ADDY FOOTY ONLINE
Big test today if Blues’ record streak is to continue
WINCHELSEA coach Brendan Forssman admits his players’ mindset will play a factor in today’s acid test against reigning premier Bell Post Hill.
The Blues mentor, who recently signed on for a third season, has welcomed back Matt Worland and Fergus Inglis for the 2nd v 3rd secondversus-third blockbuster.
The former cellar-dweller, currently 6-1, is well aware it can make a statement against the GDFL powerhouse, with a clash against Inverleigh looming in the next fortnight.
“There’s a discussion in the GDFL I’ve shared with some people where some teams face defeat to Inverleigh and Bell Post Hill before they even play them,” Forssman said.
“This is obviously because of their reputations from Inverleigh’s past three seasons and Bell Post Hill’s past 10 years.
“But when you’re coming up against these blokes, I say to these boys that the only thing that changes week to week is the colour of the opposition’s jumper.
“When we have the football, there are things that we want to do and when they have it there are things that we want to do defensively to stop them.”
After a three-point loss to Geelong West under lights in Round 1, the Blues have climbed from seventh to third thanks to a club record sixgame winning streak.
Club officials were determined to sign Forssman until the end of 2020 but the former Grovedale assistant opted for a one-year deal.
While the Blues will be without Matt Costello (finger) and reigning best-and-fairest Jackson Smith (wrist), young forward William Ford remains one to watch.
Ford, who kicked seven goals against Belmont last week to bring his tally to 27, could line up next to Hamish Jannings.
“Cam Addie will go to Will Ford and I think that will be an exciting matchup, to see how he goes against the best defender in the competition,” Forssman said.
“We have given him a few little tips during the week that can hopefully help him out.”