By Wil Spence
The surprise of the Premier Division, Rowville are continuing to prove their critics wrong after six rounds, remaining the only undefeated team.
The Hawks were disappointing last season finishing 10th on the ladder with a 2-6 record, recordings win over North Ringwood and Berwick.
However, Rowville’s coach Ben Wise had no doubts his side would be a proven contender for season 2022.
“Externally no doubt [people are shocked by their start to the season], internally we had a strong belief of what we wanted to set out and do, it’s something that is a non-negotiable, and we strive to play finals each year.
The Hawks should be a feared side this season having already defeated four of the five teams who finished in the top five last year before the shutdown period, in Noble Park, Norwood, South Croydon and Balwyn.
Wise is extremely excited that his side’s has been able to contend with and ultimately brush aside some of the best teams in the division and instil belief among the playing group along the journey.
“We set out to get some respect, play a certain way that’s going to stack up against the good sides, and it’s starting to show.”
Scoring up forward was a major issue for the Hawks last season with only 538 points scored after eight games, the lowest in the division. They have already surpassed this number after six rounds with 556 points to their name.
Wise highlighted the importance of a new forward line coach, new personnel, and a different game style as the catalyst for their scoring bonanza.
“A lot of changes went through our football club coming out of COVID, we got a forward line coach, someone who could put all their focus and energy into how we we’re going to score.”
Barring their win over North Ringwood, Rowville have either led or trailed by as many as seven points at three quarter time. Wise has been extremely satisfied with his group’s maturity and resilience to finish out games and run down their opportunities when required, coming from behind once again on Saturday against an inform Doncaster East side.
“We just had to keep applying the pressure, the game was going to open up and we applied the pressure for longer, they’re [Doncaster East] a great side and our midfield gave us a great chance and our forwards did the rest,
“Having that belief and resilience when challenged, and to not go away from what we’re doing, the boys are little bit more experienced and the leaders on the ground have been super, it has shown a great deal of maturity in this group.”
Wise couldn’t stress enough that his side must keep their head down and not get caught up in the outside noise.
“We need to make sure everything we’re doing that we can control and that we don’t get caught up in the outside noise which might start to come,
“We need to keep level and keep grinding away.”