Season review: Heidelberg West season derailed by COVID lockdowns

SEASON REVIEW: Heidelberg West showed it was capable of playing finals until COVID intervened but did unearth some hidden talent.

Masaki Miki under pressure from Edward Mills.

COVID lockdowns ensured Heidelberg West’s finals drought will extend into 2022.

The Hawks haven’t tasted September action since 1994 and were denied several key games this season, finishing fifth just a game behind Old Eltham Collegians.

Three interruptions saw West miss out on two games against NFL Division 3 wooden spooner Reservoir and one each against Mernda, Old Eltham and Lalor.

However, a fine win over Laurimar and two competitive losses to South Morang showed the Hawks are vastly improved and could even challenge for promotion next season.

Coach Michael Missen said it had been a frustrating season but one that showed the club was ready to compete with the top teams.

Harley Mozdzierz in action for Heidelberg West.

“It really caused chaos with the fixture and after the first COVID break we suffered about four or five season-ending injuries in two weeks,” he said.

“In the last six weeks of footy, five were against the top three and when you’re playing the top three it’s quite hard to keep momentum without 10 or 12 unavailable.

“We were still showing enough signs that our best footy was thereabouts and to take it up to the top sides.

“If the first COVID break had have come two weeks later, the two games we missed were against Mernda and Reservoir, if we win those we start 7-2 and that was enough to make finals.”

Key players Allan Young, Alex Williamson, Jake Chimenello, Luke McKenna and Ryan Lee were all hit by injury.

However, Missen said that misfortune had a silver lining.

“I felt like we had some talented guys running around in the reserves that just needed an opportunity,” he said.

“A few guys came up and more than held there own, Ryan Gall and Jordan Allen in the last half dozen games stamped themselves as senior footballers.

“Guys like Hayden Chapman, to see those guys come up and show they could play at the level was really pleasing.”

Meanwhile, Masaki Miki was a clear standout for Heidelberg West this season.

Heidelberg West coach Michael Missen.

The punishing midfielder will vie for the Hawks’ best-and-fairest with star ruckman Jarryd Coulson, Brad Moore and Alex Hywood.

“He was in the top couple of the Coaches’ MVP votes and it’s no surprise, he’s really diligent in the way he prepares and he gives you everything he’s got every game,” Missen said of Miki.

“Alex Hywood too, he led our goalkicking but split his time between forward and midfield, even played back in a game.

“You look at his stats, one week he’s kicked six and then the next kicked none but got in the best because he plays a variety of roles.”

If Heidelberg West can remain healthy and improve its depth then finals are well within reach in 2022.

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Missen is locked in as senior coach for a second season after taking the role before the cancelled 2020 campaign.

Missen said the club wasn’t looking to recruit heavily over the off-season, instead looking to develop its current playing list.

“We don’t envision losing anyone at this stage and we’re hoping to get a few guys back from injury,” he said.

“We think when we’re healthy we’ve got a group that can compete with the top-end sides and we’ll look to improve where we can, whether that’s internally or externally.”