While Ocean Grove has recruited well for the upcoming Bellarine Football League season, it required a ‘buy-in’ from those players that went deeper than just playing.
As the Grubbers prepare to tackle Modewarre in the opening round this Saturday, coach Dave Farrell said playing footy wasn’t the only requirement for the newcomers this preseason.
“We have brought in a few players with some experience at higher levels and the biggest positive we have seen from this so far is their level of buy-in,” he said.
“I think some clubs use the coastal, relaxed vibe of the competition to attract players wanting to scale back their commitment to football at different stages of their careers. Our recent results and the huge depth of young developing talent doesn’t suit this approach.
“We need our new players setting an example and sharing their experience to support the development of our younger players and program which they’ve been terrific with so far.”
Farrell said the youthful squad had brought “energy” to the playing group.
“Our whole group of graduating under 18s has brought energy and are already creating pressure on some of our more experienced players for spots,” he said.
“We have 15 players from last year’s under 18 squad on our senior list and are really looking forward to seeing them develop throughout the year.
Ocean Grove played four practice matches in what Farrell described as a “different approach”.
“The first two we mixed our squads to play two even sides and spread experience across the group and support our first-year players still learning how we want to play,” he said.
“The third and fourth we played a more traditional noon/2pm split but rotated a lot of guys through. While it’s made the selectors’ job really tough, it has given us plenty of confidence in the depth of our list moving forward.”
Farrell wouldn’t be drawn on labelling what success would look like for the Grubbers this season.
“We’re constantly reviewing our program and making little tweaks to how we can better support our playing group,” he said.
“These sessions in the back half of preseason have already highlighted some areas with our attendances and training standards that have taken big steps. We’re really confident we are trending in the right direction but it looks like most clubs in the offseason have done the same which makes for an exciting season.
“We’ll continue to review at stages throughout the season with a focus on individual player development and maintaining the level of engagement we’ve had to this point of the year.”
Travelling to Modda is a tough assignment at any time of year and Farrell said the opening round clash would give him an indication of where his list is at.
“Our squads look quite different with theirs being some bigger bodies and loads of experience,” he said.
“They play their ground really well and it will be a great first up test for our group. Round one always comes with a big build up and can be weighted more than other rounds.
“Everyone is super excited and we’re hopeful our performance gives us a really good base to build into the season from.”
ROUND 1
Saturday April 5, 2.10pm
Barwon Heads vs Portarlington at Apco Cafe 24/7 Oval, Barwon Heads
Drydale vs Anglesea at Mortimer Oval, Drysdale
Modewarre vs Ocean Grove at Community Bank Oval, Moriac
Newcomb vs Queenscliff at PlasterCom Oval, Newcomb
Torquay vs Geelong Amateur at McCartney Oval, Torquay
