The Storm have struggled for continuity this season having used 39 players, yet the reigning premier sits two games clear at the top of the BFNL ladder and is riding an 11-game winning streak.

“One of the things we’re most proud of at our club is we’re only 10 years old, but we’re seeing the benefits of our junior program and our kids coming through,” Coates said on Thursday.

“Young guys like Lachie Gill, Lachie Wallace, Shannon Murphy, Lachie Ratcliffe, Jake Moorhead, Harry Crone, Josh Formosa, Fergus and Keelan Payne… they have all come through our junior program.

“And we’ve had the likes of Riley Wilson and Will Wallace out of the under-18s get a senior opportunity this year and Hunter Lawrence as a 17-year-old has played four games.

“It’s a real credit to the junior program the club has had in place and I’m really fortunate I get to take them on in the seniors and they are all really keen to learn and improve their footy.

“They are a great group of kids to coach and it’s really exciting for the club.”

With a wealth of envious young talent at the club, the Storm haven’t missed a beat this season, despite their injury challenges – the latest of which are captain Kallen Geary (hamstring), Bryce Carroll (hamstring) and ruckman Harry Crone (cheek fracture).

“Croney has had a plate put in his cheekbone and is probably going to miss a month of footy,” Coates said.

“It’s really disappointing to lose Croney. He’s really important to our structure and has been in really good form this year.”

Full-back Keelan Payne has also been added to the injury list after hurting his ankle playing basketball Monday night, while star forward Lachlan Sharp is still several weeks away with his hamstring injury.

Despite only playing six games so far, Sharp’s tally of 54 goals still has him at the top of the BFNL goalkicking, 10 clear of South Bendigo’s Kaiden Antonowicz (44).

The Storm continue their season at the QEO on Saturday when they take on fifth-placed Sandhurst.

• Number of players used this season:

Maryborough – 29

Kyneton – 31

Eaglehawk – 32

Castlemaine – 34

Gisborne – 34

Kangaroo Flat – 37

South Bendigo – 38

Strathfieldsaye – 39

Golden Square – 40

Sandhurst – 41