Bell Park coach James Saker says they only have themselves to blame for disappointing start as Tom Pearson returns from concussion

Bell Park has slumped to a 1-3 start to the season, and their coach says there is noone to blame but themselves. But a youngster who suffered a serious blow returned in their heavy loss.

St Joseph's Mitch Chafer celebrates a goal. St Joseph's v Bell Park GFNL Football. Picture: Alan Barber

Bell Park coach James Saker said the Dragons only have themselves to blame for their disappointing 1-3 start to the season as Tom Pearson made his return from concussion in their heavy loss to St Joseph’s on Saturday.

St Joseph’s kicked 16 goals to four to the Dragons’ four to three-quarter-time and ran out 79-point winners at Herne Hill Reserve as the Joeys’ midfielders and half-backs ran riot, with Saker

The continued form of Matthew Jones coupled with Pearson playing his first game back since he was brutally knocked out off the ball by Colac player Jack Skinner a month ago were the silver linings from an otherwise bleak performance.

The Dragons are already in danger of missing the finals after dropping tight games to Colac and Newtown & Chilwell – leading both games at three-quarter-time.

Bell Park coach James Saker. St Joseph's v Bell Park GFNL Football. Picture: Alan Barber

But Bell Park has the chance to turn their underwhelming start around with four winnable games coming up in the next month against Lara, Geelong West, Grovedale and St Albans.

Saker remains confident his side can improve on their slow start and feature in September again in 2025.

“Last season we got over the line in some close ones, this season we haven’t. It’s a pretty fine margin when you are a developing club like we are between 3-1 and 1-3, but we have no one else to blame but ourselves,” Saker said.

“We do really think that if we can get some continuity with injury and availability that there is still plenty to play for in the season ahead.

“We’re not too despondent in terms of where we’re at, we are probably in that four to seven bracket which is reality.

“And we need to sharpen up a few things with our game, but that can happen pretty quickly if we put in the effort and the work during the week and keep looking forward to the challenge these really good teams put forward to us.

“Despite what the stats might tell you, our back six or seven has stood up pretty well in the face of a bit of adversity. That’s why we think if we can tidy up some mid-forward stuff, that we’ll be okay.”

A statement from Bell Park Sporting Club and the Pearson family a fortnight ago said that Tom Pearson was continuing to recover from a “significant concussion” and that he remained under “ongoing medical supervision”.

Saker said it was great to see Pearson back at the footy club.

Tom Pearson was knocked out against Colac.

“He is back to training and obviously played on the weekend, I think he will be better for the run in terms of being back in amongst it all,” Saker said.

“It has been great to see him re-integrate with the group and hopefully back to his old self.”

Geelong VFL’s bye meant the Joeys had the luxury of welcoming Paddy De Grandi and Joey Chaplin who both kicked two goals.

Former Grovedale star Mitch Chafer booted three goals in his first game in Joeys colours, while Joel Edwards kicked four majors.

The commanding victory was the Joeys’ 22nd consecutive home-and-away win and Saker said their elite kicking cut them apart.

“In terms of home-and-away they are the most efficient and most damaging team that we have seen to this point, but things can change,” Saker said.

“Their mids and half backs got to work on transition and at turnover. Their footskills was the most obvious thing in terms of where they hurt us, their footskills are elite.”

Originally published as Bell Park coach James Saker says they only have themselves to blame for disappointing start as Tom Pearson returns from concussion