BY MICHAEL ESPOSITO
WILLIAMSTOWN was certainly competitive in Division Two this year, winning 12 games and finishing half-way up the ladder, but newly-appointed coach Peter Collins believes it’s time the Wolves really had a tilt at finals.
“We definitely want to be looking at playing finals. If we’re not playing finals we’re doing something totally wrong,” Collins said.
Williamstown has gotten off on the right track, defeating Port Melbourne 10-5 in the Summer League season opener on Sunday. The club stalwart expected the competition to be tighter this year with fewer teams engaging the services of imported pitchers.
“It will make it better for clubs like us who are using our local kids pitching,” Collins said.
“Hopefully with the fact that a lot of Division Two clubs have chosen not to go for imported pitchers, it’s going to make it a realistic goal to finish in the top four and play finals.” Williamstown has recruited catcher Jason McDonald from Essendon, and has also got American Zach Musgrave, who is studying at Melbourne University. Musgrave can fill several infield positions, is a power hitter and also pitched at college. Jason Lester will be starting pitcher while Aaron Green and Ryan Camov will back Lester up on
the mound.
“Ryan Camov’s been doing a lot of work at short stop and hopefully he can fill the left side of the infield, where we’ve been probably lacking a little bit,” Collins said.
“He’s been a pitcher for most of his career but is looking at not pitching as much. Hopefully he’ll be able to have an impact on the field.”
Collins said Meagre should expect a good year with the bat if his pre-season is any indication.
“The boys have done a fair bit of work pre-season on their batting. Being able to get the better of those starting pitchers will be key for us.”
