In a tough Pascoe Cup year for South Wagga, the club can take heart in the future with its under 15-16 team on the way to a memorable season.
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South Wagga Phoenix remains unbeaten in Football Wagga's final junior division, after a phenomenal 9-1 win against second-placed Lake Albert Black.
The Phoenix have had five wins and a draw in their six games and, remarkably, last Saturday conceded just their second goal of the year.
"They're a really good bunch of young men. As a team they've really gelled and they're just having fun at this time. You never know when the season could just stop (due to Covid-19) so that's been the main thing," co-coach Ben Thompson said.
"They're enjoying each other's company and they're enjoying learning and it's just sort of built. With each game they're getting better and building combinations and just enjoying playing a good style of football."
Thompson is co-coaching the Phoenix along with Sam Gray, who is also busy coaching Wagga City Wanderers' womens team.
The focus for the boys has been on developing their skills and learning a possession-based game, while getting the balance right between having fun but knowing how to switch on for training and games.
It's an attitude that is setting them up for senior football and a host of players have been blooded in the Pascoe Cup, including Andrew Flaskas, Caelan Gray, Clayton Gunning, Ernie Sanbrook, Nicolas Canteros Paz, and Tallen New.
Thompson said South Wagga president Stephen Burns has ensured a strong relationship between the Phoenix and the senior club.
"It's been a real good partnership for both parties," Thompson said.
"Obviously our boys are gaining the experience in playing senior footy but their energy is really helping South Wagga too on that front. I couldn't speak highly enough of the support they've provided us."
In their own age group, Phoenix have been held to a draw by Tumut and scraped home by a goal against Lake Albert Red and Henwood Park Falcons. But last Saturday's big win against Lake Albert Black was their third eight-goal margin of the season.
"We got off to a really good start and the first 20 minutes was probably the best we've played," Thompson said.
"They (Lake Albert) are a good team though and I don't think that was a true indication. We just were really good early and I think it demoralised them a little. But they've got some really good players.
"We know there is a lot of competition. But the most pleasing aspect is the way the boys are playing for each other, their enthusiasm and the drive to be better."
Gray, Gunning and Flaskas are driving the midfield while central defenders Tallen New and Toby Humble, and goalkeeper Isaac Collingridge, in his first season with the gloves, have been brilliant at keeping teams out.
"He's got a natural feel for the position and he's a bit of a joker. He and Tallen talk a lot on the field and it keeps the boys going, keeps the energy up."
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