IT was never going to be an easy ride for Zac Fulford in his first year as coach of Tallangata.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With the former Wodonga player inheriting one of the youngest lists in the league, Fulford’s top priority was always about improving on last year’s result.
So far, so good.
Tallangatta has matched last season’s four victories with five rounds remaining, downing Wahgunyah, Kiewa-Sandy Creek, Yackandandah, Chiltern and Dederang-Mount Beauty, and Fulford is encouraged by what lies ahead, starting with Saturday’s return bout against Wahgunyah at Wahgunyah.
“We’re definitely looking to improve on the four wins,” Fulford said.
“It would be nice to grab a couple more wins before the year is out and I’m confident that we will be able to do that.
“While we would have loved to have won a few more games, I think we’ve improved as a footy club and at times we have played some really exciting footy.
“The challenge for us is to do it week-in, week-out, like the better teams in the competition.”
One of the shining lights has been Mitch Maddock.
The 18-year-old has played every match this season and has stepped up to provide support for fellow up-and-comers Darcy Carroll, Jake Wood and Kyle Lieschke.
The biggest struggle for Tallangatta has been finding goalkickers.
Kaine Parsons has been forced to shoulder plenty of responsibility and leads the Hoppers’ goalkicking with 15 majors, while Aaron Downie has 13.
“We really need to find more avenues to goal and look to create more scoring opportunities,” he said.
“We also have work to do on our decision-making when we have the ball.
“Our group has been able to grasp the new game style that has been implemented and that has been a big positive from the season.
“Defensively, we have been pretty good in most games for long periods of time, however we need to increase that to full four quarters.”
Meanwhile, Tallangatta has been granted permission to wear its original black and white jumpers when it holds a reunion for its 1954 and 1974 senior premierships against Yackandandah on August 2.
Many former players and supporters are expected to return for the clash at Tallangatta, with enquiries to be made with secretary Leanne Wood on (02) 60725 238 or 0419 460 119.
