Reigning RDFL premier Romsey turns to its youth

IT WAS always going to be a testing season for Romsey. While the Redbacks were coming off back-to-back flags, they entered 2016 in a very different state.

Chris Burkett, who was best afield for Romsey in last year’s grand final victory over Diggers Rest, has enjoyed another impressive season. Picture: Mark Dadswell

IT WAS always going to be a testing season for Romsey.

While the Redbacks were coming off back-to-back Riddell District Football League premierships, they entered 2016 in a very different state.

Dean Helmers left his post as coach and some of the club’s premiership stars including Stephen Burlak (Rupertswood), Chris Petroro (Pascoe Vale), Zac Saad (interstate) and Cam Wight (Lancefield) also took the exit door.

First-year coach Andrew Bubb was left with a difficult task and — as expected — Romsey has been the big slider this season.

The side has just four wins to its name from its opening 13 matches and is out of finals contention.

“We’ve lost four games by under 10 points,” Bubb said.

“If you win two or three of those, we’d be in a different position. We were in front of Diggers at halftime, but just couldn’t go on with it.

“We’re showing some good signs. Some of the young kids that have come in and are playing senior footy have done really well, too. Some of them we weren’t expecting to play seniors this year, but we’ve blooded them which is good for years to come.”

Still eligible for under-18s, Jack Jedwab has been one positive, having played every senior game this year.

Philip Durston, Michael Carroll, Jacob Brown and Joel Badger are others to have stepped up from the reserves or under-18s this year.

“When 10 blokes out of last year’s grand final side aren’t playing, it’s tough,” Bubb said.

“Even if we just had five of them I think we’d be a lot more competitive than we are. But I reckon we’ve got a good bunch of kids coming through. The club’s in a good position.”

Bubb said brothers Matthew and Chris Burkett, Jackson Mills and Nathan Rayment would be the leading contenders for the club’s best-and-fairest award this season.