SWANPOOL Football Club president Geoff Riddock is confident the club is "moving in the right direction".
The Swans are winless at the bottom of the Ovens and King ladder, having copped an average losing margin of 25 goals.
Last week, the club was trounced by third-placed Benalla All Blacks by 264 points.
In Round 8, the Swans failed to score as Milawa piled on 45.23 (293). On the same day, the club's reserves side was forced to forfeit.
Swanpool's closest match this season was a 44-point loss to Bright in Round 5.
Last year, the Swans' first season in Ovens and King, the club won two games and finishing second-last.
"We've got the numbers, we just haven't had a lot of luck this season," Riddock said.
"We've suffered a lot of injuries in our senior playing group, and most of them have been long-term, four-to-six week injuries, which hasn't helped."
Riddock said Swanpool was financially sound and bolstered by strong behind-the-scenes support.
"Unfortunately, a club's success is based on what happens on-field," he said.
"But we're one of the better-performing clubs off-field - we're more professional."
He said senior coach Darby Morrison, who has experience in the Benalla region and in Melbourne, was "definitely committed to the club for a number of years".
"You can see the respect Darby has gained from the footballers this year, even though we're getting thumped every week," Riddock said.
He said he hoped moving to "a slightly better league" would help attract new players.
"We're in the top part of the league for facilities.
"We've just got to try and consolidate on-field and get some players who are committed to come next year."
Despite its football woes, Riddock said Swanpool was "comfortable" in its new league.
"We've just got to keep improving," he said.
BY - Roslyn Lanigan, August 19, 2011.
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2011/08/19/369051_country-footy.html
Fearless leader: Swanpool coach Darby Morrison.
