Ballarat takes on Bacchus Marsh on Saturday at 2.15pm at Maddingley Park
CLUB: BALLARAT
COACH: Joe Carmody
FOR THE RECORD
(Scoop): There's a bit of hype around Ballarat's chances in 2022 - how do you think you're shaping up?
(Joe): Our midfield depth is as good as it's ever been - Domic, Kennedy, James, Powling. Our back six are also strong. The focus is on developing more avenues to goal (other than Hooper). Achieve this and it would be fair to say we'll be dangerous.
(Scoop): I have to ask how Josh Gibson, Andrew Hooper, and exciting newcomer Aiden Domic are travelling?
(Joe): Gibson has had a considered build-up and is moving well. We'll start to ramp up his work over the coming weeks - he'll be right to go Round One against the Cobras. Hooper is the fittest I’ve seen this time of year. He’s injury-free (from) post wrist surgery (last year). Domic’s looking good; an aerobic beast strong both inside and out and extremely versatile.
(Scoop): Since 2018 the Swans have won just once (1-8) on the road outside of Ballarat. You have Bacchus Marsh (Rd1), Darley (Rd7) and Sunbury (Rd11) down the highway this year. How do you go about changing the narrative? These games could make or break you, given your tough rated draw....
(Joe): The players have more experience on the road now so we're hopeful a growing belief, confidence level and developed mindset will hold us in good stead. There'll be no excuses.
IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS
(Joe): Leg speed, ball movement and our ability to change angles. Also, our team defence held up really well last year and we're expecting more of the same again in 2022.
IMPROVEMENTS
(Joe): Depth. Our younger guys have just scratched the surface with 20-plus games under their belts. We're confident there's plenty of upside with this group.
PRE-SEASON TRAINING
(Joe): Good. We've done a lot, especially over the last five weeks with match simulation. Jack Dunne (calf) and Inji Fyfe (hamstring) are our only injury concerns ahead of Round One.
DRAW COMMENTS
(Joe): Tough one first up on the road as we tend to struggle down there (Bacchus Marsh). Otherwise, it's pretty even across the board for us.
PLAYER INS:
Aiden Domic (Werribee) - gun mid, has the bulk of Lachie George, runs like Alik Magin. James Clark (GWV Rebels) - half forward/wing, will play mostly Rebels. Nick Swain (Anglesea) - half back, Mitch Martin like-for-like replacement. Tom Mooney (Glenroy EDFL) - third tall forward option, good competitor. Jesse Nicholls (SMW Rovers) - relief ruck, key back. Angus Bade (GWV Rebels) - key back/mid at 194cm, will play mostly Rebels. Inji Fyfe (Bendigo Pioneers/Old Scotch VAFA) - wing/flanker, pacy two-way runner.
PLAYER OUTS:
Mitch Martin (work-WA), Pat Glandford (Springbank)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
Bailey Van de Heuvel (Footscray), Angus Bade (Footscray)
BALLARAT PASS MARK
(Joe): Finals
IMPROVERS (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT):
(Joe): Darley
FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF BALLARAT):
(Joe): Melton
