UTS
Final position
Last- 3 wins, 14 losses, 1 draw
Snapshot
Although they didn’t seal their first competition points until Round 5 courtesy of a draw with Sydney University, the Bats were competitive and should have won their opening round clash against UNSW/ES and they pushed St George to within 15 points the weekend after. Their first win came in Round 7 at home against North Shore but they bottomed out severely in the back half of the season, losing their last seven matches.
What worked
Judging by their ladder position, not too much. Their big bodies held up and challenged sides higher on the ladder such as UNSW/ES and North Shore. They were able to focus on the Division One finals campaign earlier than they would have hoped- with the Reserve grade side making the Grand Final against Balmain.
What failed
You could start with their signings. Fergus Watts was a highly-acclaimed recruit but the former AFL star didn’t pull on the boots due to a shoulder injury. More was expected from former Collingwood VFL Best and Fairest, Tom Sundberg but he didn’t reach any lofty heights in his 13 games. Show glimpses of his best and you can only imagine how good he would be with a high quality side around him. The Bats also had the second worst defensive record in the competition and didn’t manage to break the century in attack in all of 2014, a damning statistic. They ultimately went backwards in their worst year since joining Premier Division.
MVP: Josh Maddox
Maddox was what the Bats needed more of; a player who was dependable and consistent- capable of winning his own ball. He used the ball well when the Bats were in attack and had a defensive focus to his game. He was in the Bats best 13 times in 2014 to illustrate this point. He was well assisted by captain, Scott Tregoning, Kaizaad Mehta and Rawson Kirkhope.
Surprise packet: Adam Baker
The small forward from Yarraville in the Western Region Football League, proved his worth in the forward 50 this year for the Bats. Baker kicked 38 goals in 17 games to take his career total in Seniors to 260 majors from 97 games, not a bad return. He was potent given his limited opportunities.
Low point
The Bats were genuinely uncompetitive in Rounds 15 to 17 where they registered losing margins of 85, 65 and 65 points. While they did try and give some younger, lower division players Premier Division experience, the loss in Round 17 against Sydney Hills Eagles was most disappointing and secured them the wooden spoon.
What do they need to improve?
To their credit, they have already taken the first step by installing Nic Fosdike as senior coach. Fosdike comes from an elite background as a former player at the Sydney Swans, with his last stint being at Balmain a few years ago when he led them to the Grand Final. He will attract quality players.
A difficulty with UTS is they are predominately a white-collar club. A fair proportion of their senior squad work long hours and hence struggle in regards to the added extras which are required to be a finals-bound side. Commitment and continuity are big challenges they have to overcome.
They need more youth and outside run for starters. They are too one-dimensional in terms of their big bodies and inside, contested focus. Players with creativity will help the Bats off the bottom of the ladder.
Grade: D-
You can’t sugar coat it other than to say it was a very poor year for a club expecting better. They have reached a fork in the road as a club and it will be interesting to see if they head forward in terms of their ladder position and commitment to improve. There is no debating that they have a lot of ground to make up on the top sides.
Last Modified on 06/10/2014 09:21
