Tara Murray
The Western Crusaders are slowly kicking into gear in the Gridiron Victoria division 1 competition.
The Crusaders, who have won the past six Vic Bowl titles, have started the season with two wins as they continue on their winning ways.
Crusaders Tyson Garnham said it had been a bit of a slow start to the season.
“We had a shorter pre-season as most of the guys played in the state competition,” he said. “We’re into it now. So far, so good for the ones team.
“There’s always change every season. Some people retire and we get some new people. At the start of every year it’s kind of a reset.
“We kept some main people.”
The Crusaders remain the only club to have two senior sides. Whelan said it’s rewarding as everyone gets plenty of game time but at the same time they would love a few extra players.
The past few years, the two teams have combined come finals.
This year with two different divisions they are likely stay separate all season.
“It’s important that we keep the two teams so everyone gets playing time,” he said. “It’s two divisions this year but there are some crossover games.
“I don’t believe they will let us join them as they once did, which will be a disadvantage in one way but it will be an advantage that the division 2 team come play within their own rights to play for top position.”
Whelan said they continue to set high expectations with the aim of claiming the championship, the Vic Bowl.
He said there’s a lot of work to go into that.
“That is definitely the goal.”
Whelan said they’ve got some things to improve on after the first two rounds, saying they’d left a lot on the field.
“We’ve got some young quarterbacks that have started the last few games, they’re getting used to playing in the seniors,” he said. “They’ll get better every week.”
The Crusaders division 1 side faces the Melton Wolves, who are a division 2 side.
