Given his chance, Thomas Hamilton plays for keeps

Like he would a looping cross towards the back post, Wolves keeper Thomas Hamilton has taken his chance in the top grade with both hands.

The back-up custodian was thrown into the fray earlier this month when regular gloveman Daniel Collison went down with appendicitis.

And with a string of good performances, the 22-year-old has made the transition seamless.

"You have to be ready as the second keeper to step in at any time. It has been good to be able to do that and keep the ball rolling," Hamilton said.

"At the start of the season [Daniel and I] were very close and I had a knee injury that ruled me out for six weeks. Daniel came in and did a good job and I had to wait for my time and try and play well."

Like Collison before him, Hamilton has featured with some stunning saves for the South Coast.

The assured displays between the sticks aren't likely to miss the eye of coach Nahuel Arrarte, who continues to reward improving members of his high-flying squad.

"As soon as Naz came in he told everyone it doesn't matter who you are, where you come from or what your reputation is, he is just going to base it on how you play," Hamilton said.

"He will put the best squad out each week and if you are good enough you will keep in it.

"If not, we have a huge squad who is working hard and the boys will come in.

"It is up to you to get your spot and try to keep it."

It's a policy Hamilton's teammate James Baldacchino knows well.

The young defender, alongside Michael Robinson, has continued to keep skipper Jacob Timpano at bay after stepping in more than a month ago.

"The back line is really helping me out, they have been great," Hamilton said.

"All through the park the boys are really sticking to the instructions and I am not having to do a great deal. We are all doing our part."

Hamilton is likely to start in goal again this weekend when South Coast travel to Bonnyrigg.

The White Eagles sit third on the ladder and are likely to provide the Wolves with one of their sternest tests away from home.

"Bonnyrigg always start fast and they play a really fast tempo game so we can't afford to start slow against them or we will be down by two or three goals before we know it," Hamilton said.

"If we start strong again the further the game goes on we will rate our chances if we can get off to a good start."

ROUND 16

Saturday, 7.30pm

Bonnyrigg White Eagles v South Coast Wolves, Bonnyrigg Sports Club