Footscray was left to lick its wounds after a cringe-worthy 6-0 loss to Hawthorn in Hockey Victoria men’s premier league at the Footscray Hockey Centre on Saturday.
The Bulldogs’ winning start to the season came to an abrupt halt as the Hawks gate-crashed the kennel with four first-half goals to set up a big win in the clash of two undefeated sides.
Bulldogs’ coach Josh Burt told Star Weekly his side had more than its fair share of opportunities in front of goal but could not capitalise as it had in the opening two rounds.
“The disappointment is that we had as many goal shots as they did, but we just didn’t score any,” he said.
“We gave them an early start, but we had a lot more possession and play in the second half and just couldn’t capitalise.
“That’s something we really need to work on over the next few weeks.
“To ensure we’re competitive, we need to be hitting in goals.”
The Bulldogs were a different outfit to the one put out on field in round one three weeks ago.
Some interstate and overseas talent has been brought in – players who could be vital in the push for a finals berth.
Vikas Sharma is the biggest name of the new recruits, having played over 60 internationals for India. He should have a big impact for the Dogs at midfield.
“Vikas has certainly shown that he has something to offer,” Burt said. “He actually played pretty well for us and was among our best players.”
Adrien d’Andrade, a Canadian international, and Kyle Gildea, a Queenslander who moved to Melbourne for work, have strengthened the squad.
While the new names look good on paper, Burt admits they have not yet meshed with the other players.
“The changes might have unsettled us a bit,” he said.
“We certainly didn’t jell as well as we could have and, at the moment, we’re trying to adjust. When we get them all playing how we want them to play, they’ll be fantastic players for us; they’ll be top end.”
The Bulldogs will hit the road to face the powerful Greensborough at the Greensborough Hockey Centre on Sunday. The game will be streamed live on Hockey Victoria’s website.
Burt is hopeful of a more polished performance from his side.
“We’ve got a bit of hard work to do this week to ensure we’re right for the weekend,” he said.
“The guys know they didn’t play well and we’ll want turn it around, for sure.”
Meanwhile, Chris Coleman fired with a hat-trick as Altona downed Greensborough 4-2 at JK Grant Reserve to move into third place on the ladder.
In the women’s premier league, Footscray succumbed 3-1 to Hawthorn, while Altona was pipped 1-0 by Greensborough.
