By Nick Creely
AFL OUTER EAST PREMIER DIVISION
SEASON PREVIEW – 2021
BEACONSFIELD
Nickname: Eagles
Ground: Holm Park Recreation Reserve
President: Troy Robinson
Coach: Mick Fogarty
Last premiership: 2014
2019 Finish: Third
Leading goalkicker: Matthew Johnson (51)
Key ins: Nick Battle (Narre Warren/Doveton Eagles), Jake Stuart (Doveton), Brandon White (St Kilda AFL), Hayden Brough (Nar Nar Goon), Callum May (Kilmore), Jamie Plumridge, Ky Rowland, Devon Smith (South Belgrave), Joshua Smith (Old Trinity Grammarians)
Key outs: Scott Meyer (Wodonga Raiders), Kyle O’Sullivan, Brad Homfray, Ryan Bromley (Nar Nar Goon), Jack Hutchins (Cheltenham), Brodie McConnell (Devon Meadows), Jack Griffiths (Warragul Industrials), Taylor Joyce (Monbulk)
What the club says: “I’m hearing that sides up in the hills have recruited well, Cranbourne have got a few, Doveton are also up and about, so it’s all exciting and you can just feel this year will be a terrific, even competition. For us as a group, it’s all about learnings of the game plan we’ve put in place, the structures and everyone understands their roles in the team, so we need to make sure we’re adhering to those. I know it’s cliche, but it’s really, really important that we focus on that.” – Beaconsfield coach Mick Fogarty
We say: There’s no doubting that the Mick Fogarty-coached Beaconsfield is one of the most intriguing football sides in the 2021 Premier Division season. A lot is spoken about in regards to the club’s junior football program and its exciting crop of youngsters coming through, and for the Eagles this season, expect them to play plenty of senior football. Some terrific players depart the club, most notably the great Scott Meyer, as well as gun midfielder Jack Griffiths and the trio of Kyle O’Sullivan, Brad Homfray and Ryan Bromley, but the Eagles have recruited sharply, welcoming in ex-junior Brandon White back from the AFL, star midfielder Nick Battle who originally signed with Narre Warren but is an absolute class act with ball in hand, while Casey Demons listed ruckman and ex-Gippsland Power product Josh Smith is a huge addition. The Eagles have also welcomed back Hayden Brough, Ky Rowland, Jamie Plumridge and Devon Smith, after they initially signed elsewhere in 2020, so depth won’t be an issue. Add that to the likes of the Johnston boys, Jake Bowd, Lachie Modica, Matthew Johnson and Sean Dwyer and it makes for a pretty formidable list and one expected to contend and improve on 2019. With the club’s great rival in Berwick departing to the Eastern league, there’s a big opportunity for the Eagles to add its first piece of silverware since 2014 with its rejuvenated list. Expect the Eagles under its new coach – a man revered in local footy circles – to be a slick, exciting football team on the wide expanses of Holm Park.
The burning question: Can Beaconsfield’s exciting crop of youngsters take the next step?
First game: vs Narre Warren, Saturday 24 April
Prediction: Premiers
CRANBOURNE
Nickname: Eagles
Ground: Livingston Estate, Cranbourne
President: Shane Baker
Coach: Steve O’Brien
Last premiership: 2016
2019 Finish: 5th
Leading goalkicker: Corey Ellison (24)
Key ins: Mitch Lindsay (Pearcedale), Jake Carosella, Michael Richardson, Chris Ramac, Nick Russo, Adrian Russo (Oakleigh District), Ryan Davey, Marc Holt (Karingal), Troy Tharle (Cora Lynn), Max Gearon (Pearcedale), Curtis Barker (Seaford), Brandon Wapshott, Rylan Smith (Cora Lynn), Ryan Goold (Glen Waverley Hawks), Anthony Fischer (Kooweerup)
Key outs: Anthony Vella, Lewis Vella, Anthony Burr (Berwick), Kyle Nunn (Kooweerup)
What the club says: “We’ve learnt a heck of a lot from 2019, it was a massive adjustment playing against teams you haven’t played before.For the sides up the hills and for us, it was playing on grounds totally foreign to us, and that was a huge adjustment particular for us, we really struggled early days playing on those smaller grounds. To have that experience and knowing what you’re up against is a big learning.” – Cranbourne coach Steve O’Brien
We say: It’s almost a blast from the past for Cranbourne in 2021, with a host of former premiership heroes and champions returning to the club in what looms as a massive year for Steve O’Brien’s hungry group, who will sense a big opportunity to climb up the table further and really challenge for a premiership. Make no mistake, the Eagles are significantly strengthened by the return of some super players, none other than legendary sharpshooter Marc Holt, a man with a cult following and one always with significant interest, ex-skipper Max Gearon, Ryan Davey and Troy Tharle, but there is a brigade of youngsters who also took great strides in 2019, so competition for spots will be fierce. The Eagles, as they so often are, will be an exciting, quick football side, and the addition of Holt back to the goal square makes this side an even trickier prospect. With such a stable group under skipper Brandon Osborne, and the likes of Shaun Marusic, Stuart Morrish, Jordan Bertrand, Luke Bee-Hugo, Glenn Osborne, Kirk Dickson and Dillan Bass still going strong, lessons have been learnt in 2019, particularly in playing on the smaller grounds, so expect the Eagles to adapt quicker and look to improve its record up the hill, but also make its new home base a fortress.
The burning question: Can the return of Marc Holt lift Cranbourne to premiership glory?
