PLAYER-coach Dave Simpson does not need to hurl a pitch, swing a bat or field a ground ball to be the Williamstown Wolves' X-factor in the Baseball Victoria state league division 2 finals.
Wolves president and first team utility Glen Hardy insists there will be no more important individual at Greenwich Reserve should the Wolves land a position in the finals, which they can do with a win against StKilda on Sunday.
While it might not have been evident after the Wolves' 10-1 loss to the all-conquering Werribee Giants away at President's Park on Sunday, it is
Simpson who has ingrained the winning culture that could take his side all the way again in Victorian baseball's second tier.
"He brings a hell of a lot of knowledge and experience," Hardy said.
"There is a real culture of self-belief and getting the job done.
"Having him as a coach is a huge bonus.
"He demands improvement and brings that desire to win."
The Wolves are determined to cement their position in the finals this weekend.
It's a super Sunday for the club with a triple-header of matches culminating with the fourth-versus-fifth division 1 battle between the Wolves and St Kilda.
It will also double as a family day with many life members and club sponsors in attendance.
The fourth-placed Wolves are two games clear of St Kilda. However, the Saints - Australia's oldest baseball club, established in 1879 - have a game in hand to close the gap, so it is crucial for the Wolves to bounce back from their nine-run loss to the Giants.
The inclusion of Justin Charles, a one-time Melbourne Monarchs player in the old Australian Baseball League, has been critical this season.
"Having Justin back in Williamstown colours has been fantastic," Hardy said of the one-time top-line footballer.
"You can't buy his experience."
Just as exciting for the Wolves is the continued improvement of young pitcher-shortstop Euan Edwards, outfielders Daniel and Luke Chircop, and starting pitcher Jason Lester.
Despite the likelihood of the Wolves occupying a lowly position in the top-four, they will not be going into the March madness to merely make up the numbers.
"We'll be going all-out," Hardy said.
"We don't sit back and say we're happy with what we've done.
"Dave pushes us to not sit back
and be happy with our past achievements."