Seagulls aiming for finals return

BARWON Heads will look to refine its tactics over the next couple of weeks, according to its senior football coach, as preparations for Round 1 in the Bellarine Football League heat up.

Seagulls coach Sam Schaller is pleased with his side’s progression following its first official hit out of the pre-season last weekend against Yarraville-Seddon at home, with two more pre-season matches fixtured.

“We’re hoping to get a few more guys exposed to some senior football with some guys unavailable due to cricket finals among other circumstances,” Schaller said.

“It’ll be a good chance for some to play some senior level football and we’re excited to see who can present themselves with the season just around the corner.”

Schaller said his side watched on during last year’s BFL Reserves Grand Final, and this had motivated his players to come back better than last season.

With new and returning names such as Reid Adams (St Joseph’s), Sam Hill (Sebastapol), Ethan Lawler (Sebastapol), Matt Ogle (Latrobe Uni), and Sam Witherden (North Shore) entering the fray for 2024, Schaller is excited to see how the new-look side will perform.

“I had seen Reid play a few times and to see him up close was just fantastic; he’s really good, clean, tough around the stoppage,” Schaller said.

“We had Louie Hannon in our first [practise] game, a strong, fit player who looked good last weekend. It was great to see him in action – guys like that playing against a real opposition, all making a strong case for Round 1 selection.

“The drive to get back to finals is certainly there and we’re fully aware we have to put in the work to get there again, and the competition is a lot stronger this season.

“It’s not just your Torquays and Drysdales, you have other sides like Anglesea and Ammos who are going to be tough opponents.”

Barwon Heads’ final two practice games will be at Mars Stadium against North Ballarat this Saturday, and back at Howard Harmer Oval on March 16 against Point Cook.

Former Cats defender Matthew Scarlett will again be the side’s assistant coach for this season.