Reservoir men’s football coach Jason Hamilton is aiming to develop a youthful side when football returns in 2021.
The Mustangs have struggled in recent seasons, with the club failing to register a win in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 since downing Laurimar in Round 15, 2017.
However, Hamilton – who joined the club at the conclusion of the 2019 season – is hopeful of turning the club’s fortunes around.
The former Braybook coach will finally get the chance to lead the club in an official match this year after COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria resulted in the 2020 season being cancelled.
Speaking with NFNL.org.au, Hamilton said it was disappointing the hard work the club put in last year could not be rewarded due to the pandemic.
“It was pretty tough on everyone, because we put in all the processes and did all the training to make a major improvement off and on the ground,” Hamilton said.
“We didn’t get to go out there and show not only the community but ourselves that we’re in a better spot than we have been in the past couple of seasons.”
With the player group initially coming into pre-season rusty having had the year off, Hamilton said the players had begun to hit their stride in recent weeks as they prepare for the new season.
“The last three to four weeks have improved a lot. We’ve got that mojo back,” Hamilton said.
“We took three steps back after COVID and we now need to keep taking steps forward to make a major improvement this year.”
Reservoir has been able to bolster its playing list since last playing an official match, headlined by the inclusion of ruckman Nick Gregson from Tasmanian club East Davenport.
Gregson previously played under Hamilton at Braybrook and will join his former WRFL teammate Tasi Falevia at Crispe Park.
2020 recruits Petar Pavlovic, Sam Edward and Matt McIntosh will also be featuring in 2021.
The club has lost some experience from its playing list, including reigning best and fairest Sam McDowell, who has departed for Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 rival Heidelberg West.
Hamilton said he will be putting full faith in the youngsters for the upcoming season.
“Our immediate future at the moment is that we are playing the youth,” Hamilton said.
“We have four to six guys that are around 21-22 that are yet to play much senior football, but that’s what 2021 is about.
“We’ve got a lot of youth on the list and we’re definitely putting the processes in place to build the club up in the next two to three years.”
Reservoir will take on WRFL clubs Wyndham Suns and Sunshine Heights in practices matches on March 13 and March 20 ahead of its Round 1 home clash at Crispe Park against South Morang on April 10.
