2014 EFL Pre-Season Wiki | Tomorrow: Waverley Blues
by Damian Watson (@Damo_109)
THE position of a reigning premier can be an enviable yet daunting title.
The side takes pride in serving as the benchmark for the competition, but faces the pressure of backing up the effort again amid further scrutiny from opposing teams.
Balwyn captain Rennie Gilchrist believes his side relishes in this familiar setting through an intense will to win each week.
“We’d much rather be known as the hunted instead of the hunter,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. But we must still have the mindset to hunt teams because you can’t wait for opponents to make a move and then come at you too hard. Ultimately teams want to show the competition that they can beat the best and that is what everyone strives for.”
Gilchrist says the Tigers are primed for a big 2014 season, following a “full-on” pre-season campaign.
“Over the last four weeks the training has really ramped up,” he said.
“Training was more relaxed pre-Christmas, which was good after two big years. Lately it has been really big and exciting and we can’t wait to start the season proper. On our camp we have been carrying sandbags, ropes and bricks which strengthens our pre-season campaign.”
The Balwyn skipper said the club stalwarts and new arrivals have conveyed a promising off-season.
“Our usual candidates in Ryan McMahon, Jeff Gobbels and Luke Barker are all looking really fit this year. Our new players are showing great fitness and skill levels and have been sensational,” Gilchrist said.
Gilchrist says the Tigers’ midfield and defensive depth will be enhanced through new recruits such as Shaun Cross (Scoresby), Toby Ryan (Wangaratta) and playing-assistant coach Kris Pendlebury (VFL).
“The new players have fit in with the group really comfortably,” he said.
“Kris has great experience and he has been taking drills while training full sessions in the last few weeks. Shaun has been great and will probably play that pinch-hitter role in the midfield while getting his hands dirty. Toby and the other young guys have moved into the group very well.”
The Balwyn captain says this depth is further developed with the induction of a new Under 19’s group.
“I think it gives the senior players a great focus at training to teach these young players and take them under our wing with a real club feel behind it,” Gilchrist said.
Despite the loss of renowned players such as Allan Murray and Ben Harris, Gilchrist says the great camaraderie in the club remains strong.
“The players we lost were a massive part of our team and it’s hard to say how their positions will be filled. But we have gun players and young guys who can step up and fill the void,” he said.
“We have a great club filled with genuine and loyal people and sharing success with them is something I will never forget. Our coach, Dan Donati, has been a great mentor for me as captain and he is like an older brother to us boys.”
The Tigers captain says the Division 1 Premiership race will have “more depth” in season 2014.
“The main three challengers would probably be Vermont, Noble Park and Norwood who have picked up quite a few good players and are always really competitive,” Gilchrist said.
“We would rather see everyone having a great game every week. Blackburn and South Croydon also look really good so I think there will be 12 great teams this year.”
As for the concept of claiming three consecutive premierships, Gilchrist says his team is “ready for the challenge”.
“It will be a lot tougher to win three in a row compared with two, but I think we are in a great position to win it again,” he said.
Balwyn opens its premiership defence against Blackburn at Morton Park on 5 April.