Old Paradians exceeding expectations, sitting on top of ladder at half-way point

Old Paradians isn’t getting ahead of itself but coach Ben Turner admits the club has exceeded expectations sitting on top of the NFNL Division 3 ladder with only one loss.

Old Paradians sit on top of the NFNL Division 3 ladder. Picture: Field of View Photography

To say Old Paradians has enjoyed the move to the Northern Football Netball League would be an understatement.

The Raiders’ first eight weeks have been nothing short of sensational – winning seven, losing one – to sit on top of the Division 3 ladder at the half-way point of the campaign.

“I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t (exceeded expectations),” coach Ben Turner said.

“We certainly didn’t put any major expectations on ourselves leading into the season but to be sitting in this position at the half-way point is a testament to the work the boys are doing.

“It’s incredible to think when you’re a new team in the comp and the unknown nature of how the season was going to play out.”

Old Paradians sit on top of the NFNL Division 3 ladder. Picture: Field of View Photography

A club that won six games in VAFA Division 2 last season has made a seamless transition.

It capped the first half of the campaign with a thrilling four-point win over premiership rival Old Eltham Collegians at Garvey Oval on Saturday, making it four wins on the trot.

Paradians has brought in several quality NFNL players, none bigger than Sam Gilmore, as well as Sean Desmond, Mitch Merkel and Kyle O’Sullivan and coach Turner himself.

However, the bulk of the playing squad remains from its last amateur season.

Perhaps, the fifth division of amateur football has been under-estimated.

“There’s a fair bit of both,” Turner said.

“It’s a division five competition but it’s not as bad as that and from their point of view they’ve relished working with the Northern league boys.

“The boys that have played Northern league previously have made a bit of an impression and the (existing) guys have picked up things.”

While the likes of Gilmore and club captain Marcus Nolan are star players, the Raiders’ season has been built on young players taking their games to a new level.

Turner pointed to two players that made the move from amateur football and another who joined from a Northern rival.

Old Paradians sit on top of the NFNL Division 3 ladder. Picture: Field of View Photography

“Blair Healy is one who was part of the club last year and still only 21,” he said.

“A tall, slender guy who can play a variety of roles, one as been as a back-up ruckman and tall forward, his attack on the footy and aerial ability is terrific and he’s got a bit of speed for a guy his size.

“Another is Lachie Kerr, played under-19s for the club last year and got a senior taste late, he’s played up forward and kicked five goals in one match and been an influence on the scoreboard.

“He’s a highlight reel when he’s around the football but he’s only played less than a dozen senior games in his career.

“A third is Jack Nicolo, who came across from West Preston, he’s made a big impression on the playing group.

“He’s been a real rock for us at centre half-back and seeing him come into the club and make the impression he has been really good.”

Kerr is Old Paradians leading goalkicker this season with 14 majors, while Nicolo has the most mentions in the best.

Paradians are a game clear of Fitzroy Stars, Old Eltham and last year’s grand finalist Mernda.

The club returns from the King’s Birthday weekend against Reservoir on June 15 before hosting Mernda at Garvey Oval – where they are undefeated this year.

Having made a red-hot start, Turner is keeping the lid firmly on with half a season still to play.

However, he is urging his players to make the most of the hard work they’ve done to this point.

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“We’ve certainly enjoyed the first half of the season and being able to match it with the better sides is getting us plenty of momentum and hope,” he said.

“We’ve still got some really big matches to come in the back end of the season and what we’ve done to this point is put ourselves in a great position.

“What we need to concentrate on is adapt on a weekly basis and win games we think we should and challenge the opposition.

“Everyone would agree once you get into the depths of winter this is when you earn your stripes and fortunately for us we’ve been able to bank a few wins.”