By Josh Ward.
Bayswater showed plenty of promise in 2022 and will look to build on that with a legend of the EFNL at the helm in 2023.
Despite finishing in eighth last year the Waters still managed to pick up six wins, often challenging and even defeating sides that made finals last year.
This time around they’ll be led by 2005 premiership player Marc Hardy this year following the departure of Tom Roach. EFNL journeyman Hardy recently said that he was excited about returning to Bayswater Oval this season.
“I’ve been involved with a lot of footy clubs but you never forget the first club you played at as a young junior player and the first place you managed to win a premiership, I’ve been lucky enough to win two at Bayswater,” Hardy said.
“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the footy club starting (in Round 1).”
Hardy added that there was plenty of excitement amongst the playing group ahead of season 2023 as well as their Round 1 clash at home against Montrose.
“Lucky enough I’ve come across a young and respectful group that are keen to learn and they’ve been outstanding (so far).
“They’re really excited about Round 1 as you would be so they’re looking to get in there and put their best foot forward on Saturday.”
Majority of the young core of players have signed on for another season at Bayswater Oval, with Hardy pleased to have them back at the club for 2023.
“When you come and meet some young men for the first time you get an impression on whether they’re keen or not.
“These guys have been keen from the start and it’s fantastic that they’ve put their faith (in me) after a little bit of time in what I’m talking about as senior coach. I’m rapt that they’re keen to learn a little more from me.”
They’ve also been able to add to the youth of the side, with ex-Balwyn players John and Charlie Stewart plus 19s player Tim Castricum signing on at Bayswater.
“We’re lucky enough that these guys have got a fair bit of experience, but they’ve also come in and embraced the footy club as well which has been outstanding.
“They’ve been able to, especially Charlie, set a standard through their leadership and through his leadership. But they’ve come and embraced the footy club, they’ve come to learn and they’ve come to be successful, it’s only onwards and upwards for those guys.”
Mitch Tsirtsikos and Lachlan Kruger also take the leap from lower divisions, with Tsitrsikos signing on after spending the past five years with Ferntree Gully. Kruger arrives having spent since 2019 playing consistent senior footy at The Basin.
“I’ve got no doubt that they’ll both thrive and play really good footy. I think when it comes to a higher standard of football it’s like any grade, the higher you go the more cohesive it is and these guys have already embraced the ‘Baysie’ way and I think they’ll do really well.”
There’s also plenty of young talent coming through at Bayswater according to Hardy.
“There’s a couple of the younger guys that have come through from the 19s that have so far impressed. Those younger guys coming through we think they’ll go pretty well.”
And with a young list at his disposal this season, Hardy has hope that the side can be competitive and continue to develop in 2023.
“I think the trick is to not get too far ahead of ourselves. We’re trying to get our guys to embrace the fact that they need to be more professional, they need to look to improve every time they train and step out (onto the ground).
“We’re looking for improvements across the board in all departments on and off the field. If it’s a slow burn, so be it, but we’re quietly confident that the things that we’ve implemented and the things these guys are embracing will hold them in good stead for the season.”