SFNL: East Brighton is 3-0 and averaging 109 points per game but it’s not because of the forwards

East Brighton coach Nick Jewell has been left pleased with the “unsung heroes” of his side as it heads into a top of the table clash with Highett this weekend.

East BrightonÕs Callum Morgan and Daniel Taberner during the SFL East Brighton v Hampton Park football match in Brighton East, Saturday, April 29, 2023. Picture: Andy Brownbill

East Brighton coach Nick Jewell has praised the “unsung heroes” of his side and has held them equally responsible for the Vampires’ rollicking start to the Southern league season.

The Vampires have recorded wins over the highly touted Murrumbeena, reigning grand finalist Doveton Doves and the ever-dangerous Hampton Park, averaging over 100 points per game.

And while the scorecard suggests a story of dazzling starts to Jewell’s forward end, the experienced coach has praised his defenders.

“The unsung heroes of our side have been the defensive end,” he said.

“Tyrren Head, Dan Campisano at full back, Tommy Backman, Spencer Martinez, Matt McTernan, Liam Harris – our new recruit – they have all been outstanding.

“We moved Cale Love-Linay to half back when I think he made team of the year as a half forward, the back six or seven have been the most pleasing.

“Jacob Thompson came in for his first game on the weekend and did a terrific job as a lock on defender – the guys that aren’t the bigger names down there have done a terrific job for us.

“Matt Field and Callum Morgan have come in and played a defensive wing role, through the pre-season it was a bit of an issue for us.

“But those two guys have been super, you don’t notice them until you go back and look at the footage.”

Callum Morgan and Daniel Taberner embrace during Saturday’s win. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Despite a strong start to the season, Jewell has packed his three wins to date away and is already looking ahead to the next three weeks, which holds fellow undefeated side Highett before Skye (fifth) and Caulfield Bears (third).

“To tick off three wins against potential finals sides is a good start but Highett brings on another challenge,” he said.

“They got a lot of recruits from Old Mentonians and they generally play a running game.

“I expect them to be lighter bodies but quick by foot with run and use of the ball, I certainly know how Clint Einsiedel (Highett coach) goes about things, we’re lifelong friends.

“I know how well drilled and disciplined he is so they will be much the same – it’s a night game, forecast says it’s going to be wet, top of the table clash, one of the sides will walk away undefeated.

“The first four weeks in my mind was the block we looked at and we thought 2-2 would be alright, 3-1 would be terrific but we have the opportunity if we play well to be 4-0.

“Banking early wins really sets your season up.”

The battle between the Bulldogs and the Vampires kicks off at Turner Road from 6pm.