Phoenix Draw Positives from Injuries

The South East Melbourne Phoenix’s bench players have had the opportunity to step up this season with several key names injury riddled. 

The Phoenix have suffered injuries left, right and centre this season with major starting five pieces Ryan Broekhoff, Gary Browne and Trey Kell all having stints on the sidelines, resulting in a windy road to potentially reaching the top six.

The twist in having the big names missing at times though is the spotlight has shifted to the hard-working role players and youngsters.

“It’s opportunities for the development of some younger guys, and other formations,” Mitchell said.

“If we don’t have those injuries earlier in the season we get hamstrung.”

This comes after young Owen Foxwell made a significant impact on Sunday in a 111-106 loss against the Sydney Kings.

“With Rowdy missing for this game, maybe we don’t get that performance out of Foxwell or Reuben Te Rangi so you’ve got to use those situations (injuries) as positively as you possibly can,” Mitchell said.

In his 17-and-a-half-minutes, Foxwell scored 13 points. The young guard has impressed Mitchell with his rapid improvement and development this season.

“We’re really finding a guy in Owen Foxwell, who’s found a role against the Sydney Kings. Without some of those players missing, maybe doesn’t shine like he has in the games that he’s played against them,” Mitchell said.

“I think it’s been huge for a kid, his development.

“As a head coach you’re dealing with the players as well so you’re sharing their frustration as well as your own but at the end of the day you can’t dwell on that the focus has got to be the next guy that comes in.

“Everyone goes through these periods, some more than others. But we’ve just got to stay positive.”

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South East Melbourne ended the season 15-13 and now have a nervous wait, needing other results to fall its way in Round 18 to qualify for the finals.

Top scorer Mitch Creek spoke on the unique situation the Phoenix face this week.

“It’s looking like we could potentially make it,” Creek said.

“You just never know in this league, it’s still so up in the air with a lot of teams.

“We have a lot to play for and it’s not just ourselves.

“Lots to enjoy this season, lots to learn but the job’s not done.”