SAM Conforti has urged his Bendigo Pioneers team-mate to keep building momentum, as they look to extend their unbeaten run in the NAB League.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A convincing 60-point win over Gippsland Power at the QEO last Sunday has catapulted the Pioneers into unfamiliar territory atop the league ladder following two-straight victories.
It's the first time the Pioneers have led the ladder for two or more consecutive rounds in 20 years.
Conforti, a member of the Pioneers leadership group, said their 2-0 record was a source of pride for the Pioneers and they were determined to improve on it in Sunday's clash at the QEO against Geelong Falcons.
"We haven't been on the top of the ladder for two consecutive rounds since 2001, so it's a massive achievement for us," he said.
"We're stoked to be there, but realise the hard work is only beginning."
Conforti said there was little doubt the Pioneers were reaping the benefits of a brilliant pre-season.
"Obviously missing a lot of last year, a lot of boys looked at that as a really good opportunity to work hard and get to a fitness level they could bring straight into training and match-play," he said.
"All the boys came back in really good nick and translated that into a solid pre-season.
"(The early success) has come on the back of that."
The Pioneers pre-season was marked by a change in coach, following the late 2020 resignation of Damian Truslove and appointment of Danny O'Bree.
Conforti believed it was a testament to the players' character and the systems implemented by Truslove before his departure that they had handled the change so adeptly.
"We've stuck to the same systems and the same values that Damian tried to pursue," he said.
"Having someone like Danny take over, who has been around us for a while, made that transition pretty easy"
Pleasing for the Pioneers has been the spread of contributions in their first two games, starting with a strong win over Murray Bushrangers in their season opener.
"We've had a few good performances from Hugh Hamilton, one of our younger boys, as well as our leaders," Conforti said.
"Jack Evans has started off really well, same with Ricky Monti. And a few of the younger boys like Harvey Gallagher have been really big for us."
Standouts against the Power included the defensive duo of Joseph Guiney and Cobi Maxted, while key forward Ryan O'Keefe continually set up chances for team-mates, with 10 Pioneers players in total kicking goals.
Conforti expects the Falcons, who have long been a powerhouse of the competition, to be fired up after starting the season with consecutive losses, but was confident the Pioneers could continue their good form.
"They are always a good match up and they will be pretty strong as usual," he said.
"But if we keep playing to our program and our style, I feel we can beat anyone."
READ MORE:
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
