THE POWER AND THE PRECISION
NEWCOMB forward Andrew Steele hopes his opening round 10-goal haul will be a precursor for a huge 2021 for him and his fellow Power teammates.
Steele and fellow target Joel Geue (six goals) were the key beneficiaries of a new game plan focusing on fast ball movement in the Power’s big win over Portarlington. Ahead of a big test against Modewarre, Steele said a huge pre-season and the team’s improved structure and game style had given him and his teammates plenty of confidence.
“The buy-in we’ve had from the whole group has really helped. We had a massive pre-season and we’ve really put in, so that’s helped for sure,” Steele said.
“I have complete faith in our structure up the ground and the way the ball is coming into our forward line that anyone of the forwards can have a day out.
“There’s definitely opportunities and we’ve got confidence that anyone can get on the end of it. It’s a good group to be a part of.”
Newcomb co-coach Jye Walker heaped praise on Steele, who kicked his 10 Round 1 goals without a miss and set up two other goals.
“It’s pretty good reward for effort for Andrew. He kicked 28 in 2019, so 10 in one game is a big return,” Walker said.
“We’re trying to make sure our forward line isn’t onedimensional but Andrew was in the right spot and he took his opportunities.
“We’ve been gearing up for a long time, as everyone has. For the last six months we’ve been working on playing smarter football and being more in control of our own destiny and the pleasing aspect (against Portarlington) was the way we played our own football.
“You come in with great plans but they’ve got to be executed or you’ll have egg on your face, but the boys have bought into it. The game plan brings everyone into the game, so everyone can get their fair share and contribute really well.”
Between 50 and 60 players are regularly hitting the training track, while there is plenty of excitement about the new brigade of 19 and 20-year-olds who have joined the Power.
Youngsters Will Farrow, Blake Ritchie, Jacob Watson and Ryan Jackman have already made an impression, while Mason Andrews is waiting in the wings.
Following a long rebuild, Newcomb believes it is well placed to take the next step and push for finals this season. The Power get their chance to test themselves with a tough clash against perennial finalists Modewarre this round.
“It’s a good test for our group to see if we can rise to the challenge against one of the top five teams,” Walker said.
“We’ve gone out and got players we think will make us better, so now the proof is in the pudding. If we want to make finals, we have to compete well against teams like Modewarre.”