EFNL 2021: Where Surrey Park must improve, according to coach

The Panthers felt the wrath of a rampaging Coldstream in a 1 v. 2 clash on Saturday, prompting some frank feedback from the coach.

Ball-use must improve following Saturday’s 11-goal loss, Surrey Park coach Dave Jensen says. Picture: Chris Thomas

Surrey Park coach David Jensen says his side simply must improve its disposal if it’s to match it with the best this season.

The frank assessment comes on the back of a 67-point loss to Division 4 ladder-leader Coldstream on Saturday, with the second-placed Panthers outscored 10.8 to 0.1 in the second half after scores were level at the main break.

Jensen also noted his side’s dearth of fit ruckmen with Callum Ternes (shoulder/knee) and Logan Deschepper (ankle) missing, while full back Josh Durand had also been unavailable.

“The way we’ve used the football in the last two weeks has got to change if we’re going to be better, so we’ll be working on that,” Jensen said.

“They (Coldstream) shifted the game (after half-time) … and speaking to their coach afterwards they said they had to – they were impressed with the pressure that our boys put on.

“We did our best to hang in the game as best we could – they shifted gears after half time on how they set up at stoppages and how they moved the ball, and we just couldn’t adapt.

“We didn’t have any ruckmen in the side and no full back which didn’t help us structurally.”

Coach Dave Jensen commend the pressure of his side in the first half on Saturday. Picture: Clav’s Photography

But the shortage of tall options marked the return of club great Michael Paolini on Saturday, after initially retiring following the 2019 season.

Usually a forward, Paolini took on the rucking duties through necessity, and Jensen said he “probably will” play out the season in the seniors, but still remained a “wait and see” prospect.

The key big man had been touted for a return since at least May.

“We didn’t really want to pull that trigger just yet, but we were forced to with our big men all being out,” Jensen said.

“Mick’s been doing as much work as he can in between his coaching as well, and last week in the twos he was really good – I think the run will do him good to be honest.

“We’re going to shift things around to get him in the right spot – we’ll try and get him where he’s dangerous.”

Michael Paolini (right) in his return to the seniors on Saturday. Picture: Clav’s Photography

Surrey Park faces a resurgent Chirnside Park outfit this weekend, in what Jensen has earmarked as another test for his side.

The pair last met in Round 6, with Surrey Park prevailing by 12 points.

“Last time we played them, they came home like a train in the second half,” Jensen said.

“They’ve come at a good time of the year as far as towards the end when you’re judged on how you’re performing against these sides.”