Success in September the aim for Beaconsfield

Beaconsfield’s dream, undefeated run in Totally WorkWear Premier Division continued over the weekend, beating Cranbourne by 33 points in the ‘top of the table’ clash at Holm Park Reserve.

With the two sides separated by 11 points at half time, Beaconsfield took their game to the next level from there on to gain control and come away with the victory.

Nick Battle and Brandon White were prolific, picking up 44 and 34 disposals in their sides important win.

Beaconsfield coach Mick Fogarty was pleased with his side’s efforts over the weekend, noting they really stepped up in what was a great contest.

“It was a tough game against Cranbourne because they’re a good side who are well coached and we know every time we play them, we have our work cut out,” Fogarty said.

“I’m really wrapped with how my players applied themselves on Saturday, it was a tough game, but it always is against them.

“Luckily for us, we came through and I couldn’t be happier with their performance on the weekend.”

Fogarty’s coaching history is prolific, steering Noble Park to two premiership victories in nine seasons from 2011-2019.

The tough, uncompromising game style in which he coaches has been a mainstay throughout his career and is a key reason for Beaconsfield’s great start to the season.

“As a coach, you need to adapt to the changes of the game, I think it is played on the outside now with teams wanting to hold onto the footy and play a high possession game, we’re no different,” Fogarty explained.

“However, there’s also occasions where we want to be a strong contested side, so we just need to make sure we bring that heat because we’re a chance to win the footy when we do.”

Throughout the mid-season lockdown, players made sure they kept fit and were ready to go, with match fitness being the only thing that could have hindered the ladder leaders.

Fogarty was in regular contact with his leaders and players throughout this period to make sure they were doing the work but was pleased with the knowledge his men were continuing to work hard during this period.

“We were really confident that coming back from lockdown, we’d be good to go, with the only issue being around our match fitness,” Fogarty said.

“The boys continued to work hard during this period, which is one of the main reasons why we’re still going strong.

“They’re a great group and they are on a mission at the moment.”

With seven rounds to go until the end of the season, the plan for Beaconsfield is to tick off each week as it comes as they head towards finals, with the uncertainty of how a football season can pan out always at the forefront of the coach’s mind.

With Fogarty’s previous coaching experience, he has been around long enough to know the season does not start until September.

Staying healthy and getting players back from injury is a key focus as they aim to strengthen their chances when the finals come along.

“We’re giving ourselves an opportunity to finish in the top two and gain the double chance,” Fogarty explained.

“These games are massively important for our journey and where we want to go because each week is a new challenge.”