Richmond Central eyes consolidation in VAFA Division 2 as new coach predicts season of unknowns for the Snakes

CONSOLIDATION is the priority for Richmond Central this year as it tackles a VAFA campaign filled with ­unknowns.

VAFA Division 3 grand final: Northern Blues V Richmond Central at Garvey Oval Bundoora. Adam Fiske from Richmond Central Picture: Richard Serong

CONSOLIDATION is the priority for Richmond Central this year as it tackles a campaign filled with ­unknowns.

The Victorian Amateur Football Association club won promotion to Division 2 by reaching last year’s Division 3 grand final, which it lost to Northern Blues.

Five rounds into its first campaign under new coach Sean O’Connor, the Snakes have displayed signs of progress against unfamiliar opposition.

Richmond Central have a 2-3 record after going down against unbeaten St John’s by seven points on Saturday, a result which left the club sixth on the ladder.

“Being up a division, there’s a lot of unknowns for us,” O’Connor said.

“It’s just about trying to consolidate our position in the division, which is fairly new for the footy club.”

Dynamic forward Jake Munro continued his scintillating form in the 16.13 (109) to 16.6 (102) loss, slotting three goals to take his season tally to 27.

The haul moved Munro to the top of the division’s goalkicking chart after five rounds, with an average of more than five goals a match.

“He’s a really good talent,” O’Connor said.

“He’s only a young guy who is enjoying the opportunity to play up forward in the seniors.

“He’s been really good for us.”

O’Connor said the Snakes had been able to maintain most of their list from 2014, with almost 40 players getting an early taste of senior footy this year.

“We’ve already used 37 or 38 players in the seniors,” he said.

“It’s been different players each week that have stood up.

“I’m fairly happy with all of the guys at the moment.”

Richmond Central travels to Ruthven Reserve for a grand final rematch against Northern Blues this weekend.

In Premier Division, University Blacks got its first win of the season against Old Trinity on Saturday, while University Blues were beaten by five points for the second-week running.