Tara Murray
A two week break has come at the perfect time for Sunshine Heights in the Western Region Football League division 3 competition.
After a surprisingly strong start to the season with two good wins, the Dragons have struggled with injuries in recent weeks.
With a bye this weekend and the Queen’s Birthday Day break next week, the Dragons get a mini break.
Dragons coach Colby Blyth said the break was exactly what they needed.
“The first couple of weeks were really up beat and good vibes and we had two wins,” he said.
“We’ve had quite a few injuries to key players and it knocked us about.
“We’re looking to bounce back once we get everyone back on track. We will definitely get some players back after the bye.”
Blyth said they had been shocked by their start to season, having come together late after more than 30 players left the club.
The side has three wins on the board and could have easily had a fourth, after being in the game against Albanvale.
Blyth said it had shown they were moving in the right direction.
“We’re confident that we can match it with the best teams in the competition,” he said.
“Against Braybrook and the Suns, depth hit us pretty hard. We don’t want to make excuses, but we had no bench with so many injured players against the Suns.”
Blyth said now there was the belief in the group that they could be competitive, it’s about putting it all together.
He said they always knew it would take some time.
“We have so many areas to improve and work on,” he said. “We have the personnel there to take us to the next level.
“We’ve only played six games together and a couple of guys haven’t played in seven years.
“We’ve been able to get on the board in such a short period of time, it’s a bonus how much we can improve.
“It’s looking good for the future.”
Among those to shine for the Dragons is Blyth himself who has kicked 26 goals to sit fourth in the division goal kicking.
Blyth originally didn’t intend to play.
“I put a clearance in, but I wasn’t planning on playing,” he said. “It was a last minute decision.
“I knew the guys would be excited if I was to play. I decided to go out there and set an example for the guys and I’m enjoying it.”
Blyth said the focus the next few weeks would be on the track, where they will continue to implement structures and strategy.
“Training, it comes down to that.”
