By Tyler Lewis
Berwick Springs is used to the word ‘unprecedented’.
The Titans entered the competition at an unprecedented time and have endured one of the more unprecedented months of football.
A month ago, the Titans were placed in fourth position after they drew with Gembrook-Cockatoo.
Rodney Benstead’s men then proceeded to win three of their next four matches – two of which were against sides above them on the ladder – but have fallen to fifth position.
On Saturday, the Titans overran Yarra Glen 15.12 (102) to 8.3 (51), but it wasn’t enough to surge into the four, as Healesville simultaneously defeated Gembrook-Cockatoo, 15.9 (99) to 10.10 (70).
Though the results aren’t seeming to translate to the ladder position just yet, Benstead admits he isn’t one to analyse how the ladder should look.
“The ladder is so close, you just have to keep winning,” he said.
“I just like to see improvement each week and that what we are building is sustainable. Someone said to me ‘oh gee Healesville won’, and I just ‘oh well, that’s good for Healesville’.
“I don’t buy into other results, because you have to do it on your terms, play your brand of footy and improve.
“I am happy for other teams to win, we will play some big games, so if we win them, we will go into the finals really hardened because we have had pressure games.
“I think it’s fantastic and we really look forward to the next month to set ourselves up for a big finish.”
With a month ahead that includes Belgrave, Gembrook-Cockatoo, Healesville and Seville, Benstead is encouraging his players to embrace the challenge.
“We’re getting some good continuity, our back six has been fantastic,” he said.
“The scores indicate from round one, to where we are, that we have improved, our goal is to keep improving, you can’t take your eyes too far ahead, you have to be in the moment.
“I also think enjoy the moment.”
In the aforementioned Healesville win over Gembrook-Cockatoo, the Bloods led at every change to secure the 29-point victory.
Max Donegan was back at his best, booting half a dozen to sink the Brookers.
Seville, meanwhile, didn’t have the sour taste of defeat in its mouth for long, bouncing back against Emerald.
The Blues kicked seven goals to one in the opening term, ultimately setting up the 12.11 (83) to 7.8 (50) win.
After two losses in as many weeks, the Bombers have fallen from a win clear in second position to back with the pack – as just one win separates fifth from second.
The 6-4 Bombers host the Bloods this week, in what looms as the game of the round.
