Sunshine Heights taking a patient approach in 2023

After a monster off-season, Sunshine Heights is preaching patience in its bid to move up the ladder in 2023. Here’s why the Dragons will “take time” to find their best.

Sunshine Heights coach Colby Blyth is preaching patience in season 2023.

The Dragons are 1-1 to start the Western Region Division 3 season but already loom as a much improved side to last year.

A 19.23 (137) to 10.4 (64) victory over West Footscray was an indication of what Blyth’s side can produce at their best.

But he says, there’s still going to be some teething problems in the opening stages of the year.

“We’ve had quite a big list turnover since the end of last season,” he said.

“The new guys are still adjusting to being in a new environment. We’re learning about each other as players.

“Getting to know each other is what takes the longest. We’re going to take it one week at a time.

“You have to expect an even contest every week especially when it’s such an even division this season. The result was a pretty big surprise to us.

“We managed to go out and play on our terms which was really pleasing. I thought we played some good stuff in the loss to Albanvale and unfortunately just couldn’t put it on the scoreboard.

“It was important we were able to play the brand of footy we’ve been working on during pre-season.

One of the biggest weapons in the Dragons line-up this season is across halfback.

Led by the likes of Dom O’Day and Oscar Bennett, Heights have a team capable of turning defence into attack quickly.

“We’ve got some very good ball users,” Blyth said.

“Dom was extremely solid all day and Oscar came back in for his first came which was very important. He plays a key role for us.

“I thought (George) Perry was super impressive as well. There were plenty of good things for us to build on.”

Sunshine Heights will next face Laverton, who is arguably the competition’s biggest improver.