Consistency is the key for Romsey as it tries to bridge the gap on the top teams in the Riddell District Football League.
The Redbacks have finished sixth the last two seasons and bundled out in the first week of finals both times.
For Redbacks coach Corey O’Sullivan these two performances showed the lack of consistency within games they need.
“We had two poor performances in those elimination finals, but I look at it as a glass full situation,” he said.
“Only one quarter cost us and we ended up being spanked. We lost to the sides that went on to win the premiership.
“We want to be a side that is hard to beat and we weren’t that the last couple of years.”
The first key for the Redbacks was keeping together their playing group, which they had managed to go.
Only Dean Borg (12 games last season) and Brayden Feltham (two games) have left the club.
O’Sullivan, in his third year as coach, said the key was ensuring the group was coming through together.
“A real focus has been on having a group of local players. It’s important to stay together as a relatively young group.
“We’ve got some balance with some experienced players as well. We’ve tried to bring some good people into the club.”
The Redbacks have looked to add a bit more experience to the group with their recruits.
Nathan Blair, who played his junior football at the club, returns having played for Coburg in the VFL in recent years.
Mitchell Jensen, who played in a VFL premiership with Footscray, has also come across as has Joel Naylor, who combined VFL and TAC Cup commitments last season. Melton Centrals’ Blake Henderson has also joined the Redbacks.
O’Sullivan said with the recruits and the existing playing group, they now had number of players who had played at a higher level.
O’Sullivan said after a strong pre-season they were ready for the season to begin.
Unfortunately for the Redbacks, they had a bye in round one and have to wait and extra week to kick off action.
“We’re pretty excited for the season to start that’s for sure,” he said.
“We’ve got a few practice matches and a training camp coming up.”
The Redbacks are still looking for under-19s players this season.
O’Sullivan said with the current numbers they have, at this stage its unlikely they will be able to field a side in that age group.
“Like a lot of clubs it’s hard once they get older to keep them involved.
“It’s looks like we will have strong under-15s and under-17s though.”
