UNBEATEN after six rounds and setting alight the Division 3 competition, you wouldn’t be mistaken for thinking Thomastown just might have the goods to continue their brilliant form and take out the 2014 flag.
With the return of 2008 premiership coach Dean Sinclair, the club has taken all in their stride early this season.
Sitting in first place on the ladder at 5-0 after last weekend’s bye – a game ahead of Reservoir – it’s no wonder Sinclair is relishing his return to Main Street Reserve.
“It’s been great. I really appreciate the support I have received from the committee and supporters of the club,” he said.
“Knowing many of them from when I coached there previously has definitely been an advantage.”
Things didn’t go as smoothly through the pre-season as the Bears’ would have liked, with the club only announcing Sinclair as coach in December, replacing Steve Krstevski after one year at the helm.
Sinclair admitted he had his doubts about the season ahead following his late appointment, with concerns about player’s fitness levels and player retention and recruitment.
History shows that many teams tend to struggle with form the following season after having late starts to pre-season. It was something that weighed heavily on Sinclair’s mind.
“I was a little concerned we may have started slowly as I was unsure about how much work the players had done prior to Christmas,” he said.
“Once we returned from the break, we put in a solid pre-season which we have benefited from.
“I still believe there’s plenty of improvement left within the entire playing list as they become more familiar with the coaching methods of the entire coaching panel and the coaching panel become more familiar with each individual player.”
Whatever Sinclair has brought to the Bears seems to be working, and working very effectively at that. He said he was thrilled with his side’s unbeaten start to the year.
“We’re obviously pleased with the way we have started the season,” he said.
“We understand that it’s just that though (a good start) and there’s plenty of football to be played.
“The pleasing thing about our football so far is the way we have been able to respond when challenged, particularly in the Watsonia and Heidelberg West games.
“The competition looks pretty good when you have to be at your best each week to be competitive.”
The Bears return to action this week to take on a sixth-placed St Mary’s. The sides will be playing for the Paul Hopper Cup, honouring the late committee member of both clubs.
