By: Joseph Arthur
SOUTH BELGRAVE has had the dream start to its season, going unbeaten through the first two rounds ahead of a huge away match-up against the Waverley Blues.
First-year senior coach Luke Galliott credits “change” as the key driver behind his side’s red-hot start.
“On the back of three poor years where it’s only won 13 games, I said to the club we need to bring 10 or 12 new guys in, the off-field guys were all for that but I was nervous to see how the players would respond and they’ve been rapt, they’ve just bought in totally,” Galliott said.
“It’s been pretty easy, they were all embracing the new players and wanted to change.
“Everyone’s seen it as a fresh start and bought in to what we are trying to sell them; that the club’s better than how it’s been performing over the last two or three years and if we all jump on-board and work hard, than it will change.”
The new recruits have been among South Belgrave’s best players early on, in particular returning 2013 premiership player Leigh Odermatt, who has kicked 12 goals across the first two rounds and currently leads Division 3 in goal-kicking.
Odermatt in action during the 2013 Division 4 grand final. PHOTO: Cyan Images
“I don’t want to single anyone out,” Galliot said.
“They’ve all wanted to come and make the club better.
“We had 10 new players to the club play Round 1 and they’ve all been to every (training) session, bar none.”
Despite an unbeaten record, the first-year head coach wants consistency and recognised that there’s plenty of room to improve.
“It’s still a little bit of a work in progress, the boys understand what we’re trying to do and they’ve picked it up really quick which I’ve been really impressed with,” Galliott said.
“In Round 1 we went away from a few things we were trying to get to and we probably didn’t respond in the way that I wanted at times.
“Last week we did play a really good brand; a lot closer to what we’re trying to achieve which was really good to see.”
With a tough match-up against a strong Waverley Blues side this weekend, Galliott said that his boys are excited for the challenge and are looking forward to seeing how they compare.
“Waverley, I think they’ll be one of the top two sides to be honest and the boys are well aware of where we see them, they’re on the same page with that,” Galliott said.
“To play them (Waverley Blues) away this early in the season is just a fantastic opportunity for us to test ourselves.
“Seeing how we go against what we see as the top side, we can’t wait, to be honest, simple as that.”
Galliott spoke about his transition into the club and said he was grateful for the support he received whilst making the jump into his new role.
“It’s been sensational to be honest, the support I’ve had from the footy manager and the president,” he said.
“It’s been really seamless and I’m really enjoying it so far.”
Overall, Galliott was satisfied with how the Saints are progressing and has high hopes for the remainder of the season.
“The other stuff that we’re asking them to do on and off the field, it’s heading in the right direction, that’s for sure,” Galliott said.
South Belgrave takes on Waverley Blues at 2:10pm this Saturday at Mount Waverley Reserve.