The Basin heads into season 2017 under new senior coach Scott Homewood, off the back of seven wins in 2016 with stirring upset victories over finalists Boronia and Ringwood. The Bears suffered a number of close, nail-biting losses last season, including running eventual undefeated premier Upper Ferntree Gully to within four points in Round 9.
2016: Seven wins, 11 losses, eighth
2017 leaders:
President – Alex Winters
Senior Coach – Scott Homewood
Senior Captain – Trevor Mills
The Basin secretary Brett Phillips spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of the Bears’ 2017 campaign…
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
To strive to get better on and off the field. To provide a safe and happy club for all members.
What has the pre-season been like so far for the club? Is there any group that has really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits, etc.)?
With a new coach and a younger list, pre-season has been very good. There’s a strong vibe at the cave, and training has been solid and competitive with good numbers on the track. The under-19s should be very competitive this season.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
The committee has been solid and steady for a number of years now. Joining this year is Adam Percy taking on sponsorship and any other task he can help with doing a great job so far.
We are lucky from our junior club to seniors we have many great helpers, volunteers, who work tireless for our club.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
Injuries killed us last season so no or few injuries would be great.
Who are the players who you think will have a break-out season, who may have gone under the radar in the past as far the being known across the EFL community?
Captain Trevor Mills returns from a knee injury and vice captain Max Kruger from a jaw. A few under-19s should be knocking on the door for senior selection.
Where does the club see itself in three years’ time?
Playing in finals in Division 2 and building a very strong junior and senior club on and off the field.
Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
Division 3 has been close for a number years, so all the others.
The Basin kicks off its season on Saturday, 8th of April when it hosts Ringwood at Batterham Reserve.
