Romsey has what it takes to go back to back in the Riddell District Football League. That’s the view of coach Dean Helmers.
But he adds that his players really have to commit if they want that second successive flag.
Although the Redbacks sit second on the ladder, only percentage behind Rupertswood and with only two losses all season, their recent form has Helmers worried.
“We were hammered by Riddell and were a bit better against Macedon,” he said last week.
“It wasn’t something the club expected, but I’d been warning it was coming. Our training has been very worrying.”
Helmers said a lack of numbers at training was the biggest issue.
“There’s been hardly anyone on the track,” he said. “We’ve been getting six to eight guys each night and good sides will overtake us because of this. It’s shown in how we’ve played the last four weeks.
“We weren’t great against Wallan and Lancefield and lost to Riddell.
“There were a few home truths said after the Riddell game.”
Helmers said several senior players had been out of the side because of injury, but that wasn’t an excuse.
“They’ll all be back for finals. You don’t have excuses,” he said.
“I’d have liked to have already started a charge to the finals, but we’re a month behind where we wanted to be.”
Helmers said that despite the lack of numbers at training, the feeling around the club was good.
“There was a lot of pressure on the boys last year [to go through unbeaten and win the premiership]. There’s a much better feeling this year. They’re enjoying the football a bit more.”
Helmers is still aiming to finish on top of the ladder, even with matches against Rupertswood and Sunbury Kangaroos to come on the run home.
“Rupertswood and Riddell are the two in-form teams of the competitions,” he said.
“The Kangaroos have a list that could win a premiership but haven’t been playing well.
“It would be ideal to finish top two and our aim is to finish top, but that will depend on attitude.
“If we drop one or two games we could finish fourth.”
On Saturday, the Redbacks were too strong for Rockbank – 21.13 (139) – 5.10 (40).
The Redbacks flew out of the blocks and led by 51 points at the main break. They didn’t let up in the second half, keeping the Rams goalless.
Ben Way kicked six for the Redbacks and Zak Saad was adjudged best on ground.
