Tara Murray
The morale remains high at Hoppers Crossing despite a tough Western Region Football League division 1 season.
The Warriors have won just one game for the season after being a constant finals contender for a number of years.
Warriors coach Adam Contessa admits it has been a tough season.
“It has been hard and challenging,” he said.
“We’ve had some growth from some of the challenges, but it hasn’t been ideal. As of last week, we’d had 19 different debutants this year, which is unheard of really.
“We’ve had the opportunity to blood some young guys and see where they are at and give them senior footy experience.”
Contessa said while some players had been given an opportunity before they were ready, others had really impressed and were regulars in the side.
“It’s a lot better to play the young kids than the older guys, who aren’t the future of the club,” he said.
“It’s a lot quicker taste than they probably need, but it is necessary. Over the last month we’ve seen them go to another level.
“Cal Buckingham has been a big improver, while Caleb Sciberras-Harris joined the club late, has a fair bit of upside.”
Contessa said with such a young playing group, they had managed to keep the atmosphere high, when they could have easily jumped off.
He said getting a few guys back which was resulting in some wins in the reserves was helping.
“The morale is still pretty good which is surprising at this time of year with no chance of making finals,” he said. “Things can drop off.
“We’ve got a fairly young group and these young guys have galvanised the group. The reserves have now won three games in a row and that helps with the spirit of the group.”
The Warriors have the weekend off, with no games in the division 1 competition on the weekend.
Contessa said they would get some personnel back this week, which would be a big boost to the group.
“Last week we had five injury changes,” he said. “Caleb got hurt in the warm and we had to make a change at 1.55pm.
“After the bye we will potentially get six or seven players back from injury. Braden Ferrari and Liam McMahon, who have missed a big chunk of the season are back now and provide some of that senior experience.”
The last month of matches isn’t easy for the Warriors, facing the four sides that are in the finals mix.
Hoping to avoid finishing bottom, Contessa knows it will be a tough challenge for them.
“Hopefully we can shape the finals,” he said. “Our main goal now is to stay up.
“It will be difficult with the draw we have got, but we’ll put our best foot forward and hopefully get a few more wins.”
