Yann Fillion likes to talk.
By his own admission, the Wanderers goalkeeper enjoys a good chat — and as the East Coast saying goes — can spin a yarn with the best of them.
Communication is also one of his strengths as a player and something head coach Patrice Gheisar identified as a need on Halifax’s backline given their youthful rebuild.
“It’s always been part of my game because I have the best view on the pitch. I can see what’s going on,” said Fillion during an interview with the Wanderers Notebook. “If you’re looking for someone to be the rock on the backline and kind of be able to organize things and (get guys to) do their jobs, that’s me. If that’s what you’re looking for, I can do that.”
At 27-years old, Fillion is a senior statesmen for the Wanderers following his move from IFK Mariehamn in Finland this offseason. His role as a leader and communicator on the squad is arguably just as important as keeping the ball out of his net.
And if he can help organize his defenders and manage the little moments of a match, he’s a happy man.
“I’m happy if I only have to make two saves in a game,” said Fillion, explaining it’s a sign he and his teammates have done a good job anticipating and stopping attacks.
Communication is a big part of defending but so is trust.
“There’s a time in pre-season where, first, you need to gain your guys’ trust. There’s a couple weeks where I’m finding my feet but at the same time, I need these guys to trust me. If I tell them to go right and they’re not going right, we’re screwed,” he said.
And although there were a few lessons along the way, Fillion said he and his teammates are dialed in as the season builds to a climatic finish. Only four points separate Halifax from first place.
The Wanderers are currently in fine form, having conceded the fewest goals in the league at 22 (Vancouver FC has conceded 40 for context) while racking up six clean sheets.
With four of their remaining seven matches at the Wanderers Grounds, Fillion said the club is well positioned going down the stretch.
“It’s a massive advantage, to be honest,” he said. “Credit to us, we’ve put ourselves in a position where everything is to play for. We can literally win the championship. I don’t know how many people thought that would have been the case this time of the year.”
Fillion has been an integral part of Halifax’s success this year, having played every second of the club’s 21 matches. The growth of young players on defence has also helped to push the Wanderers up the table.
When asked specifically about the play of Daniel Nimick, who is a rising star in his first CPL season, and Cale Loughrey, who has been quietly outstanding, Fillion had nothing but praise for the 22-year old duo.
“They are solid, man. Two completely different profiles, two incredibly talented guys and two incredibly hard workers and that’s what I like about them most. These guys are willing to die on the pitch. These guys will be the ones who will put their face in front of the ball if they have to,” he said.
With their next match slated at home Monday versus York United, the Wanderers are looking for an important three points as they chase Cavalry.
And you can expect Fillion to be there, playing his part as the season unfolds into the playoffs and perhaps, the club’s first championship.
“It’s going to be one hell of an ending to the season. Hopefully we can do great things,” he said.
Cover Photo Credit: Trevor MacMillan / Canadian Premier League
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