IN-FORM North Warrnambool Eagles forward Josh Corbett credits his first VFL pre-season for his emphatic start to the Hampden league campaign.
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The Werribee-listed teenager has kicked 11 goals in his first two matches, providing the unbeaten Eagles with a reliable, strong-marking target in attack.
Corbett booted 5.4 in a best-on-ground display as the Eagles stunned Port Fairy at Gardens Oval on Saturday, winning 17.13 (115) to 5.18 (48) to improve their record to three consecutive wins.
The former Hawks junior said a better fitness base was the catalyst for his strong form.
“That’s the longest, hardest thing I have ever done in my life,” he said of Werribee’s pre-season.
“Some nights you’d go down and train and be like ‘is this ever going to end?’
“Last year I found I sort of struggled (fitness-wise). I’d get to two and a half three quarters and I was all right and then we’d get to the last quarter and I’d be really struggling.
“This year I tried to do a lot of endurance work and even speed work, so that my first five or six steps are really quick off the mark.”
Injuries – a quad strain and foot problem – marred Corbett’s two VFL practice matches.
But he’s hoping his Hampden league efforts will culminate in a call-up to Werribee’s development side in coming weeks.
“Hopefully I will go back (to training) and the coach will have a bit of understanding that I’ve found a bit of consistency,” he said.
“That is something I lacked a bit last year, so hopefully consistent games can get me a game in the development league.”
Corbett was the focal point in a potent Eagles’ attack against the Seagulls.
Small forward Jarryd Lewis booted four goals while the versatile Xavier Mills slotted two. Emerging key position player Joe McKinnon showed glimpses of his immense talent and boom midfield recruit Rory Taggert hit the scoreboard when he floated forward.
Corbett praised the Eagles’ ball movement, in close and out wide, and sharp forward entries for his return.
“When you’re taking marks inside about 30 metres it’s pretty easy to go back and kick the goals. That credit all goes to the midfield,” he said.
“I like to back myself and think 95 per cent of the time I am going to be able to mark it, fingers crossed.”