Collegians roar to fifth win in a row as young guns thrive

Collegians didn’t panic after dropping the first two games and several young guns have caught the eye since. Jordie McKenzie gives an insight into their development.

Collegians celebrate a goal. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Jordie McKenzie is enjoying the ride as Collegians coach and watching the kids grow is arguably his favourite part.

After losing the first two games of the season, the Lions have now found their best form, winning five straight and at the forefront has been the development of several youngsters, including those in defence.

The latest showing was a dominant 17.10 (112) to 11.6 (72) win over Fitzroy.

Speaking post-match, McKenzie gave an insight into which VAFA rising stars had impressed.

“Jasper Davey’s probably the one that stands out a lot,” McKenzie said.

“He’s just really come along in leaps and bounds. A young, tough defender, still only 19, who gives us a lot of offensive drive as well. The maturity and leadership he shows for a young bloke and as I said, he’s hard as a toughness is he’s really impressive.

“And one of his little sidekicks down back, they’re the backbone, Benny Van Twest. He’s growing each week in confidence. He is a really nice user.

“He’s just starting to take the game on a little bit more but also, just like Jasper defends really well.”

McKenzie didn’t stop short of throwing his support behind the other inexperienced members of his side.

“Alex Luic, he probably played his best game for the club on the weekend,” he said.

“He kicked three and took a couple of took a couple of towering marks. He’s a bit of a tough, tough match up big Luk. So to see his confidence grow, and he’s starting to realise what he’s capable of, which is really exciting.”

McKenzie said they quickly adjusted to the level and with greater opportunity had locked away their spot in the side.

He said it was important players had taken their chance when premiership stars departed at the end of last year.

“All of those boys, it started with their pre-season,” he said.

“They saw the success last year and they probably saw first-hand what it takes to be in a successful side. They’ve taken full ownership of where they want to get to by their actions and their training standards.

“It’s credit to them that they’ve been able to produce it and suddenly doing it more and more consistently.”

Collegians now face a huge two weeks with game’s against Uni Blues and Old Brighton.

“We often have some good battles against those boys,” McKenzie said.

“You’re under no illusions that the challenges will just keep coming which is something we’re really looking forward to.”