Tara Murray
Woodend-Hesket’s start to the Riddell District Football League season has earned a pass mark from coach Josh Pound.
The Hawks sit 2-1 after the first three rounds, which includes matches against both of last season’s grand finalists.
Pound said from a results wise, it was where they were hoping to be.
“From our perspective, we’ve played the two grand finalists from last year,” he said. “We wanted to be winning at least one of those games, ideally win both.
“We won one, which was great. Lancefield is much improved and it was their first game for the season.”
The Hawks have had their moments in the opening few rounds, as they try to get the side gelling together with a number of new players.
Round one the side knocked off Riddell, last season’s premiers, for the first time in 17 years.
Pound said that was massive for the club.
“There’s been a lot of respect between the two clubs, but Riddell has had the upper hand,” he said.
“To see what is meant to the people at the club, the popular figures around the club, it was a big thrill for everyone.
“The first round of the season and to beat the defending champions is good.
“It was a massive performance and confidence booster, but it’s a long season and it’s only one game in a season.
“We need to try and build on that.”
The Hawks then lost to Diggers Rest, before having a fight on their hands against Lancefield, smashed in the clearances early on.
Pound said the side’s fitness came to show late in the game against the Tigers, as it did against the Bombers.
Pound said it was always going to take some time for everything to come together.
“Many of the new players are in the midfield,” he said. “It’s an area that we need to improve on.
‘Tim Martin, our new ruck will play his first game in a couple of weeks. He is really excited after missing the first few weeks with a family holiday.
“He’s another in that midfield mix and it will take a few weeks and try and gel.”
The Hawks have a bye this weekend.
Pound said it couldn’t come at a better time with several sore bodies and a couple of injuries out of the Tigers game.
Ben Toman, who suffered concussion, and Pound, who hurt his calf in the first 10 minutes of the game, are two of them.
The Hawks face the Western Rams next week. Pound said he was expecting a more competitive Rams than the last few seasons.
“The league is in a good position at the moment,” he said. “The Rams and Lancefield seem to have been really good in the off season, recruiting really well.
“They provide new challenges, both team should get a couple of wins during this year.”
