AFL Outer East: Berwick Springs targets recruits

The Titans’ first foray into senior football has only made them hungrier to succeed in AFL Outer East. And prospective recruits can expect to be well looked after.

The inaugural Berwick Springs senior side. Picture: Berwick Springs FC

Berwick Springs is on the look out for recruits as it looks to build on its first season as a senior club in AFL Outer East Division 1.

The Titans are eager to add experience to their young and talented squad that won two of its nine games in 2021.

Their historic first season as a senior entity had a bit of everything — an emotional first-up win, a five-game losing streak that tested spirits and the emergence of some quality players.

“We would have liked to be more competitive in certain games but we’re working really hard off the field at the moment to rectify some of the problems we had,’’ Berwick Springs coach Rodney Benstead said.

“Yet, all in all, it was a pretty exciting year I think.’’

Coach Rodney Benstead.

Benstead said, with the right recruits, the Titans could take significant strides forward in 2022.

“We were really young this year and we need to recruit some experience,’’ he said.

“We’re having a good look around the leagues for some good players.

“With a year under our belt — and just with the connection with our players and the excitement — players will want to start coming to Berwick Springs.

“We’ve got a new facility...and we’ve got a few things on the table we can offer.’’

Berwick Springs charged into history in April, fielding its first senior line-up.

Despite a disjointed lead up, including not having a ground to train on, the Titans made a dream start, winning their first game.

They beat Belgrave by 23 points.

“To come together and share a victory in that first game was a great highlight,” Benstead said.

But it wasn’t long before the Titans were tested.

A five-game losing streak kept everyone grounded.

Benstead said it was the way his players handled themselves during this period that made him most proud.

“When things get tough sometimes it’s easy to turn on each other,” he said.

“But I just think we started to build something that was special and everyone was engaged.

“There were lots of positives for us.”

Berwick Springs unearthed some exciting talent, too.

Tom Nelson, who was still eligible for under 19s, quickly became a crowd favourite with some dynamic displays up forward.

He kicked 10 goals in five games.

“He does things that we go to local footy to see,” Benstead said.

“He takes a big mark, he plays on, dodges, weaves and kicks the big goals. A package.”

Berwick Springs captain Jayden Malek set high standards, while Mitchell Van De Loop,

Aidan Nelson, Bailey Delves, Blake Simondson, James Makrodimitris and ex-Rowville and Forest Hill midfielder Daniel Ousley did well.