REVERED coach Adam Dowie says the possibility of a fresh challenge encouraged him to add an extra year to his existing deal with North Warrnambool Eagles.
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The six-time Hampden league premiership-winning mentor has committed to the Bushfield-based club until the end of 2021.
He is preparing for his second season at the helm after lifting the Eagles from a wooden spoon to a grand final berth in the space of 12 months.
Dowie, who has won flags at Terang Mortlake, Warrnambool and Koroit, said he felt 2021 could bring "some new challenges with it".
"This year we'll still be reasonably strong and hopefully we can continue to improve in terms of the way we play," he said.
"But next year, particularly with the Geelong guys (Sam McLachlan, Billie Smedts, Tom O'Leary and Darcy Keast), they're obviously travelling this year, but can we get three years out of them, I don't know?
"We recruited for two years. Will they commit to a third? I hope they do but that's probably being selfish."
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Dowie, a school teacher at Warrnambool College, said he was finding the Eagles' gig satisfying.
"I got home last night and spoke to (my wife) Jane and said 'I'm really enjoying it, really enjoying the club and working with the players'," he said.
"It was really rewarding last year, taking them from one spot to the other, but now it's trying to consolidate that and get those young guys coming through.
"It is part of the reason I am really enjoying it and wanted to sign on for another year, to work with young players and their families."
The Eagles, who fell three points short of Koroit in last season's decider, are "fitter and stronger" heading into season 2020.
"Last year (in pre-season) we felt skill-level wasn't a strength but 12 months down the track we feel the way we want to play is embedded now," Dowie said.
"The gym has been fitted out there (at Bushfield) which has been good...and we've been able to have a bit more focus on running and conditioning."
Dowie said the Eagles also had a more tailored program for their travelling players.
"Last year we left them to their own devices a little bit but this year we've been a little bit more demanding about what they are doing during the week training-wise," he said.
North Warrnambool Eagles will host Warrnambool and District league club South Rovers in a practice match at 6.15pm on Wednesday.
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