Outer East league: Olinda Ferny Creek’s bold approach fuels Premier Division success

Olinda Ferny Creek coach Dylan Wilson says a “go for it” attitude is helping to drive his side’s sparkling start to the Outer East Premier Division season.

Percy Hyett (left) and Ned Ford celebrate a goal for Olinda Ferny Creek on Saturday. Picture: Andrew Batsch

These are the bold Bloods.

Olinda Ferny Creek has raced to 6-1, and second spot, in Outer East Premier Division this season, the biggest improvers in the comp and legitimate contenders for the title.

On Saturday, Olinda Ferny Creek had 10 different goal kickers as it powered clear of Healesville 20.9 (129) to 9.6 (60).

Wilson said it was his side’s best performance of the season and was particularly delighted by his side’s attacking flair.

“Everyone feels empowered to kind of go for their shots,’’ he said.

“And we don’t really have focal points in terms of individuals. We play a system and whoever gets the opportunities on the end of them, they go for them.

Olinda vice-captain Frank Seal (left) and captain Lachie Taylor celebrate a goal. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Wilson said he wants his players to take the game on.

“I don’t know if it’s our mantra but we certainly try to get guys playing where they want to play and where they feel their strengths lie,’’ he said.

“I always encourage the boys when they have a chance to do anything they just go for it with full confidence. Whether they execute or not is beside the point.”

Tough-as-teak midfielder Peter Lucas was best on ground in his 50th game on Saturday as Olinda Ferny Creek burst out of the blocks with a 6.1 first quarter and maintained the rage.

“He’s just hard, he keeps it pretty simple, he’s a bull, a contested beast, he just goes and gets it,’’ Wilson said of Lucas.

“But I think he’s added some depth to his game last year and this year, I think his decision making, his ability to lower his eyes and hit people up has been something that he’s added.”

Lachie Kennedy on the burst for Olinda Ferny Creek. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Ex-Collingwood player Matthew Scharenberg was again one of Olinda’s best players, making an impact at both ends of the ground.

Lachlan Kennedy and Ned Ford were especially dangerous near goals, kicking four apiece.

Percy Hyett and Francis Seal also had a big say in the win, both slotting two goals.

James Royle-Young and Daniel Toma kicked two goals apiece.

Last season, Olinda Ferny Creek made finals with a 9-9 home-and-away record, and went on to win an elimination final.

Wilson at the time said it was an important achievement as his side built towards being a long-term top contender.

The challenges keep coming for Olinda Ferny Creek, starting with a blockbuster match up against fellow contender Woori Yallock on Saturday.

Ladder: Wandin 28, Olinda Ferny Creek 24, Woori Yallock 20, Monbulk 16, Healesville 16, Upwey Tecoma 10, Mt Evelyn 10, Emerald 8, Gembrook Cockatoo 4, Officer 4.