By Josh Ward.
It’s been a difficult season to date for Wantirna South. However there’s plenty of hope that they can turn it around following its first victory of season 2024 last weekend.
The result also marked the Devils first victory under club legend Jason Heffernan, defeating local rivals Bayswater 14.4.88 to 7.6.48 at Walker Reserve.
After leading by 44 points and keeping the Waters goalless in the first half, Wantirna South let slip that advantage in the third quarter to hold a 12-point lead heading into the final break.
“We then responded and kicked five (in the final term). Momentum’s hard to stop, the three quarter time siren probably halted Bayswater’s momentum and then when we got it they couldn’t arrest it,” Heffernan said.
“It just goes to show that when teams get momentum they get rolled and it’s pretty hard to stop whether you’re top of the tree or where we sit at the foot of the table.”
As soon as the final siren rang across Walker Reserve, a sense of relief filled Heffernan himself, the players and first year president Kevin van Grondelle.
“Then there (was a sense of) excitement that comes when you take a breath and go ‘thank god’. You look around the rooms and you can see how much it means to that playing group.”
Jake Denes continued to lead from the front in the victory, winning 39 hitouts and collecting 11 disposals, 10 contested possessions and seven clearances.
“He’s had a standout season as a player but as a leader of our team I’ve felt he’s been pivotal in keeping the group together and nice and solid.”
Experienced players David Lang and Marcus Jordan also stepped up, with Lang acquiring 14 disposals and Jordan kicking three goals from only eight disposals.
The past couple of games have seen them return to some form, which has helped lessen the load on the Under 19s players that have come into the lineup this season who have held their own at the senior level.
“They’ve enjoyed playing (senior footy). To have nine (under 19) guys that have been capable of playing senior football is pretty good and it’s a credit to the junior arm.”
Bringing those Under 19s has been one of many things that Heffernan’s enjoyed since returning to the club where he won two club best and fairest awards at.
“The players have been fantastic as well. I’m really proud of the players at the moment because if you’re not winning games it’s very easy to fracture and fall away, but to the boys credit they’ve been absolutely fantastic.”
It’s a season defining couple of rounds for the Devils who face Doncaster this weekend at Schramms Reserve before tackling 2023 premiers Mitcham and North Ringwood following their second mid-season break.
With a win now behind them, Heffernan has hope that it can help his side gain momentum heading into those matches.
“If we perform to the level that we did on Saturday, there’s definitely winnable games there. Whatever happens now, it feels like it’s in our hands and that’s probably the best place to be (for us).”