Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Size at the setter position isn't necessarily quintessential for an elite volleyball team.
But there's no doubt any extra advantage at the net is a welcome edge worth exploring.
With 2019-20 starting setter Jonathan Mohler graduated from the program, MacEwan Griffins men's volleyball head coach Brad Poplawski went out and added two newcomers to bolster the crucial position moving forward.
They both have size – Australian Alexander Lyndon checks in at 6-foot-4, while Edmontonian Mason Natras out of Strathcona high school is 6-foot-5.
"That's been something we haven't ever really had since joining Canada West is some size from our setter," said Poplawski. "Not that that's the be-all, end-all, but it does help. We have sacrificed a little of the blocking.
"Both Mason and Alex have good size. They're long. They have blocking and the ability to cut off some balls around the net a little bit easier."
Lyndon joins the Griffins from SAIT where he played the 2018-19 campaign with the Trojans in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference before redshirting last season in preparation for a transfer to MacEwan.
"Basically, he just used last year as a training year to get strong," said Poplawski. "We brought him in on his recruiting visit and it was unbelievable. I had veterans on the team coming up to me, 'Pops, we've got to get this guy.' They love the way he sets, they love working with him. It was quite noticeable that he's got some talent.
"When we got into our game play, it was quite evident that he's got some experience and can do some really good things."
The U21 Australian junior national team product brings a promising toolkit with the potential to make a big impact at the Canada West level.
"His footwork, his hands and just his selection … he thinks the game really well," said Poplawski. "He's a student of the game. I think that comes from his experience. He has some experience from the Australian junior national program and their sub-23 team, training with them one summer. He does have a very global perspective on the game.
"I'm really excited to get in the gym with all our setters this year. It's changed the dynamic of our game with more size there. Hopefully that allows to speed up the offence and run middle more efficiently, and just cut things off at the net."
NAVC product Mason Natras brings size and talent to the Griffins' setter group (photo supplied).
Natras comes to the Griffins fresh off helping lead the Strathcona Lords to a silver medal at the 2019 4A high school provincials. Poplawski has a lot of familiarity with the NAVC product.
"I've known Mason for a very long time, I know his family," he said. "I've been watching him play since 15U and watched his high school team with Scona. He did a lot of really good things this year and we're excited to bring him in.
"It was unfortunate for all (of our recruits) that club season got cut short, but we've already been working on these guys before that. We knew them well, so I think having a little more size in that position helps us."
Both Lyndon and Natras will be competing with second-year setter Thomas Watchman for starts at the Griffins' setting position.
"Thomas has the experience of being in our system for a year – he started half the season due to Johnny's injury," said Poplawski of the 5-foot-9 Edmontonian who had 269 assists in 52 sets in 2019-20. "So, he has a ton of experience. My expectation – I told all three of them, 'I expect you to come in and battle.' I don't have preconceived notions.
"They're all going to be given a fair shake. We have certain metrics and stats that we look when determining who's going to be our starting setter, so we'll apply those to all three of them – see who's getting the most side out opportunities, who's playing the best defence, how they're earning points. We'll factor all that in and see what choices they're making and see who's going to be given the ball to run with."
