By Mitch Turner
Bayswater have found their footing in season 2021.
After a very slow start to the season which saw Tom Roach’s men drop their first four games on the trot, the Kangaroos have made their way into the winners’ column with a 35-point victory over winless Upper Ferntree Gully at Kings Park.
However, it certainly wasn’t all smooth-sailing for Bayswater as they trailed by two goals at quarter time and were still four points in arrears heading into the main break, despite holding their opponents to just a solitary goal in the second term.
However, a big third quarter in which the Kangaroos forward half and midfield took control, headed up by Kurt Lopo and Joel Galvin, found the goals on seven occasions, proving the difference in the match.
Roach mentioned that his decision to play Galvin had been a particular adjustment made for this week, and that he knew that staying strong for the full four quarters would hold his side in good stead.
“They (Upper Ferntree Gully) were also quite a young side (and) young bodies find it more difficult to play the full four quarters”, he said.
He also noted the significance of some mid-game adjustments he made, including trying to take away the short kick which Upper Gully were taking at every opportunity.
“We gave up a few metres we shouldn’t have”, said Roach, and once they closed off those opportunities, they were able to slow their oppositions scoring rate and keep the football down their attacking end.
The second-year coach noted during an interview on Sunday how important the veteran presence of a player like Joel Galvin was to his very young group and said that the squads first win together should help spur them going forward.
“We always play to win, so when you do it brings confidence”, he said.
Roach expects his side to come out firing next week against Lilydale, as Bayswater has an opportunity to win two on the trot and maybe turn their season around with a win over another side who has struggled out of the gate.
“We’re aiming around that fourth or fifth place”, Roach said, highlighting his desire to play finals footy for the second time in two seasons at the helm.
“We should’ve been a bit closer (in previous weeks, but) we know if we play our best footy, we can beat anyone”.
