Shane Flanagan’s St George Illawarra rebuild: Carlton’s influence on the ‘Dragons Way’

“We are one club,” Flanagan said. “There is no divide. We are one club. I’m excited by it.”

For Flanagan he wants to put an end to any suggestions that the St George or Illawarra sides control the club. Instead he wants to unite the two regions in the hope of fostering some much needed success.

Part of that is launching the ‘Dragons Way’ which he did at a brunch of high ranking officials, sponsors and ex-players on Friday.

He latched onto the concept after travelling to meet with AFL club Carlton earlier this year.

“They did it really well,” Flanagan said. “What falls under the ‘Carlton Way’ and what will fall under the ‘Dragons Way’ will be different things.

“I need to educate our staff and players about the way we do things. The way we behave, train, perform. The way we treat each other, how we are in the community. The way we turn up to airports and restaurants.

“It all falls under the ‘Dragons Way’. We have to make sure players understand that if you play for this club there is a ‘Dragons Way’ to do things.

“They haven’t been exposed to it. They are excited about it but they don’t know what it’s about. A lot of stuff has to gone into it

“They’ll see it from day one. The way we turn up to training. The way we treat each other. It will all be different. It will be part of the journey.

“I see us being a top four club year after year. Our attitude and behaviour will fall under the banner of the ‘Dragons Way’.”

At Carlton their mantra encompasses being united, pursuit of excellence, Carlton first and a growth mindset. Flanagan has set lofty ambitions for his first year in charge at the club.

“I expect to play semi-finals next year,” Flanagan said. “People outside this room will think I’m crazy but it is achievable.

“The talent is there. I’d love to get one or two high quality players for next year. There isn’t a lot of quality players on the market.

“We are in a good position cap wise. I look through our cap there might be some players who are paid some overs but there are some who are on under. I’m pretty happy if we can attract the right players. I’ve tried to sell the club the past month that we are a high profile club, on the go.”

Flanagan has been on the go since his commitments with Manly finished at the end of the regular season. He has spent time revamping the WIN Stadium gym and been an instrumental force in ensuring the club spends at least one day a week training at Kogarah.

“We’ve already started,” Flanagan said. “We’re gone, we’re away.”

Originally published as Shane Flanagan’s St George Illawarra rebuild: Carlton’s influence on the ‘Dragons Way’