VAFA: Why Monash Blues won’t ‘default to the safe way’

While Monash Blues coach Andrew Batten says it “might look s*** on paper” he’s thrilled with the development his side has shown. Go inside his method and see the young stars thriving.

James Flett has been in strong form this season.

Monash Blues coach Andrew Batten has a clear idea of how he wants to play — and it’s all about the future.

Batten’s side have won back-to-back games to climb out of the VAFA Division 1 relegation zone at the first bye of the season after overcoming UHS-VU by two points.

Despite a 2-6 record, the first-year Blues coach said he was pleased to have seen growth from his side despite some challenging periods.

“It might look shit on paper but it will be better when we are a more mature team in the future playing the way we are,” he said.

“We’ve had patches in every game but the challenge is being able to do it more consistently. We’re not going to default to the safe way of playing footy because it’s not going to help with development.

“If you get hung up on win-loss it looks like we’re nowhere. But it has definitely felt like we’re going okay, we just need to execute more.

“We’ll probably need a few more wins to avoid relegation but it’s a challenge we’re enjoying.”

Batten said a key factor in his side’s wins was the growing belief within the playing group.

After significant list turnover after relegation from Premier C last season, a number of young players are starting to find their feet.

Among them are Ollie Armstrong and Hamish Richardson who have impressed in recent weeks.

“Ollie’s belief is really growing, he’s playing a key role with his link up running,” Batten said.

“He kicked the sealer last week and built off that. Hamish has got all the tools and he’s playing some good footy.

“A really good tackler with his pressure and very clean around his ankles. He only needs 10-11 touches to be pivotal but we’re hoping to get that up to 15.”

James Flett was one of the best players on the field during Saturday’s win as he builds on an impressive start to the season.

He’s been named in the best in five out of his eight games played.

“He’s really lifted the last two or three weeks,” Batten said.

“Importantly he’s been able to start hitting the scoreboard again which is really important for us.”

ORMOND GETS OVER ANOTHER HILLE

Ormond vice-captain Jackson Hille was the difference between his side and Kew after turning in a massive performance which kept the Monders unbeaten. He finished with eight goals in a best on ground performance as the visitors ran out 34-point winners. There were also positives for Ryan Konstanty who produced his best performance since the season opener.

CAREER DAY FOR KRUSHERS YOUNG GUN

Oakleigh young gun Jay Rossington produced the best performance of his fledgling career with a best on ground display against Therry Penola. He kicked six goals to lead the Krushers to a 54-point win as he showed why he’s become a senior regular this season. Luke Ashen booted four goals to claim the lead in the D1 goalkicking award.

UNICORNS ON THE CUSP

MHSOB’s hopes of finals footy are well and truly arrive after an impressive 20-point win over Whitefriars, who sit third. Mathew Pereira continued his impressive form with three goals while Liam Littore was named best afield. The Unicorns are fifth, outside of the top-four, on percentage.

RELEGATION RACE DOWN TO THREE?

After the opening eight games of the D1 season, it appears the relegation race is down to three. Canterbury, Hawthorn and Aquinas have all won just a single game for the season. Aquinas and Hawthorn face off after the long weekend in a game which could go a long way to helping shape the final ladder.

BOX HILL NORTH’S IMPRESSIVE WIN

Box Hill North secured the most impressive win of its season after handing Wattle Park back-to-back defeats. Blake Williams continued his remarkable start to the season with an eight-goal haul to extend his lead at the top of the goalkicking charts. He has kicked no less than three goals in a game this season.

DON’T DISCOUNT NORTH BRUNSWICK

North Brunswick has claimed its biggest scalp of the season after securing a seven-point win over Power House, who tasted their first defeat of the season. One of the big positives to emerge was the consistent form of Zac Dicanni who was mentioned in the best for a fourth straight game.