Banyule coach Damian Truslove discusses the Bears’ preparations and expectations

New Banyule coach Damian Truslove says he’s adapted bit of Richmond, GWS and Sydney’s game to suit the Bears this season as they aim for a maiden finals campaign.

Aydin Dani celebrates a goal for Banyule. Picture: Field of View Photography

Banyule’s game will combine the best of Richmond, GWS Giants and Sydney Swans this season.

New coach Damian Truslove has adapted his gameplan to suit the Bears, taking what he’s learnt in the AFL and VFL system and bringing it to the NFNL Division 1 finals contender.

The Bears were squeezed out of the top-five on percentage last season after losing three of the final four games.

Critically, the club has retained its senior list and added several solid pieces as it looks to play top-flight finals for the first time.

Truslove said it would take for the new gameplan to embed but was confident his team could push anyone in the competition.

Banyule’s Jack Sammartino throws himself at the footy. Picture: Field of View Photography

“For us it’s about a team system, everyone’s got a clear role within the system,” Truslove said.

“We’re looking to be as team focused as possible and everything we do, whether it’s contest, defence or offence, everything has a strong team focus.

“It’s new to a lot of players, that’s OK, but we’re confident once it comes together we’ll be really competitive team.

“It’s a combination of working at VFL level at Richmond and then coaching at the Giants and Swans, it’s a combination of watching other teams and what I think is best for our playing group.”

The former Sydney VFL head coach got his first look at his Banyule team in action last week in its first practice match against Geelong league club St Albans.

“There were some positive signs but we know we’ve got a long way to go,” he said.

“The contest and defence was quite good, whenever you put a new system in place it takes time for people to understand how to interact and execute under pressure.

“We’ve got a whole new system the boys are trying to learn, so it’s going to take time.”

“We played six quarters, the first three quarters was our development team – which was basically just our 19s – and then we played a very young senior team, where we rewarded the guys that have done the most this pre-season.”

Daniel Costanzo in action for Banyule. Picture: Field of View Photography

Having retained the bulk of its list, Banyule was quieter this season, instead looking to promote from within.

The Bears have welcomed back 2022 Division 2 premiership player James Kayrooz from EDFL Division 1 premier Maribyrnong Park, where he booted 62 goals, came third in the league best-and-fairest, earned Team of the Year honours and won the best-on-ground medal in the Lions’ flag triumph.

Tom Howard has reunited with his Sydney VFL coach, crossing from VAFA Premier A outfit Old Brighton, while Addison Bedendo – brother of ex-Western Bulldog Dominic – and Oliver Lubeck have come down from Myrtleford and Seymour respectively.

But perhaps the biggest addition will be Noah Wheeler after the 2023 Bendigo league Michelson Medallist sat out 2024 after a knee reconstruction.

Truslove said the club wanted to promote its youth rather than recruit heavily after the club’s second under-19s team reached the Division 3 grand final.

“We felt we had six to eight under-19s kids that could really play,” he said.

“We’re really conscious of making the under-19s team strong, making sure the players want to stay at our footy club and get an opportunity to play.

“The next practice match for instance, young Harry McGrath, he’s a key back, ruck type, will get a look in and we’ll keep exposing young talent that comes through our program.

“We’ve got Noah Wheeler, who was out with an ACL last year after coming down from Bendigo, he’s a very good player and our vice-captain and is basically a recruit because he didn’t play last year.

“Tom Howard from Sydney reserves, Ollie Lubeck and Addy Bedendo … and James Kayrooz will play in our next practice match, he’s been training at Carlton VFL.

Truslove said players had also put their hands up with impressive pre-seasons.

“Riley Ormerod, who’s done a pre-season at Northern Bullants, he’s had a great pre-season,” he said.

“Then we’ve got Harrison White, a young guy who played reserves last year, he got an opportunity and Hamish Stewart is another one who has put his hand up.”

The Bears will ramp up pre-season preparations with two more practice matches against Bellarine league club Drysdale and EDFL club Airport West.

A tough Round 1 date with grand finalist Montmorency awaits on April 5, followed by preliminary finalist Greensborough, three-time defending premier Heidelberg and Bundoora in a difficult opening month.

While Banyule missed the top-five in heart-breaking circumstances, Truslove wasn’t putting any expectations on his team.

DIV 2: ATTACKING GAMELAN TO LIFT ST MARY’S BACK TO FINALS

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

DIV 3: WILL RECRUITING SPREE BOOST EPPING’S FLAG HOPES?

“I’m not too big on that,” he said.

“I just want us to be really confident in our gameplan, the players to be really confident in their role and play to their strengths and have some fun.

“That will take care of itself, if we can get our system going we’ll be competitive with every team.

“They had a really strong season last year with 10 wins, but we’re not setting any specific goals.”