"It's exciting to work with the kids because they're willing to learn and listen."
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Old Collegians mentor Nick Sheehan is enjoying what is a radically different coaching challenge for him compared to 2019.
It's a much younger list with many new players coming from the club's junior program.
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The Warriors toiled away in the opening two rounds - suffering two losses of more than 100 points - but got their breakthrough against another young side in Dennington on Saturday.
Old Collegians emerged 18.17 (125) to 6.8 (44) winners at Dennington in the Warrnambool and District league.
Sheehan said the Warriors' kids got running and set the game alight in the first quarter which led to eight goals to one.
"We've got nine kids in that team under 20," he said.
"It's something Old Collegians haven't had in the past four or five years.
"They (the youngsters) have been building and learning and getting better."
Riley Fox made his senior debut on Saturday - "he's nearly six foot and quick" - and Kobi Bidmade played his first senior game last week.
Sheehan said Bidmade got the Warriors going on the wing while another youngster Jacob Dunne kicked two goals in the first quarter.
He also highlighted the efforts of young defenders Harry White, Elijah Dawson and Jonah Bowles.
The Warriors coach feels he's got a good mix of youth and experience with the likes of Colby Rix, Nathan Forth and Sam Thomas providing leadership.
They were named Old Collegians' best in round three.
The challenge now for the Warriors is to put on two strong performances in a row.
They have Russells Creek at Mack Oval this week, a team which also has only one win.
Sheehan said captain Paul Campbell and youngster Thomas Noonan sustained knee injuries on the weekend and had to come off the ground.
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