LAST year was pretty much as low as the Greta Football Club has ever sunk.
The Blues won their first senior grade wooden spoon, saluting only four times in a forgetful season of Ovens and King football.
But three rounds into the new season, things are already much brighter for Col McClounan’s charges.
The Blues have won two games, with victories against Benalla and North Wangaratta.
McClounan said last year’s woes had inspired the club to work harder.
“It did hurt but it’s how you react that’s important,” the second-year coach said.
“Greta is a really proud club and it was tough, coming last, but we lost the last game of the year by five points and if we’d won that we would’ve finished something like seventh.
“We also had a really bad run with injuries so it was a pretty tough year.
“But the boys have worked really hard since then, hopefully we have a better run this year.”
While the Blues have won two from three, this week’s encounter at Moyhu could be their toughest assignment yet.
The Hoppers are unbeaten and sit on top of the O and K ladder, and appear to be one of the competition’s early premiership favourites.
McClounan said the Blues, who are aiming to play finals, had the game to challenge some of the O and K’s strongest clubs.
“It will definitely be a big challenge for us — I don’t think we’ve beaten them for about seven or eight years,” he said.
“But we do think we’re good enough to play finals.”
Meanwhile, Bright will be looking to add to its solitary win of the year when it hosts Glenrowan.
Last year’s beaten grand finalists have been hot and cold this year but should have enough talent to dismiss Glenrowan.
In other games, Milawa should be too good for the Benalla All Blacks; Tarrawingee will be confident of remaining unbeaten when the Bulldogs travel to North Wangaratta and King Valley hosts Whorouly.
BY - NIALL SEEWANG
30th April, 2009.
Col McClonan