It has been a year of development for Watsonia, with coach George Lattouf confident his side is learning plenty from playing the best sides in MC Labour Division 2.
The Saints managed just one win from their opening seven games and entered the extended break just four points above bottom-placed Fitzroy Stars.
However, they kicked off the second half of their season in fine style, winning a crucial battle against Panton Hill by two goals at A.K. Lines Reserve – giving themselves breathing space in the battle to avoid relegation.
Speaking to NFNL.org.au, Lattouf said the result provided plenty of encouragement heading into the back half of the campaign.
“What was encouraging was that our playing group played four quarters of consistent football because of the conditions,” Lattouf said.
“The pressure was really good, and we really played as a team for four quarters.”
Watsonia has fielded a very youthful side throughout the 2021 season, which has been rewarded by promising showings from the likes of Lachlan Potter, the Van Zwienen brothers (Kobe and Teague), Adrian Saccuzzo and Kyle Wheatley.
Lattouf said he had been pleased by the way the young players had adapted to senior football, particularly given the strength of the competition’s top sides this year.
“They’re competing against really experienced footballers in Division 2,” he said.
“But their development is going really well. They’ve really adjusted to their roles and responsibilities on the ground.
“They just love playing with each other.”
Lattouf said the extended break had not provided too much of a disruption, with the three-week layoff allowing the young side to freshen up after a tough opening two months.
“Individually they just kept their fitness programs and that’s been going on through the whole year,” he said.
“From a coaching point of view, it was our responsibility to make sure everyone was okay, especially from the mental part of it because of lockdown.
“There’s a close connection between coaches and players, which is really pleasing.”
Watsonia faces a tough month ahead, taking on three top-five teams, including Diamond Creek at Coventry Oval this weekend.
But Lattouf is more focused on the experience his playing group will gain in these games, than worrying purely about the scoreboard.
“Division 2 is a very strong competition and it’s great because it’s a learning factor for my players, especially when you’re playing against experienced teams like Eltham,” he said.
“It’s a golden opportunity for my players to develop and I encourage that.
“And that’s how we’re going to get better in the future with this young group we’ve got at the moment.”
