success on and off the field? Success, to me, means that any player I work with leaves the team not just a better player but a better person for being part of the culture, beliefs, and goals we set and build as a team.
- Who is your coach mentor and why? Peter McNevin had a major impact on how I see the game and how to communicate with a team and individual players. I remember my first representative carnival as an open men’s player at 19, and Peter sat down with me and gave me three clear things to concentrate on throughout the carnival. He cleared my mind and gave me the focus and role I needed to complete in the team. He then finished the meeting by giving me a sheet with three words that related to the role. All he would need to do was mention one of those words to me in a game, and I knew straight away what I needed to adjust. As coaches, I think we sometimes overcomplicate our game plans and feedback to both our team and players, which does not create clarity for our players. The biggest thing I took away from Peter’s lessons was that while we can create a framework of coaching that your team grows into and which you can take with you from team to team, you cannot formularise coaching. You need to adjust your plans, playing style, and strategy within your framework to match your team. Do not make your team adjust to a formula you have set. Coach to the team you have in front of you—their skills, personality, and ability. Don’t coach a formula that does not fit the team. Know your team.
- What advice would you give to young players aspiring to play at a high level? My advice to young players aspiring to play at a high level is to stay dedicated and always be willing to learn. Focus on your skills, fitness, and understanding of the game. Embrace the team culture and be a player who others would love to play beside. Remember, hard work and perseverance are key to success. Be patient with your progress; you are not going to make every team you try out for, but it is not the end—it is just the beginning. I think I was a shadow player for the Qld Open Men’s team six times before I made my first Open Men’s Qld Team.
- What do you think sets this team apart from previous teams? What sets this team apart is our strong sense of unity and resilience. We’ve grown together over the past three years, moving from Quarter Finals to Semi-Finals and then to the final last year. Our ability to overcome challenges and support each other on and off the field makes us a formidable team and one I love being a part of.
- Are there any players or strategies people need to watch out for? While I don’t want to give away too much, I can say that our team has some standout players across the field who bring unique strengths to the game. Our strategy focuses on strong defence, quick transitions, and effective communication. Keep an eye out for our dynamic plays and the way we adapt to different game situations. I love how this team has a great blend of experience and youth.
