By Josh Ward.
With a new-look and much younger outfit in 2023 The Basin were able to get the monkey off their back early and pinch a win against last year’s Preliminary Finalists in East Burwood .
Following two defeats to start the season the Bears were able to defeat Rams at Batterham Reserve, coming from one goal down at half time to win by 20 points.
It’s the Bears first win under new senior coach Jason Wade, who recently said that there was a feeling of relief after the final siren rang out over Batterham.
“Personally it was a relief (when the siren rang) just to be able to get the monkey off the back and get that first win over the line,” Wade said.
“The boys afterwards were really happy because there were quite a few boys that played in their first senior win. It was great.”
Six players from The Basin’s U19s premiership played on the day, with Tom Swindell, Cody Forrest, Liam West and Lachlan Saunders-Emerson singing the song for the first time as a senior player having made their debuts in the opening rounds of the season.
“They were all ecstatic. And because there’s half a dozen of them, there’s a big group of them, so to be able to do it with a few mates is even better for them.
“It was a really good atmosphere after the game and hopefully we can build on it.”
Playing at home saw Bears fans play a crucial role in helping get their young side over the line on the day.
“A few of the assistant coaches said there’s like a 19th man kicking towards the clubroom end in the last quarter at The Basin. They all got in the rooms afterwards and the song was sung pretty loudly.”
It was the third quarter that paved the way for the Bears win, kicking four goals as well as keeping a high-scoring East Burwood outfit to just two behinds in it.
“One of the biggest focuses was our pressure and being accountable, a few guys had a big role down back and they did a great job.
“Luke Scott played on Braeden Barlow, who kicked four and three goals in the opening two rounds, he kept him goalless and did a great job. They work really well together the backline, it was very pleasing.”
There were eight goalkickers on the day, with Hayden Smith kicking thee and being named best on whilst Brock Castree also added two. Wade touted those two as players that had stepped up in the forward line during the absence of Connor Edwards
“We haven’t really had a key target so I’ve put Smith and Castree forward because they’ve got a bit of class and luckily enough Hayden kicked three and Brock kicked a couple. They all rotate there through different bits of time.”
Christian Poe also continued his strong start to this season, being named in the best once more whilst also kicking a goal in a third consecutive match.
Having played in the 19s premiership as well as playing eight senior games in 2022 Wade said he would play a crucial role for the side in 2023.
“He did a preseason down at Port Melbourne, he didn’t make it but he’s come back super fit. I’ve given him more of a role in the midfield, he starts in there.
“He’s taken it onboard and he’s been fantastic, racking up plenty of touches and (bringing) plenty of defensive pressure as well.”
There’ve been plenty of others that have stepped up in 2023 for The Basin senior’s, including leadership duo Mitch Brown and Tom Edwards who’ve taken on the captaincy in the absence of Shane Davidson.
“They’ve had to step up and take on the captaincy duties and they’ve been going really well, they’re only 21-22 years of age but they’ve started the year really well and have led from the front.”
And with an early win on the board for the young Bears Wade added that it would give them plenty of belief for the rest of the season.
“I said after the game that hopefully (the win) builds you with the belief that you can match it with anyone. Even Round 1 we were with Boronia until half time and then they kicked away.
“Get a bit of self-belief then we’re heading in the right path and if our pressure’s up we can match it with anyone.”
This weekend sees the Bears host Templestowe in the third of five consecutive home games, with ex-Collingwood superstar and Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan to pull on the Bears jumper this weekend.
“Everyone’s been excited for it, winning last week helps build (the excitement) going into it…I think everyone will be on the track this week, no one will wanna miss out on this game.”
