Geelong Advertiser |
IF IT wasn't before, Ocean Grove's season is officially over.
During the first quarter against Geelong Amateur, an optimist may have sensed an upset win that could revitalise the season, but an eight goal to one second quarter dispelled any hope.
It has been a tough first year for coach Shane Jack.
He has faced an injury and unavailability list that is currently in the 20s.
"I actually counted during the week as well. It's tough, we thought we had the depth but we'll keep giving these young boys a go but it was tough against a strong Ammos side," Jack said.
This has really tested the Grubbers' depth, which one would have thought was quite good considering the reserves won the premiership in 2012.
"I think we only had 17 (in the reserves) and we had to call people up on the Friday morning, but hopefully with the break we can freshen up and we're looking to get seven or eight blokes back," Jack said.
This year has been indifferent for the Grubbers, which usually feature in both reserves and seniors finals, and it has shown on the training track.
"Our skills aren't up to scratch and they just can't commit to training and get there to practice, and that's where it all starts," Jack said.
In what could be construed as a positive, Ocean Grove has a young list and Jack will look to keep giving games to younger players in the hope of developing for the future.
"I mentioned to the boys that I think we had 15 blokes 24 or under and I'm not making excuses, that's just a fact," he said.
The lack of key forward and defence options has been obvious and must be a target during the off-season.
