By Nick Creely
AFL OUTER EAST
DIVISION 1 SEASON PREVIEW – 2021
It’s back!
The AFL Outer East will finally bounce the first ball this Saturday in almost 18 months, with the Division 1 season to kick off.
And there’s plenty of eager anticipation ahead of what is sure to be a hotly contested and fierce season, one where each game counts and the drive to succeed is greater than ever.
Can Monbulk and Officer go one step further than 2019, and lift the silverware, or can a club like Mt Evelyn, Belgrave, Gembrook Cockatoo or Emerald really shake things up?
And then there’s Seville, Healesville, and senior newcomers Berwick Springs, who look like dangerous sides that are hard to place.
All clubs have recruited well, are feeling renewed, excited and eager to get stuck into it.
Time will tell, but one thing is for certain – it’s damn good to have the footy back!
We take a look at how each team is shaping up…
BELGRAVE
Nickname: Magpies
Ground: Belgrave Football Ground
President: Jamie Schill
Coach: Nathan Johns
Last Premiership: 2017
2019 Finish: Seventh
Leading Goalkicker: Josh Richmond (37)
Key ins: Robbie Matthews (Emerald), Reece Piper (Berwick), James Cross (Hampton Park), Ricky Bevan (Whitehorse Pioneers), Guy Chuol (Korumburra-Bena), Harrison Paul (Nar Nar Goon), Jarrod O’Neill (Doveton Eagles), Blair Smith (Garfield), Tahj Kensley (returning), Nathan Dawson (St Kilda City)
Key outs: Luke Caton-Thomas (Ashwood), Alex Wheeler (Forest Hill), Steven Stredwick (Hampton Park)
What the club says: “It’s good for everyone to be back, it’s good for local communities to have sport, and for them to follow what they have. What I’ve tried to get across to the players and the group is to not take footy for granted as it got taken away, and embrace it. We’ve had a good prep, we’re really excited to get stuck in for what we’re about to endure. There’s no ceiling on what we can achieve as a club, we’ve given ourselves the best opportunity. – Belgrave coach Nathan Johns
What we say: There’s no doubt that similar to Nathan Johns’ sentiments, there is really no ceiling on what Belgrave can achieve in 2021. The 2019 season – while only yielding two wins – showed some competitiveness, but across the board the side will be looking to collectively bounce back and push for a finals spot. The Maggies have been prominent in recruiting, realising that it needs more depth and pressure for spots, something expected to give the coaches a few sleepless nights. The club has welcomed in some terrific footballers – Robbie Matthews is a gun, Reece Piper will provide a heap of drive and class – and that’s just a few examples, each of the club’s new recruits will add plenty across the lines, adding plenty of selection dilemmas, with Johns indicating that there is probably 30 players needing to squeeze into 22. Add that to only a couple of departures, and the re-signing of its core group, and the Magpies could be a difficult prospect for opposition sides.
First game: vs Berwick Springs, Saturday 17 April
BERWICK SPRINGS
Nickname: Titans
Ground: Mick Morland Reserve, Clyde North
President: Ashley Allison
Coach: Rodney Benstead
Last Premiership: N/A
2019 Finish: Seventh in Premier U18s
Leading Goalkicker: Ryan Ladd (32)
Key ins: Daniel Ousley, Jack McGregor, Nick Williams (Rowville), Jack Day, Nathan Collins, Jordan Collins (Clayton), Bailey Delves (Narre Warren), Dean Waterstone (Kilsyth), Trent Isbister (Lyndale)
Key outs: N/A
What the club says: “We aren’t placing too many expectations on wins and losses, we just have to be competitive – we’ve got a list to be competitive, and that’s the starting point. The pre-season has given us learnings and connection, and all that sort of stuff, and it’ll be good for us moving forward.” – Berwick Springs coach Rodney Benstead
What we say: Regardless of how 2021 pans out for the inaugural season of senior football for Berwick Springs, it will just be about competitiveness and building a strong and sustainable culture moving forward. The Titans have a strong senior coach in Rodney Benstead, a man with VFL and VFA experience and understands that it’s just the beginning of the journey for his list. While 2020 took away the club’s first chance to play football, there is a strong core list of players that will be well complimented by the youngsters coming through who had a successful Under 18 season in 2019. The Titans have also recruited strongly, bringing in midfielder Daniel Ousley from Rowville, Jack Day, Nathan Collins and Jordan Collins from Clayton, while Bailey Delves, Dean Waterstone, and Trent Isbister are solid recruits expected to add plenty to the team. It will take time, there is no doubt about that, but don’t expect the Titans to be easy beats, in fact under Benstead’s leadership they will be anything but. Fitness has been a major focus for the group this season, building their bodies to play strong senior football not just from the opening round, but until the final game of the season.
