EFNL 2023: Bayswater bounces back from 0-2 start

The first fortnight yielded little joy for the Eastern Division 1 club, but it’s turned things around of late. Here’s who’s stood up.

IT began the season 0-2 – but Bayswater has begun to right the ship in the past fortnight.

The Eastern league Division 1 outfit’s heart-stopping after-the-siren win over Mooroolbark last Saturday has it back on track with a 2-2 record under new senior coach Marc Hardy.

Key recruit Mitch Tsirtsikos proved the hero in a grandstand finish, slotting the matchwinner in the one-point result after Bayswater had trailed most of the day.

While losses to Montrose (nine points) and Beaconsfield (31 points) marred the early part of the season, Hardy says the past two outings had shown significant improvement.

“Our first two games we probably had a few troubles stopping their transitional forward play, but once we were able to do that, in our last two games we’ve played some good footy against Lilydale and Mooroolbark,” he said.

“All four sides we’ve played have been very competitive.

“We got pretty lucky at the end (last Saturday) but that’s footy … he (Tsirtsikos) was fantastic all day and we won a centre clearance, he started on the wing, pushed forward and he was able to mark it in the square and kicked a goal after the siren.

“Mooroolbark are a really serious side though … it’s fantastic for our boys.”

Ruckman Tim Castricum has featured in the best in each match this season and “doesn’t like to lower his colours” according to the coach.

Hardy also highlighted Bryce Galvin who leads the goalkicking with nine majors, while brother and three-time league medallist Joel has continued to perform.

Bryce Galvin (left) leads the Bayswater goal-kicking. Picture: Hamish Blair

Injuries have interrupted continuity, headlined by mainstays Ben White and Hayden Schroeder, but perhaps the biggest praise is reserved for the back six.

“Our defenders have been super so far, and Ben Searle’s been amazing, he’s been very, very consistent,” Hardy said.

“But I think once we get the full list of guys playing together, not that it’s an excuse, but getting the continuity will be great.

“It’s a bit of a revolving door at the moment.”

Hardy has relished his return to the helm at Bayswater, where he coached the club to a premiership in 2005 among his decorated playing career.

“Going back to the original place where I started playing my footy, I’ve loved it,” he said.

“Young guys have been fantastic and respectful and I’ve enjoyed all of it so far … I think if we can get the small things right and we can build, we’ll build into a solid season of footy.

“We’re just trying to challenge the guys at every stage and level, and so far they’re accepting the challenge.”

Bayswater meets unbeaten ladder-leader South Belgrave away this weekend.