SOMETIMES, a fresh face with new ideas is just what is needed to boost a team.
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There was little doubt about Old Collegians’ credentials heading into the season – on the back of an almost unblemished 2016 – and a perfect first month has the Warriors well in the thick of flag contention again.
But it has been some new faces – recruits and juniors alike – who are pushing the Warriors to again return to the Warrnambool and District league’s grandest stage.
Front-and-centre among them has been Redan recruit Nick Sullivan, a former Ballarat league footballer and past Central Highlands league best-and-fairest award winner.
The skillful midfielder has earned a spot in the Warriors’ best three in each of their four matches so far in 2017 and has kicked 11 goals, five of which came in a best-on-ground performance against East Warrnambool in round two.
Old Collegians coach Josh Reichman noted while Sullivan had spent some time forward, the majority of his goals had come while playing through the midfield.
Reichman said Sullivan had helped rejuvenate the team’s on-ball unit by bringing in fresh ideas to a group to had played together for some time, including the likes of Colbie Rix, Eli Barker and Matthew Lynch.
“He’s been really good. You can just tell he’s played that higher standard of footy; he’s very well-structured,” Reichman said.
“He has a really good, fresh mind out in the midfield.
“He’s just ultra consistent. He hasn’t really had an ‘off’ quarter at all.”
Another recruit in Bodie Hibberson kicked two goals in his debut for the club against Dennington on Saturday, while emerging youngsters are putting the pressure on more senior players for spots as the Warriors build on an unbeaten first month of football.
“We’ve obviously got some fresh players in there; I think we’re going to improve over the year,” Reichman said. “It’s been pleasing to get the results when we haven’t been playing our best footy.”
The Warriors have a bye this weekend, before taking on Allansford on May 6.