First game: vs Belgrave, Saturday 17 April
EMERALD
Nickname: Bombers
Ground: Chandler Reserve
President: Mark Pedder
Coach: Jamie Marshall
Last Premiership: 2015
2019 Finish: Sixth
Leading Goalkicker: Jake Pedder (40)
Key ins: Nick Lang, Matt Livermore (Tooradin), Ethan Grose (Upper Ferntree Gully), Patrick Chin (Nilma Darnum), Mehdi Daoud (Heatherton), Corey Moore (Langwarrin), Damien Murray (Glen Waverley)
Key outs: Dale Senior (Healesville), Braden Wood (Gembrook Cockatoo)
What the club says: “After the 2020 season being cancelled we are just all excited to get back to football and netball. The club recruited well for the 2020 season and we have maintained our list heading into this year which is really exciting. The boys are just so keen to play and see where they’re at and our target is to definitely play finals. We have to expect some disruption during the season and be ready for that but let’s hope it’s minor and we can all get back to enjoying some local footy.” – Emerald president Mark Pedder
What we say: There’s no doubting that the Bombers were probably better than their 2019 record of sixth position, five wins and 11 losses showed. For the most part, Jamie Marshall’s group were ultra-competitive and rarely blown away, and banked some impressive wins, but the challenge is on to keep improving and seriously challenge for the finals. One of the big positives is the Bombers’ retention rate, they’ve kept all but a couple of their 2019 list together which is a strong sign, while also adding plenty of depth through recruiting. Corey Moore from Langwarrin is a good pick up and will help add a touch of class, Ethan Grose comes to the club with plenty of skill, Patrick Chin adds goal sense down forward, while former premiership captain Matt Livermore and ex-junior Nick Lang are back and add immense quality and experience to the midfield mix. With the teams above them in 2019 improving and the addition of Seville who are expected to be a contender, the Bombers can definitely surge up the table, but it will need to be on the ball from the outset this season, starting with a clash against 2019 finalists Mt Evelyn on Saturday 17 April. It’s a big season for the Bombers, and there’s no reason why it can’t be a successful one.
First game: vs Mt Evelyn, Saturday 17 April
GEMBROOK COCKATOO
Nickname: Brookers
Ground: Gembrook Football Ground
President: Ross Hubbard
Coach: Brad Coller
Last Premiership: 2016
2019 Finish: Fourth in Division 2
Leading Goalkicker: Myles Wareham (26)
Key ins: Brayden Weller (Cora Lynn), Tyler Joosten (Nar Nar Goon), Michael Harold (Berwick), Braden Wood (Emerald)
Key outs: Hamish McIntosh, Tarkyn Lockyer, Dan Leversha, Mitchell Brown (work commitments)
What the club says: “If you look at the three divisions (in 2019), Division One was the most even, and you turned up everywhere week genuinely not knowing if you’d win or lose, so I think it will be more of the same. I would say this year will be very even, you’ve got Monbulk and probably Officer as the benchmark, and we’d like to think that we’re going to be really, really competitive.” – Gembrook Cockatoo coach Brad Coller
What we say: This season presents an exciting opportunity for the Brookers in what looms as a fascinating Division One competition. After a strong Division 2 campaign in 2019, there is reason to think that Brad Coller’s exciting group can push hard for a finals appearance this season, with plenty of experience, a stable list and a strong contingent of youngsters making for a tough senior side to break into. From a recruitment standpoint, the Brookers have brought in former Berwick champion skipper Michael Harold to play, and boy, what a recruit he’ll be. A former premiership captain, league best and fairest winner and interleague representative, Harold is ready and raring to go and looms as one of the competition’s best players. The Brookers have also added some depth with a couple of handy recruits, Brayden Weller from Cora Lynn and Tyler Joosten from Nar Nar Goon, with the Brookers believing the pair will also be vital inclusions. The loss of ex-AFL pair Hamish McIntosh and Tarkyn Lockyer, as well as Dan Leversha and Mitch Brown does hurt, but Coller is adamant that with a strong crop of kids ready to take the next step, and leadership brimming within the list that it can more than adequately cover these players.
