Glen Orden is winless and bottom of the ladder in the Western Region Football League division 3, but is refusing to write off the rest of the season.
The Hawks have started 0-7 in their first season back in the competition after a one year hiatus, but coach Phil Crea insists the mission is to not only get the breakthrough win the club desires, but get multiple wins this season.
“We’re not far off,” he said. “The players are disappointed they haven’t won a game so far, but I think they understand where we’re at as a club.
“We’ll be looking to get a few wins for the club to take a bit of momentum into next year’s pre-season.”
It was always going to be a difficult first season back for Glen Orden. The Hawks have been competitive for the most part with a couple of shockers thrown in.
The two weeks before the Queen’s Birthday break encapsulated that with a dismal 133-point loss to Tarneit, followed up with an encouraging 20-point loss to ladder leader Wyndham Suns.
“That game against Tarneit was out of character for the boys,” Crea said. “We just had a shocker that day. Full credit to the boys, they bounced back against the Suns and were probably a bit unlucky not to win it.”
Glen Orden is on the right track.
The Hawks are seeing high numbers at training, supporters are back on board and enthusiastic about the direction the club is going and Crea will provide stability after signing a two-year contract extension last week.
To steal a catchcry from NBA team Philadelphia 76ers, the Hawks are trusting the process, adamant the rewards of the hard work to get the team back on the field will come.
“We’re looking at the bigger picture,” Crea said. “Seeing some of these young players, it’s definitely an exciting time for the club.
“Another two years and I’m sure we’ll see a bit of success down there.
“At the moment, the other sides have got a bit more polish and composure, but our boys are sticking to their guns, there’s no doubt about it.
“The boys are learning how to play together and want to improve, they’re a good bunch of young kids down there.”
Youngsters such as Patrick Hynes, a hard-at-it rover, Kur Kur, an exciting wingman/midfielder, and Soni Rainbow, a key position player, represent the future of Glen Orden. Ash Burke has impressed with his speed off the half-back line, while the addition of Michael Giles has brought in some experience.
Glen Orden will go out in search of its first win of the season against Point Cook Centrals at Featherbrook Reserve on Saturday.
