By LIAM TWOMEY
ON THE eve of the National Under 18 Carnival, Vic Metro coach Rohan Welsh has a message for his players, winning form is good form.
As the best junior footballers from around Australia prepare to go head-to-head during the talent-laden competition, Welsh said players in sides that performed well during the carnival were often looked on more favourably come draft time.
“The kids want to win. We as coaches want to win as well. But as always in a squad like this there is still that big emphasis on development but part of player development is learning how to win,” he said.
“Individual accolades will come with team success. If the team plays well then it will make you look a lot better as a player. That is something that the players are really looking at and saying, we’ve got to really play well as a team and then that well help me in my goals as an individual. If they can do that then I think they will be a lot better for it.”
As round one approaches, the Vic Metro squad is starting to take shape following a practice match against fierce rival Vic Country on the weekend. Round one will see Metro travel to Tio Stadium in the Northern Territory to take on Darwin this weekend.
Within the 40 man squad the Western Jets are represented by Ashlin Brown, Lachlan Hunter, Harley Walshe and Jake McKenzie.
Already talked about as one of the best draft talent pools in recent years Welsh said injuries would play a role in how the side went during the carnival.
In an early blow, the squad lost two of its best players last weekend after Todd Viney was injured during his VFL debut with Casey and Calder Cannon Lachlan Plowman hurt his elbow in round eight of the TAC Cup.
“Training with this group has been going well. We haven’t had as many training sessions this year compared to last year but we have had a few more information sessions organised by the AFL. We have only had four or five ball sessions but we are getting there and the boys are coming along nicely,” Welsh said.
“If we can bring the best out of them as players and highlight their strengths as players then it will keep them in good stead come draft time.”