First game: vs Seville, Saturday 17 April
HEALESVILLE
Nickname: Bloods
Ground: Healesville Football Ground
President: Daniel Plozza
Coach: Simon Gordon
Last Premiership: 2016
2019 Finish: Last in Premier Division
Leading Goalkicker: Rodney Woodford (26)
Key ins: Dale Senior (Emerald), Will Kristelly (Yarra Glen), Ashraf Davies (Mansfield)
Key outs: Liam Daly, Jason Savage (Norwood)
What the club says: “We’ve been focused on getting everyone on the track, getting some players back that were juniors and back playing and creating a good culture around the club. That’s been our main focus. It (2020) was really tough, we were a week away from practice matches last year before it was all called off. But we’ve had a couple of runs now, and the boys have responded really well. We’re excited” – Healesville coach Simon Gordon
We say: It was a tough 2019 season for the Bloods in the AFL Outer East’s Premier Division, but after the year off last year and coming down to the Division 1 competition, expect the club to bounce back and start building itself up again. With Division 1 looming as one that will be extremely competitive and tightly fought, it’s too early to know exactly where Simon Gordon’s group will sit, but after a Round 1 bye meaning the club will start its season against Belgrave on 24 April, the Bloods will be wanting to put their best foot forward and snare an early win to get the confidence up. There have been a few movements from a recruitment point of view with the club aiming to bring juniors back to the club, with Dale Senior, Will Kristelly and Ashraf Davies handy inclusions for the side, while the club has managed to hold the majority of its list together in promising signs.
First game: vs Belgrave, Saturday 24 April
MONBULK
Nickname: Hawks
Ground: Monbulk Football Ground
President: Grant Dennison
Coach: Andrew Williams
Last Premiership: 2006
2019 Finish: Third
Leading Goalkicker: Shane Williams (35)
Key ins: Ethan Greenall (Olinda Ferny Creek), Taylor Joyce (Beaconsfield), Jayden Joyce (Berwick)
Key outs: Shane Williams, Shannon Koole, Hayden Gordic
What the club says: “We’re excited, obviously the year off could have gone either way but the group has come back keen, and haven’t put a foot wrong. We’ve got a pretty full squad, so we’re pretty happy with how we’re progressing. With a year off footy, there might be a few that feel the pinch, but the way we’re going is it’s going to be a long season, so we want to get mentally and physically through it. Our approach has been that it’s a long season, so we’ll make sure we’re on the upwards come the middle of the season and beyond.” – Monbulk coach Andrew Williams
We say: The Hawks were only four goals away from the Division 1 grand final in 2019 in what was largely a successful, and exciting season for Andrew Williams’ group. The Hawks started hot in 2019, but will be looking to stay consistent, fit and hungry as they once again push for a premiership. Williams will be looking to find improvements in the list already there, and expect the Hawks to blood some young players who have successful junior careers with the club, so competition for spots will be fierce. Goal machine Taylor Joyce, Jayden Joyce and Ethan Greenall are huge inclusions, with the Joyce boys in particular expected to add another dynamic edge to the group, and despite the loss of Shane Williams, there is plenty of firepower down forward and a strong mixture of youth and experience across all lines. Williams nominated Lochie Beecroft as a player to keep an eye on, with the gun youngster “flying” on the track. There is no doubting that the Hawks will enter 2021 as one of the premiership favourites, and what better way to start the season than against Officer – another club expected to be contending for some silverware.
First game: vs Officer, Saturday 17 April
MT EVELYN
Nickname: Rovers
Ground: Mt Evelyn Football Ground
President: Ray Fellows
Coach: Mark Fisher
Last Premiership: N/A
2019 Finish: Fourth
Leading Goalkicker: Robert Hartfield (32)
Key ins: Harley Chambers (Chirnside Park)
Key outs: N/A
What the club says: “Everyone I’ve spoken to, the older blokes watching training, the volunteers, everyone is excited, we can’t wait. There’s trepidation about what it looks like, and who comes back. It might take two or three weeks, but in regards to the players, we’re ready to go. As a whole, we’re excited to get back out there. This is my third season, and when I took over we spoke about working with what’s there. Eighteen of the starting 22 will be home grown boys and that was one of the things we wanted to work at. This season is unknown, and honestly we won’t know anything until everyone’s played everyone.” – Mt Evelyn coach Mark Fisher
We say: The Rovers are another club to seriously keep an eye on this season after a successful 2019 season which saw Mark Fisher’s group reach an elimination final before being blown away by Officer at the Gembrook Sports Ground. But there’s no reason why the group – which is almost the exact same as it was two years ago – can’t get there again, and perhaps go even further. Excitement, and a bit of unknown is the theme of this season, and for the Rovers with their home grown talent and stable list will control what they can control and look to build as the year progresses. Fisher believes that in the opening exchanges of the season, it’ll be too hard to gauge who the contenders are, so its just about playing a strong, consistent brand of football and getting the season off to a strong start.
