Lalor experienced an improved feeling in its clubrooms this week.
The Bloods broke a nine-game losing streak on Saturday when they recorded their second win of the season with a 31-point victory against Reservoir.
Kicking with the wind aided the Bloods to a 25-point lead at the opening break and they never looked back, leading for the entire game to win 11.13 (79) to 6.12 (48) at Lalor Reserve in Round 14 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
Lalor coach Gary Cutler said having several key players back in the side helped the Bloods get back on the winners’ list.
Tim Murphy, Daniel Moore and Robert Todd were among the players to return to the line-up and all were named in the best players.
“The importance of having six inclusions to the team clearly showed its value,” Cutler told NFNL.org.au.
“I think our ability to put scoreboard pressure on the opposition has been an area we would like to improve on.”
The Bloods have averaged just 57 points per game this season, making the inclusion of Moore crucial in strengthening their attacking force. Last year’s runner-up in the best and fairest had an immediate impact and finished with three majors.
Ben Curtiss continued his standout season in the midfield, being named Lalor’s best player for the fifth time this season. He also received the maximum 10 votes in the Coaches MVP award.
Cutler said that although wins have been few and far between, training has remained positive and that the players have never failed to put in.
“(It was) reward for effort. The boys have worked tirelessly all season at training, and you could see the enthusiasm all week had them primed for a win,” he said.
Cutler believes injuries have hampered Lalor’s campaign to an extent.
The Bloods have had only three players feature in every game this year, with many of their key recruits sidelined for large parts of the season.
“Injuries has definitely been a factor,” Cutler said.
“Josh Novelli and Adrian Cirianni, who we got over to the club this season from Division 1 at West Preston, are two players we were really excited to see play and through no fault of their own and due to injury have had limited games.”
“There has been times this season where we have had up to 20 players out amongst the seniors and reserves due to injury. It makes it very challenging in this division if you are put in that position.”
The six players returning this week had a significant impact on the entire playing group as the reserves were also able to record a 90-point win.
Cutler pointed to Shannon Mills as a player who had developed throughout the tough season and said key forward Sam Rexhepi had made a major impact – booting a team-high 30 majors so far.
“Shannon has been outstanding off the half back flank in his first season of senior footy. He’s going to be a great player,” Cutler said.
“Sam has been great for the boys. He’s a much-loved character and he has really bought into the environment.”
Cutler said the club still has the goal of winning as many games as possible in the remaining four matches of 2019, believing any extra wins will give the Bloods confidence heading into next season.
He has signed on as coach for the 2020 season and believes the club is in a good position going forward.
“The club is in a really healthy position. We are getting 80-plus people at club functions and had 130 people at our mid-season ball at the Olympic Hotel. The support has been amazing.”
Lalor faces Old Eltham Collegians at Lalor Reserve in Round 15.
