NEW Goorambat coach Greg Vallender has wasted little time getting comfortable in the top job, predicting the Bats would improve enough to make the 2012 Ovens and King finals.
Vallender took over the head coaching role from Terry Greaves almost two weeks ago but was bullish about the Bats' 2012 hopes at the club's presentation night.
The Bats improved by just one position in 2011, winning three games while suffering eight defeats by more than 100 points.
But Vallender wasn't about to back away from his statement and said a finals appearance wasn't out of the question for his young side.
"That's definitely still the case," he said.
"If the competition stays roughly the same and doesn't jump unexpectedly then we expect to play finals or be there abouts.
"This season compared to where we were the year before we were about 10 goals better every time we took the field.
"And we beat a couple of Ovens and King sides this year not just the old (BDFL) sides.
"I think we also lost two or three games by less than a goal."
The fact the Bats were able to beat a couple of Ovens and King sides has given the club a huge boost heading into its third season while Vallender said a better fitness base would also help.
"I think every coach says it but we want to be fitter by round one next year," he said.
"There is a bit of a buzz around the place and everyone just wants to get going.
By JEREMY WILSON.
Last Modified on 28/10/2011 21:26