First game: vs Emerald, Saturday 17 April
OFFICER
Nickname: Kangaroos
Ground: Officer Recreation Reserve
President: Nick McLennan
Coach: Doug Koop
Last Premiership: 2002
2019 Finish: Fifth
Leading Goalkicker: Matthew Clarke (38)
Key ins: Callum Porter (Western Bulldogs AFL), Dylan Chapman (Thomastown), Anthony Bernardo, Jack Brettoner (South Belgrave), Andre Young (returning), Tyler Pierce (Pakenham), Matt Chmait (Noble Park)
Key outs: Ben Kerrigan (Hill End), Will Hanson (retired), Stephen Heppel
What the club says: “We’re expecting to improve on our effort in 2019. We’ve added a couple of talented players to the group and we’re hoping that they’re going to help us execute our game plan better” – Officer coach Doug Koop
We say: There’s no shying away from the fact that it’s a huge year for Doug Koop’s group, not only in building on 2019’s finals appearances, but going that one step further. As a major south-east club, there will undoubtedly be some pressure on the club to lift itself further up the table, and challenge strongly for this year’s premiership. But it’s going to be a strong competition, and one that is incredibly even, so the challenge is there for the taking. One of the club’s favourite sons, Cal Porter has returned home after his stint at AFL level with the Bulldogs but don’t expect to see him too often with his VFL commitments, but the addition of Dylan Chapman is massive – he’ll be one of the premier big men in the competition. The Kangaroos have added some depth to the list, and have managed to lock away most of its core group, with skipper Matthew Clarke a vital cog if the Roos are able to take the next step, while Tyler Clark is a class act. There’s no doubting the Kangaroos’ ability across the ground, they are well stocked in all areas and the arrival of Dylan Chapman could do wonders for veteran big man Sean Roach. But the Kangaroos will want to ensure that they don’t have a repeat of 2019 and not fall away with inconsistent performances late in the season.
First game: vs Monbulk, Saturday 17 April
SEVILLE
Nickname: Blues
Ground: Seville Football Ground
President: Mick Shore
Coach: Kane Shore
Last Premiership: 2019
2019 Finish: Division 2 premiers
Leading Goalkicker: Nathan O’Keefe (73)
Key ins: Jackson Lowe, Deng Nai (Thornton Eildon), Leigh Williams (Norwood), Robert Petracca (Silvan), Jye Sciortino, Bay Sciortino (Lilydale), Jai Malechiore (Bayswater), Chris Niclasen (Murrumbeena), Gordon Gosland (Mt Evelyn)
Key outs: Josh Neal (Woori Yallock)
What the club says: “As a club we are looking forward to coming up to Division 1 which we know will be a big challenge. We have retained most of our list and got handy inclusions into the club which we hope to be really competitive.” – Seville coach Kane Shore
We say: One of the most intriguing, and fascinating clubs to place is Seville ahead of the 2021 season. The Division 2 reigning premiers are undoubtedly looking to make a serious splash in Division 1, and by the looks of its recruitment, and the fact that it has retained most of its list, there really is no ceiling for Kane Shore’s group. There’s perhaps no bigger inclusion for any club this off-season than Leigh Williams – the Eastern football and Norwood champion. The goal machine, and ex-AFL listed forward is going to be an absolute menace in the forward half, partnering up with Nathan O’Keefe in what will make opposition defences shudder. Aside from Williams, the Blues have added Jackson Lowe and Deng Nai from Thornton Eildon, Rob Petracca from Silvan and plenty more as they look to further build depth and firepower across all lines. The club understands the task is going to be great in Division 1, with the competition set to be unbelievably competitive, so every game presents different challenges, something it will embrace. A Round 1 clash against Gembrook Cockatoo – a side that has also come up from Division 2 – is the perfect test for Shore’s group, and it will make for some fascinating viewing.
First game: vs Gembrook Cockatoo, Saturday 17 April
**For the AFL Outer East Premier Division season preview, pick up a copy of next week’s Pakenham Gazette.
