WRFL scores: Glen Orden third after losing 13 premiership players

Glen Orden was in recess four years ago and not expected to figure strongly in WRFL Division 2. But the Hawks have defied the doubters in 2021.

Glen Orden’s Jack Burgess gets a kick away this season. Picture: Local Legends Photography

Glen Orden was in recess four years ago and scored three wins in its return season.

In 2019, the Hawks completed a meteoric rise by claiming the Western Region Football League Division 3 flag.

After a cancelled season, the club started the Division 2 campaign as one of the sides in danger of relegation.

Having lost 13 members of its premiership team, Glen Orden had the odds stacked against it as it prepared to face a higher-quality set of opponents.

But the new-look Hawks have displayed the same never-say-die qualities that helped lift them off the canvas when they hit rock bottom, winning four of their opening five games to sit third on the ladder.

Coach Phil Crea said the Division 2 newcomer had exceeded expectations.

“Our biggest goal was to avoid relegation this year, so to start 4-1, I can’t ask for more than that,” Crea said.

“The vibe’s been absolutely great this year. The guys are prepared to play their team roles.

“I wouldn’t say our side this year is better than the premiership year, obviously losing 13 premiership players, but the blokes we’ve added in are prepared to play the team roles.

“The side is jelling really well and the moment and playing for each other.”

Glen Orden celebrates its Division 3 premiership triumph in 2019. Picture: Kristen Alebakis

Glen Orden has knocked off Point Cook Centrals (39 points), West Footscray (45 points), North Footscray (11 points) and Newport (43 points).

The only defeat has come against former Division 1 outfit Albion – by eight points.

Given the likes of premiership captain Michael Giles, Marc Yates and Matthew Hayes departed, it has been a remarkable start for the Hawks.

But Crea said his objective for 2021 had not changed despite the impressive run, adding anything other than dodging the dreaded drop was “a bonus”.

He said Aaron Law and John Whitehouse had been the standouts this season.

But Glen Orden has not been at full-strength, with Jhoshuar Dean, Dylan Di Genova and Henoch Kebede among those on the sidelines.

“You just pick 22 blokes who you think can win you a game,” Crea said.

“We don’t use injuries as an excuse.

“I think we’re 12 months away from our best football. It’s just exciting times at the moment.”

But the Hawks face stern tests in coming weeks with clashes against the two teams above them – Wyndhamvale and undefeated Parkside.

“To be honest, every game is a challenge for us,” Crea said.

“Obviously the next two weeks are massive, but if we lose these two games, it’s not going to define our season. You don’t win a premiership in May.

“We’ll learn a lot and I’m learning a lot through these blokes because I don’t think anyone expected us to win a game of football this year to be honest.”