No matter where PEGS is positioned on the Victorian Amateur Football Association Premier C ladder, it will find a way to get up for its clash with rivals Marcellin Old Collegians.
PEGS coach Dane Pound is banking on his players to dig that little bit deeper to not only secure a first win of the campaign this Saturday, but also get some bragging rights over one of his team’s long-time foes.
“If we’re going to get up for any game, it’s going to be against Marcellin, the old school rival,” Pound said. “We’ll be up and about.”
PEGS has endured a torrid start to the season.
The Bombers are 0-4 and on the bottom of the ladder with a percentage of 44.73.
The rough start is a by-product of a summer in which it lost 14 walk-up starters, the subsequent blooding of some young players to replace those who have either retired, focused on work commitments or transferred to another club, and a rough fixture that pitted them against every top four team so far, with fifth-placed Marcellin to follow.
“It has been a tough start,” Pound said.
“You don’t want to search for any excuses, but having a young group and having that fixture [made it tough].”
While a gulf in class has been exposed, PEGS remains upbeat it can make something of this season.
Pound is confident his side will turn the corner soon and senses his group can see the light at the end of what looks to be a dark tunnel.
There have been some promising signs for PEGS. Adrian Romanyk continues to be a menace in attack and could be on the verge of ripping a game apart soon.
PHOTO GALLERY: Williamstown CYMS vs PEGS
Romanyk has kicked 12 goals in four games to sit third on the competition’s goalkicker’s list, despite his side’s struggles.
“He’s an extremely talented player coming towards the end of his career and he’s working and trying very hard, but he’s probably not getting the service that he’s used to, but he’s still contributing,” Pound said.
Youngster Liam Mercieca is looking to be an exciting prospect.
Max Philpot, on the ball, and Brett Hannah, rebounding off half-back, have been impressive.
Philpot is on Williamstown’s VFL list and could soon receive a call up if he continues his current form.
“If I get the call that he’s playing for Williamstown, I’ll be so happy for him, while at the same time I’ll be thinking ‘geez, what are we going to do now?’,” Pound said.
A promising sign for PEGS was the return to form of captain Cameron Livori.
