Colt Corner with Beau - Round 11, 2018

Tuesday, June 19, 2018 - 8:28 AM
Subiaco colts coach Beau Wardman has steered his team to consecutive wins and back to the top three on the ladder. 
 
Beau sits down for his reuglar update from the Subiaco Colts to let us know who is impressing and how the Subiaco Colts are performing.
 
 
Beau, a couple of really nice bounce back performances by your boys in the last two weeks, what has pleased you most about the wins over East Fremantle and East Perth?
 
We had a real focus over the last couple of weeks on our team first approach and consistency in effort. Given the number of recent byes, they coaches and players were able to set some goals and focuses for training and in games which would guide our continued improvement. We have also been able to give some opportunities to players coming into the team. Abe Clinch, Nick Martin and Trey Kennedy have all performed strongly coming into the team over the last few weeks. 
 
 
Pretty dominant victory over East Perth on Saturday, take out the third quarter and they only kicked one goal, happy with the defensive effort of your team?
 
It was an interesting game. I thought we weren’t at our best for large parts, mainly due to the pressure from the East Perth players and some of our positioning fell down. However the effort of the boys was still at a high level and that’s what we really focus on. Our indicators were all in the right direction for much of the game which is pleasing and were able to control the game for large periods. Bit of accurate kicking and it could have been a bigger margin – I’ll have to speak to our goal kicking coach. 
 
 
With that third quarter where East Perth got some momentum with five goals to two, do you put that down to East Perth showing a bit more or a drop off in intensity from your boys?
 
East Perth were pretty strong all game. They had nine Inside 50s in the first term – the same as us. Fortunately our defenders led by Madoc Plane won some critical contests and East Perth missed some set-shots, it could have been different. If you keep giving a team looks, they will eventually capitalise in the third term. We understand the competition is pretty even and you have to be consistent in your effort and work rate. However, testament to the character of our group, they held firm and finished the game well. 
 
 
Individually, Tristan Hobley had 32 possessions, you seem to have a player every week who accumulates a high number of possessions, I think Hickmott and Foley have also had 30 possession games recently, nice to see the midfield spread the load each week?
 
Tristan has strung together some really consistent performances over the last few weeks. We have been able to simplify this thought processes and focus of enjoying the contest, this coupled with his work rate and cheer determination has resulted in great output. We recognise it is important to spread the load across our players, Jacob Peletier and Jake McKinnon had really good games this week, Zane Shellabear-Healey last week stood up around the contest. We keep getting great service from our backs. 
 
 
Speaking of Foley, he and his State 18 teammates, Will Hickmott and Xavier Peacock all had an influence, have you seen these boys accelerate their development being part of the State 18s?
 
I think they were in really good form before the State Academy commencing – it has been pleasing they have continued this. What is most important is their attitude which has been great. Being able to come in and out of programs can be difficult, especially for young players, but they have played their roles. 
 
 
Jake McKinnon is another one who has continued to improve week on week and you simply look at his tackle numbers, 19 in the past two weeks, he is giving an important contribution?
 
Jake is a great young kid. Not too many others have the commitment and courage he possesses. I think it took a few weeks for him to find his feet at this level and played through some injuries – testament to his character, but his last few games have really stood out. He has shown great resilience, especially late in games to try and drive the team in work rate and pressure.  
 
 
Up forward Nick Martin kicked three goals and Ben Golding kicked two, nice to see a spread of goals, and Golding in particular looked pretty lively in Saturday's game?
 
Nick on debut was great. With Trinity having the bye he was able to pull on the jumper for the first time and showed his marking ability, strength around the contest and coming off good form kicked a few goals. Ben has been really consistent in his appetite for the contest, winning a lot of 1v1s, his ability to keep his feet and win the ball has been impressive – great for him to hit the scoreboard this week. Jack Mayo has certainly provided a focal point for us up forward, however the dynamic mix of our set-up has ensured some consistency in scoring in recent weeks. Jordan Faraone has hit some form – mainly with increase work rate.
 
 
You continue to blood debutants, any of the new players you have introduced you think will play a big role as you aim towards finals football?
 
There is going to be some opportunity for a number of players over the coming weeks. We have a couple of Lions Pride games coming up and that will be a good opportunity for some younger players in our squad to showcase their talent and show good effort to press for a game at Colts level. This year our focus has been built on the individual development and everyone coming in to play their roles. We will continue to give players a chance to play in different positions as we have done throughout the year with good success. 
 
 
Next challenge, Swans at Bassendean, you played a top of the table clash with them earlier this year and this promises to be another great match, where do you think this game will be won?
 
Probably most goals, ha-ha. Look, traditionally Swans are a hard running team, great skills and look to take the game on. We will need to be at our best with our pressure and have a strong team first game. If our midfield can give us enough supply I know our forwards will work hard to lock the ball in. 
 
 
Obviously you won that earlier battle against Swans, do you take confidence from that win?
 
Certainly, we have learnt a lot as a group and should be in a good position to compete strongly against the best team. Both teams will have a number of changes in personnel from that game so it will be a different challenge for both teams. We aren’t too concerned out the scoreboard, if we hit our indicators and our trademarks then we can achieve the outcomes.