Bears out to continue flyer


Published on Friday, April 28, 2017

Author : Mick Mattingly

Thomastown coach Ben Chapman has issued a warning to the rest of A Plus Labour Division 2, saying his undefeated side has not yet reached its peak.

Speaking with NFL.org.au this week, Chapman said the most pleasing aspect of the club’s start to the 2017 season has been its ability to find a way to win.

“We probably haven’t played great footy in either game,” Chapman said.

“We’ve been a little bit inconsistent, played some good patches and played some ordinary ones too, but we’ve been able to get the result at the end of the day.”

Thomastown is coming off an impressive 32-point victory over A Plus Labour Division 2 newcomer Watsonia in Round 2.

The Bears had another 33 shots on goal to score 13.20 (98) after kicking 16 goals in its Round 1 win over Lalor.

Chapman said its unpredictability makes his side’s forward line a tough one to match up on.

“If you look at our goal kickers, the spread has been really good the first couple of games,” he said.

“We are getting good contributions from multiple people.

“The fact that we had 33 shots on goal is pleasing, but when you kick 13.20 there is always room for improvement.”

After crossing from Greenvale over the summer, Matthew Vasilevski has been named as one of the Bears’ better players in the club’s first two matches.

The two-time Frank Rosbrook Medal winning midfielder has impressed Chapman with his professional approach.

“He’s an exceptional talent as everyone knows, he just uses the ball so well and generally every time he gets the footy, he hits a target.” he said.

Chapman also praised his “young and inexperienced defence” who have only conceded nine goals in each of the first two rounds.

The Bears will come up against a red-hot Diamond Creek this Saturday after the Creekers held Lalor goalless on Tuesday in a 115-point Anzac Day win.

Chapman said the Bears are not taking Diamond Creek’s short four-day turn around into consideration.

“At 2.10 on Saturday, it just becomes another game of football,” he said.

“We just have to stay in the game for long periods of time and as the game goes on if it does become a factor we have to be ready to capitalise on it.”

The match will be held at Main Street Recreation Reserve.

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