Walsgott hopeful of early success

03 Apr Walsgott hopeful of early success

Belmont Lions’ playing coach Andy Walsgott has declared his playing group has shown promising signs ahead of this Saturday’s season opener against Inverleigh.

Walsgott, who shares the coaching duties with Brent Vermeulen, admits he is super excited to take on the reigning premier after falling short by only 15-points in Round 8, 2023.

“That was the first time it felt like a big game against Torquay or Drysdale (coming from the Bellarine FNL) or St Joseph’s for Brent (coming from the Geelong FNL),” he reflected.

The Lions made an early statement against grand finalist Thomson when capturing a 27-point half time lead in Round 3, only to fall short in the finish.

The following month they celebrated a two-point win over Bell Post Hill.

Both coaches believe there is now a buzz around the club despite finishing ninth last season.

“We finished off a little earlier than a few of us are used to so we have been starting to plan things from a few months out,” he concluded.

“Brent and I always said it would always be a two-to-three-year process before we start seeing the results that we were after.”

The Lions’ coaching group will wait until Thursday night’s training session to see if spearhead Sam Jones is available for selection following his seven-goal haul against the Hawks last year.