Young guns stand up for slick Swans
THE young team at South Barwon may have turned a corner with an emphatic win over Newtown & Chilwell.
The emerging midfielders at the Swans bullied the more fancied Eagles on Saturday, walking away with a 46-point win at Elderslie Reserve.
The young core of Jonty Broughton, Ryan Dillon, Kelly O’Neil and Ben Lusby continuously pushed the ball forward for South and with Trent Richards and Darcy Hansen strong off half-forward, co-coach James Maas said the young brigade had come together strongly.
“I think it finally clicked today and that’s why — we played four quarters and were able to grind it out and get a good win,” Maas said.
“That was pleasing for our midfield, we knew we were probably — as far as games played — very inexperienced.
“Their effort to really try and work hard to win the ball in the contest was amazing to see.”
Alongside the midfield, the backline had a day out with co-captain Reece Woods, star full back Jay Lever and former St Joseph’s standout Brandon Verfurth all having dominant games.
The ability of the backline to halt opposition attacks and send the ball the other way was a key and something Maas said would continue.
“We spoke about it just before, obviously everyone has played well and played their role but when you look at our back six, everyone played well and did their bit today,” he said.
“They were just phenomenal off half back with their drive, but also the voice and direction for the young boys helped them be really composed and it was the difference.” As they turn for home, the Swans are planning on using this result as a benchmark in performance.
South won four of its last six matches last year and is hoping for a similar run home this time around and will look back for inspiration.
“We just said this is our benchmark and this is where we need to be for the rest of the year and if we can do that we can beat anyone,” Maas said.
“That’s what we’ve just spoken to the players about. There’s been inconsistencies there where we’ve dropped away but we haven’t had a fourquarter performance.
“Hopefully the boys have set that benchmark and can remain at that.”