SFNL: Port Melbourne Colts has completed a perfect month to surge into the top four

Port Melbourne Colts four successive wins has dramatically changed the expectations of its season. Skipper Justin Taylor talks about how the Colts have strung together their run of form.

Coach Josh Caddy’s roll up the sleeves attitude is starting to surface at Port Melbourne Colts.

After suffering a disappointing defeat to Springvale Districts in Round 9, the Colts have won each of their past four matches to propel from a game outside the five to percentage clear in fourth — and eight points ahead of sixth.

Its latest triumph over a ravaged Dingley side, 12.12 (84) to 8.4 (52), which continues to suffer from its mid-season-European exodus, was its best yet.

The Colts led at every change and improved on its lead in each quarter.

Club captain Justin Taylor said the Colts had some important discussions after their last loss which has contributed to their shift in form.

“Springy Districts; we had a couple blokes go to Europe, a couple injuries, I think we had six or seven changes from the game before, we were depleted and they’re a solid side, so they did a number on us,” he said.

“From then, it was just about getting back to our basics, there was no individual efforts, team structures and what Cadds (coach Josh Caddy) is always preaching to us.

“We’re a blue-collar side, if we stick to our one wood there that will serve us well.

“With us, with the group we’ve got, if we’re tough around the footy and sticking our tackles that will lead to us playing good footy.

“As soon as we want to go out on our own, do individual stuff, we fall away.

“We spoke about it after that Springy Districts game, we’re 22, one of us isn’t going to get it done out there, so if we do that, back each other in, we should be in most games.”

Justin Taylor expects Josh Caddy to make a return from injury in coming weeks. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Expectations have changed for the Colts now, who realistically should play finals.

With Cranbourne, Cheltenham and Springvale Districts on the run home, Taylor said it’s up to the Colts to decide their future.

“We’re in a nice position but we know what we’ve got ahead with three of the best sides coming up,” he said.

“There’s still plenty of footy to be played, a lot to be played out.

“Now it’s up to us, really; we’re in a position now that we’ll decide whether we play finals.

“If we keep winning and playing good footy, we will be there, but if we don’t, it’s really our own fault.”

Cheltenham is beginning to build. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Mitch Brown, meanwhile, steered Mordialloc well clear of relegation with an enchanting individual performance against St Kilda City.

The ex-Melbourne forward backed up his recent outings of five and six with a mesmeric 10-goal display.

The Bloodhounds put 100 points on the Saints to half time in the 19.11 (125) to 5.2 (32) belting.

The win sees Brendon Moore’s men, who sat last on the ladder a fortnight ago, now two wins clear of St Kilda City in last position.

Five goals from Cheltenham’s Josh Fox not only sent the spearhead to the top of the Division 1 goal kickers list but navigated the Rosellas to a commanding 13.23 (101) to 9.8 (62) win over St Paul’s McKinnon.

It’s been a difficult month for the Bulldogs, who have won just one of their past five outings and have fallen adrift from the top five.

Cranbourne cruised to victory over Bentleigh, 9.14 (68) to 2.6 (18), as did Springvale Districts in its clash with Chelsea Heights, 12.10 (82) to 6.13 (49).