Epping remains confident a breakthrough win is just around the corner in NFL Division 2

It hasn’t won a game this season but Epping remains confident a breakthrough win is just around the corner with coach Aaron Johnson positive about the club's future.

Alec Buchan in action for Epping.

Epping hasn’t won a game this season but you wouldn’t know it talking to coach Aaron Johnson.

At the Queen’s Birthday break, the Pingers sit last in NFL Division 2.

However, Johnson remains confident a breakthrough win isn’t far away.

“The morale is great at the moment,” he said.

“We’ve played 32 players, so there’s been plenty of opportunity for blokes.

Dallyce Taylor in action for Epping. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“We’ve given five blokes their senior debut, six who debuted for our club, so there’s 11 new players.

“It’s a big turnover of our playing list but you can see the structure and systems are starting to take hold and the wins aren’t far away.”

The Pingers have been dealt some harsh blows with vice-captains Josh Stavely and Reed Jepson both out for the season.

Stavely retired due to family and work commitments after Round 3 and Jepson broke his leg in last weekend’s loss to Fitzroy Stars.

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After a tough start to the season Johnson says the loss to Diamond Creek on Anzac Day was a turning point.

“We played really well except for a 10 minute lapse and the same thing against St Mary’s that cost us,” he said.

“Then we’ve been in winnable games against Thomastown and Fitzroy Stars but just haven’t got that winning feeling to get us over the line.”

Johnson praised the development and resilience of his team with the likes of Tom Burnside, Dyllon Westra, Sage Dicello, Michael Sibaie and Billy Hughes standing out.

Alec Buchan in action for Epping.

Epping face a fortnight off with their second bye following the long weekend but Johnson hoped a long run of games would create some momentum.

“We’ve got the double bye now with the long weekend.

“We played six games of footy in 10 weeks and we come home and play 10 games straight, so we’ve got a tough run home.

“It’s not ideal for continuity for a young players but hopefully we can come home strong.”

Epping return to the field on Saturday, June 22, against undefeated ladder leader Banyule at Beverley Road Oval.

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