EFL 2019: The Basin locks in coach Justin Stanton for 2020

The Basin coach Justin Stanton outlines his plans for the EFL Division 2 club as it looks to make up ground on the premiership contenders.

The Basin coach Justin Stanton will remain at the helm next season. Picture: Davis Harrigan

The Basin coach Justin Stanton will continue in the role for a third season next year as the Bears look to bridge the gap on the competition’s pacesetters.

Stanton has penned a contract extension that will tie him to the club until the end of 2020.

The Basin was knocked out of finals in the first week last year and will miss the top four this season.

The Bears sit sixth with a 5-7-1 record but have proven they can match it with the EFL Division 2 premiership contenders.

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“Our results would indicate there is not that much of a gap,” Stanton said.

“We’ve been lucky enough that we’ve knocked off Templestowe, we’ve knocked off Heathmont — they’re both obviously sitting above us — we ran Boronia to under 10 points, ran Ringwood to a draw and 14 points and Mitcham to two points.

“The results would say we’re not far away but that said, I still think there is a gap … if there wasn’t we wouldn’t consistently losing these tight ones.

“We’ve had four or five losses of 12 points or under and that’s where we find ourselves. With a bit of luck, you win those and you’re sitting in the top two but if you lose all of them, as we have, you find yourself sixth and in no man’s land.”

Stanton said he was pleased with the emergence of some of the club’s young talent.

Twins Connor and Tom Edwards, Lachlan Kruger, Mitch Brown, Jackson Drake, Ethan Power and Nick Hallo have each become important senior contributors this year.

Stanton estimated only five players remained on the list when he arrived at Batterham Reserve at the end of 2017.

“I guess the playing list has changed dramatically and when I refer to the playing list, I’m talking about the under-19s kids evolving but the senior and reserves, there’s been a lot of guys that have moved on or retired,” he said.

“That list is ever evolving and I think we’re certainly tracking in the right direction.

“Over the last season and a half we’ve given a number of games to young players and they’re starting to show the signs of consistent senior football.

“That’s been the pleasing aspect. We’re still trying to develop our list and our focus at the end of the season will be to try and retain everybody, with a view to try and target a player or two as well.”

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