Shake-up for Ballarat Red Devils

BY GAVIN MCGRATH
12 May, 2010 11:34 PM

RED Devils regulars are a chance to find themselves in the reserves on Saturday as the winless Football Federation Victoria state league two club searches for its first victory of the season.

Ballarat coach Dale Harris said up to three senior players will be dropped to the twos to find form and confidence, while there will two to three changes on the bench as well, as the Haymes Red Devils try to turn their season around.

The Reds sit in 10th position on the ladder with two draws and three losses from five matches, with a home match against fourth-placed Whittlesea at Trekardo Park this weekend.

"Reputation counts for absolutely nothing to me," Harris said.

"When key players are down, that is a factor. There are players who might have to go back to the reserves to find form, while maybe we need to put pressure on our key players too.

"I wouldn't like to name guys individually because we want them to gain confidence, but they will know who I am talking about.

"There are one or two other players who might be too valuable to go down, for what they add to the team."

Harris said five matches without a win had affected confidence and that the team's first victory would relieve pressure.

The Red Devils have been competitive on the park but have been unable to convert shots on goal, while the influx of new recruits had also made it difficult to find the right level of cohesion on the field.

"I do feel with a bit of luck we can turn things around very quickly," Harris said.

"If we get our first win, your luck changes, confidence comes back, and these problems get pushed aside.

"For us it is still something of a pre-season because the boys from the UK are still working their way into the team.

"They are key players for us at the moment and have made a positive difference in the team, but they still have to get used to the style I want them to play and the other players need to get used to what they can do."

Harris said Kyran Taylor and Will Georgio were in line for promotion to the senior team after impressing in the reserves.

Ballarat is third on the reserves table with four wins from five matches. http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/sport/general/shakeup-for-ballarat-red-devils/1828623.aspx