Big V 2015: Ringwood's SCM core stay put in quest for back-to-back
The Ringwood State Championship Men's team were on top of the world last August when the Hawks successfully secured the Big V Championship in a thrilling come-from-behind 2-1 series win over Corio Bay.
Now, in April of 2015, the Ringwood core are back in business as they secured their first win of the new season, an 85-60 victory over the Melbourne Tigers.
The Big V competition, similar to the NBL prove that maintaining a strong playing group can benefit in the long run. Just like the Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers of the national league, State Champ Men's teams such as Waverley and Ringwood have continued to build their roster just by adding the extra piece to the puzzle.
Ringwood, in particular, have kept their core group from last season's championship run and now have the mental prowess to go around again.
Photo Credit: Big V Media
Captain Willie Weimer spoke to Big V Live regarding the upcoming season, plus reflecting on the brilliance that the past once was.
"[There's a] few new faces, but still got the core probably six or seven guys from last year"
Weimer, who has become a cult following down at 'The Rings' after 15 years of playing in the competition, acknowledges that last season's heroics was the best weekend he's ever participated in.
His demeanour, which was solely on the upcoming season, meant that he had nothing but positive words for his new teammates filling the gaps.
Photo Credit: Big V Media
Matt Fennell and Tate Unruh are the two new faces to the Hawks roster, with Weimer commenting on Fennell's ability to perfecting fill any hole neccessary.
"[Fennell] plays from anywhere. He can play 2 man to 5 really. He's just handy, he hustles, runs and [Matt] Snowball having him there loves him."
Weimer commented on how the team takes last season's efforts as motivation, and how the emotion of their roller coaster last season really played a part.
"[The last weekend of last season] shows that the players we have and the club that we want, it's just how we are, we play for each other and that's what it's about.
Everyone pretty much wrote us off [last year]...it shows what this team can do."
The Hawks face a road-home double header this weekend, as they take a trip to Whittlesea before heading home to host the Hawthorn Magic.
For more information regarding the Big V, head to their website.