It’s fair to say the opening two rounds of the Central Murray season have been full of upsets and shock results.
While several teams’ early season form has surprised many, it’s been the improvement from Tooleybuc-Manangatang that has caught many off guard. Sitting third on the ladder, it’s the first time since 2010 that the Saints have begun a season with two consecutive victories.
While that may not sound like a great achievement, this is a team that won just two games last season – and just four matches over the past three years.
With their team treading water, the Saints needed a circuit breaker.
The clubs’ hierarchy decided that in order to move forward, they best look back, with it appointing Brad Morris to the helm over the off-season.
Morris led the club to consecutive finals appearances in 2015 and 2016.
The club has also recruited heavily, focusing on improving their midfield depth with the addition of Kai Kearns, Jesse Kane, Elliott Chalmers and Connor Nutting to their squad.
The transformation has been noticeable, with Tooleybuc-Manangatang playing a more attacking brand of football while also appearing more organised in wins over the Mallee Eagles and Swan Hill.
But while Saints fans now have a reason to smile again, Morris knows his side is far from the finished product.
“The only thing we were focused on over the off-season was that we wanted to improve,” Morris said.
“There wasn’t any expectation on us playing finals and there still isn’t, but at the same time we definitely wanted to see some growth and improvement as a whole, and that’s as a whole club and not just within the senior group.
“It’s a bonus to be two and zero, but it’s a long year and we’re going to have some ups and downs, but when we have positive moments then we’ll definitely take them.
“The real positive out of early wins is that it gives the boys a bit of confidence with the work that they’ve put in.
“We could be getting close or say we’re not far away or we’re improving, which is great, but there’s nothing better than winning games. It gives you reward for effort – but there’s a long season ahead and plenty of work to be done still.
“Everyone has that interest in the senior footy, as all country clubs do, the footy team is always a big part of the community and when things are positive, it often builds a bit of momentum and positive emotions within the community.”
Tomorrow will see the Saints take another step forward in their development, when they host traditional rivals Nyah-Nyah West United.
It will be the first time the Demons have returned to the scene of last year’s preliminary final capitulation to Kerang, and while the opponent may be different this time around, Morris is expecting the same attacking footy to await his side.
“There’s definitely a neighbouring rivalry between us (Tooleybuc-Manangatang and NNW United), it’s always a challenge playing them and they’ve had the upper hand over the past few years,” Morris said.
“We’re not going to differ from what we’re trying to do though, which is build and try to maintain our structures.
“That will be our main focus, we just want to improve and keep getting better week to week.
“They’re (NNW United) a really well-balanced side and it’s one of their big strengths. Hopefully we can get some good match-ups, but it’s really going to come down to old fashioned hard work for us.”
