Licuria, 29, has played in all bar one of the club’s first six matches, and is serving the side as the team’s manager, dipping his toes into the off field waters with the application for which he made his name with the senior side from 1999-2007.
Despite the side’s relatively slow beginning to the season, sitting 13th at 2-4 after six rounds, Licuria believes there are a number of positives to come out of the year already, however the second half fadeout against Coburg last Saturday was unacceptable.
“One of the hardest aspects of establishing a stand-alone VFL team was narrowing down the squad to comprise 21 VFL-listed players to complement our AFL list, and many of these VFL guys are showing great promise and could be considered later in the year in the rookie draft," Licuria said.
"The other great positive is the total control we have over the development of our players. John McCarthy and two of our youngsters who are showing great signs, and through having our own VFL team I have no doubt we're able to fast-track their development."
"The fadeouts have been extremely disappointing, particularly the last two weeks, but this is part of the overall development of our list, and identifying areas we need to improve and working on these. We have a young team, and I think a lot of our young players are still learning to understand the importance of preparing themselves properly.
"At Collingwood we place a huge emphasis on the development of our young players, everything from skills to preparation, and many of these guys are honing their habits and still learning about the importance of diet and hydration."
Given how much time and effort Licuria has devoted to establishing the club's own VFL team, he admitted to not taking to losing a few games on the trot all that well, but firmly believes the club is on the right track.
“I'm disappointed with the losses because I know how much work we've put into this, but I'm pretty upbeat and positive about the direction we're heading.
"I get really excited seeing players perform, like Sharrod Wellingham and Ryan Cook. I get enjoyment out of seeing them advance to senior football, that's the enjoyment I get out of it now.
As for his own form, which has been solid, Licuria he is still adapting to his new role, although his 33-possession effort at Frankston a few weeks back suggests he's lost none of his ball-winning ability.
"Initially I tried to play as a coach out on the ground, and probably didn't pay enough attention to actually contributing myself.
"My main role is to mentor players out on the ground, and I've been able to do that, but perhaps to the detriment of my own performance.
"It's important for me to delegate on-field responsibilities, still mentor but focus a bit more on my own contribution, so I can help the side be successful."
Playing mainly off the bench and through the midfield, the experience of Licuria has been vital, for his presence alone aids the side which, aside from Ryan Lonie, former Casey skipper Nigel Carmody and Licuria himself, comprises of mainly younger types paving their way to the top.
After six matches, the win-loss ratio does not reflect the true value of the time and energy channelled by the club, in particular by senior VFL coach Gavin Brown and assistant Alan Richardson.
The task of gelling both AFL and supplementary VFL players into the one team is hardly a simple process, however the signs have been promising to date, with AFL-listed Magpie youngsters Ben Reid and Sam Iles both two of the most consistent contributors, while Sharrod Wellingham, John Anthony and Ryan Cook, who were all absent against Coburg, and Danny Stanley have all used the VFL as a platform from which to make their mark at senior level.
The form of VFL names Justin Crow, Tim Walsh and Danny Nicholls has also been encouraging, and on-field success for the side is sure to be a mere matter of time.
