Footscray Hockey Club is preparing for what could be a defining month in the men’s Victorian Premier League.
The Bulldogs are part of a logjam of sides, with just one win separating fourth and eighth.
Footscray is fifth on the ladder, with two wins from its first six matches coming against Waverley and Doncaster.
Bulldogs coach Travis Brooks knows his players need to keep the wins ticking over if they want to play finals.
“This is going to be one of those seasons where pretty much anyone on their day can get up,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s going to be pretty tight and competitive, so every win we can get is going to be important. We need to keep accumulating points so we can stay close to that top four.”
After dropping close games in the first six rounds, Footscray is looking for some better decision making in tight finishes.
In round one, the Bulldogs lost to local rival Altona by one goal. They lost to MCC, also by one goal, in round three.
“It’s more about going back to the basics and teaching the younger guys to make the best decision at that stage of the game,” Brooks said.
“We’ve got a pretty young group there and it’s important that they continue to learn throughout the year.”
In its third season in the premier league, Footscray has continued to have a youth focus as it looks to establish itself in the state’s top competition.
Brooks works closely with other coaches at the club to ensure all teams are following the same game plans so players can naturally progress into the premier division side.
“Initially, we brought in a few overseas guys and it was about adding some strength around the younger kids,” Brooks said.
“Now that they have that experience in the top grade, it’s now an opportunity to blood some of those younger guys and give them an opportunity to develop.”
