The business end of the 2016 Coal India Hockey India League was a stark contrast to the first three editions as all six teams were in a chance of reaching the semifinals until till the closing stages of the league phase. Dabang Mumbai was one team that should count themselves ‘unlucky’ not to make the last-four stage, losing that elusive spot to Kalinga Lancers only on goal average after both teams were tied at 25 points from 10 games.
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Understandably, Dabang Mumbai had plenty of positives to take from the league.
“I was very happy with the progress we made in 2016. The team improved significantly and individuals developed very quickly. In previous years, Mumbai had won one match every HIL season, but this year we won 4 and we were very competitive or leading in another 5 matches. We had one poor performance and that was against eventual winners JP Warriors in Mumbai. It was a close season and came down to the very last match to see, who went into the semi-finals. Luck was not with us in this match, however, we can’t leave it to luck, we need to keep control of our destiny and accumulate more points,” says Dabang Mumbai head coach and former Aussie legend Jay Stacy.
The four-time former Olympian was chuffed with the way the team worked as a unit. “I was happy to see the playing group bond and develop over the course of the season and also pleased with my support staff - they all did an outstanding job. The next step is to win more points and make the semifinals in 2017,” he quips.
But there are disappointments which the team have taken in their stride. “Naturally, the biggest disappointment was not reaching the semi-finals in Ranchi and possibly the match against Delhi in Mumbai. We were leading in that match by 1 and conceded a late field goal to lose by 1 goal. That hurt,” he says with a tinge of remorse.
Stacy does take pride in the manner in which Dabang Mumbai overwhelmed Ranchi Rays 7-5 and UP Wizards 6-3 after a string of four straight losses first up.
“We beat Ranchi 7-5 where we had to play with 10 men for 37 minutes - it showed unbelievable team character and determination to succeed. Our win over UP Wizards 6-3 in our last home match gave us an opportunity to make the semi-finals. There was a lot riding on this match, so we needed to have courage as a group to risk all and take the game on. We played an inspired team game with a great desire to contest every ball and in the end, overpowered a very talented and experienced UP Wizards squad.”
The Aussie is bullish about returning for the 2017 HIL.
“My current contract is for 2016 only. I really enjoyed my experience, we developed and progressed everyday and achieved the best results Mumbai has ever had. I would like to return but will wait until the franchise has conducted their review of 2016 before discussions begin about 2017 and beyond. I would love to be the head coach of that 2017 journey.”
