Outer East league 2023: Hillman, Stagg, Ousley star as Titans bounce back
Berwick Springs rolled up the sleeves, “embraced imperfection” and got the job done to cement second spot in Outer East league’s Division 1.
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On a wild and woolly day, Berwick Springs rolled up the sleeves, “embraced imperfection” and got the job done.
The Titans’ 27-point win over Officer on Saturday wasn’t pretty — but, according to coach Rodney Benstead, it highlighted their continued improvement.
In only its third season as a senior entity, Berwick Springs is tracking nicely, sitting second on the Outer East league’s Division 1 ladder with a 7-3 record.
A second consecutive finals campaign beckons for the fledgling team. So, too, does a history-making first flag.
“It was pretty extreme yesterday; really tough conditions, the wind was gusty, it made it hard for footy,” Benstead said.
“On a day when you embrace imperfection we got a really even spread of performance.”
Benstead said it was especially pleasing to bounce back from last week’s loss to Emerald.
“Each time we’ve lost a game we’ve taken the learnings on board and we’ve been really good in the follow up week,” he said.
“It was definitely a danger game and I thought the boys played pretty much a four quarter performance.
“Your bottom five sometimes is what really makes your season and I feel like ours are improving which is a really good sign.”
Berwick Springs kicked three unanswered goals in the second quarter to open up a 15-point lead at halftime, and it kicked away for a 8.6 (54) to 3.9 (27) victory.
Narre Warren recruit Hayden Stagg was outstanding in the midfield, as was reigning league medallist Daniel Ousley, who is hitting his straps after missing the start of the season.
Centre half forward Braydn Hoewel continued his strong form for the Titans, clunking almost 10 marks in tough conditions.
Defender Riley Hillman was named best-afield after yet another wholehearted performance.
“Teams tag him now,” Benstead said.
“I said to him (Hillman) after the game I’m really proud of the fact each year I’ve been coaching he’s got better and he’s just a really consistent player for us.
“He’s someone like a Brian Lake, he just sees the ball and marks it. That sort of defender is invaluable to a coach because you can get a lot of rebound from it.”
Benstead said Stagg’s ability and experience was proving vital for the Titans this season.
“He’s not only a great person but, gee, he’s good every week,” Benstead said.
“He probably gets tagged most weeks and he just find a way.
“He’s a great player to watch and for me as coach he’s a great person to bounce ideas off and we really feel privileged and lucky to have have him. He’s good every week. I haven’t seen the stats but I’m sure he would’ve have 30 odd.”
Aidan Nelson, Connor Guley and Jarrod Hocking were also in Berwick Springs’ beat while Dysan Morris kicked two goals.
Last season Berwick Springs tasted success in a final (beating Emerald in a semi) before losing the preliminary final.
Benstead is already planning to take his side a step or two or three further this season.
“I know this time of the year can be a bit of a grind but you just want to keep improving,’’ he said.
“We feel like last year we peaked around round 16 or 17 and we’ll do a hard load in the next month and if we lose a game that’s part of just trying to be ready for the right time of year now.
“It’s exciting and I was really proud of the boys yesterday.’’
Benstead said Berwick Springs was determined to establish a strong culture early in its history.
“We want to be part of the community, we want to be exciting, we want to be welcoming,’’ he said.
“I feel like local footy is the place where you form relationships, you meet people…we want to tell a story that we’re on the rise and we want to be a good football club, with discipline...a caring football club.’’
Benstead also praised Officer and said the clubs got along well after play.
“It was a really good environment after the game,’’ he said.
“We really respect Officer because of the way they come into the rooms and the way they handle themselves. It’s a good rivalry, it’s a healthy rivalry and it’s building.’’
Officer’s best players included Kyle Hagger, Luke Smaluch, Sam Hoghton and Riley Perkins.
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