First game: vs Woori Yallock, Saturday 24 April
Prediction: 3rd
DOVETON
Nickname: Doves
Ground: AJ Robinson Reserve, Doveton
President: John Stapleton
Coach: Daniel Charles
Last premiership: 2019
2019 Finish: Division 1 premiers
Leading goalkicker: Mitch Pierce (30)
Key ins: Jake Mullen (Somerville), Bailey Mills (Noble Park), Dylan Bayley (Rowville), Michael Henry, Nathan Carver, Shannon Henwood (Hampton Park), Kai Suparta (Lysterfield), Austin Deneys (Forest Hill), Mark Seedsman (Rowville)
Key outs: Mitch Cotter (Norwood), Lachlan Batten (Devon Meadows), Matthew Boyd (retired), Michael Sikora (Pascoe Vale), Jake Nicholson (retired), Sean Kelleher (retired), Deakyn Smith (Melbourne AFL), William Smith (Caulfield Grammarians)
What the club says: “It’s going to be a building process, we’ll get better as the year goes on. We’re learning how each other plays, and how I want them to play, so I think we’ll be thereabouts, but it’ll be hard to know without knowing about the opposition, but we’re looking forward to challenging ourselves against the best teams in the league.” – Doveton coach Daniel Charles
We say: There’s no taking away from the fact that the 2019 Division 1 premiership glory was one of the proudest moments in Doveton’s football history. It was a day written in Doves folklore for the incredible resurgence of the club, which culminated in a memorable grand final win against Pakenham. But after sitting idle for 2020, the Doves – now up in the Premier Division – will want to ensure that it can once again find the momentum and make a statement in the Outer East’s top flight. There’s no secret that some quality has departed, namely Mitch Cotter, grand final best on ground Lachie Batten, ex-Western Bulldog Matthew Boyd and ruckman Michael Sikora. What impact it will have – if any – is unknown at this stage, but what is known is that this Doves unit under Daniel Charles are remarkably resilient and will back the next man in to make an impact. From a recruitment perspective, club greats Shannon Henwood and Michael ‘Pickles’ Henry have returned, in a major boost for the club, while 2020 recruits Austin Deneys and Mark Seedsman will add plenty of class and experience to the group. The club is also excited by what Kai Suparta and Jake Mullen can do at the club, while are bullish on what ruckman Andrew Parker can achieve this season with the departure of Michael Sikora. The Doves are certainly a side capable of playing Premier Division finals if all the cogs fall into place nicely.
The burning question: Is there enough depth for the Doves to push for a flag?
First game: vs Wandin, Saturday 24 April
Prediction: 5th
NARRE WARREN
Nickname: Magpies
Ground: Kalora Park, Narre Warren
President: Stuart Stephenson
Coach: Shane Dwyer
Last premiership: 2019
2019 Finish: Premiers
Leading goalkicker: Daniel Jackson (51)
Key ins: Jack Toner (Central District), Mat Suckling (Caroline Springs), Kurt Mutimer (West Coast AFL), Mitch Cowan, Hayden Stagg (Ellinbank)
Key outs: Nick Battle (Beaconsfield), Ryan Quirk, Dylan Quirk, Michael Collins (Bunyip), Mitch Dempster (Rosebud), Col McNamara (retired), Bailey Delves (Berwick Springs), Liam Myatt (Hampton Park)
What the club says: “I think the season will be pretty even – Beacy and Cranny are always quality, and I definitely think the sides up in the mountains will be a lot better after a year of seeing what we have. My reports are that most of those clubs have recruited really well, and Doveton and Pakenham are always good as well. I think it’ll be a lot more even than the last time we played.” – Narre Warren coach Shane Dwyer
We say: Much like Doveton, 2019 was a memorable season for Narre Warren, and one that will never be forgotten. After losing two consecutive grand finals to Berwick in 2017 and 2018, the Magpies turned the tables with an incredible grand final victory against the Wickers at a rain-soaked Toomuc Reserve on AFL Grand Final Eve. Despite the Magpies being unable to continue on its momentum in 2020, there’s no doubt that under new coach Shane Dwyer, the club is well primed to go back-to-back this year. It can’t be ignored that some of the club’s favourite sons and legends have departed, with arguably its greatest ever player Michael Collins and premiership skipper Dylan Quirk departing for Bunyip. Dylan’s brother Ryan, a quality small defender is also Bunyip bound, while club great Col McNamara has hung up the boots and hard-nosed midfielder Liam Myatt is playing for Hampton Park. What impact it has will come with time. But you just have to look at the additions to know that this club won’t be going down anytime soon. Young premiership star Jack Toner is back after a stint in the SANFL and will be available when not playing at VFL level, former state league star Mat Suckling adds tremendous experience to the group, while ex-West Coast Eagle and former junior Kurt Mutimer could be the biggest addition for any club this season, with the midfielder primed for a massive 2021 campaign. There is plenty of depth, a proven winning culture within its playing group led superbly by the likes of Jake Richardson, Josh Tonna, Nathan Foote, Trent Cody and Cameron Miller, and a swarm of youngsters coming through. The Magpies are very well placed, but have plenty of challengers to overcome in a season anticipated to be even.
The burning question: How much impact will the loss of some club legends have?
First game: vs Olinda Ferny Creek, Saturday 17 April (won by 82 points)
Prediction: 2nd
OLINDA FERNY CREEK
Nickname: Bloods
Ground: Olinda Ferny Creek Football Ground
President: Mick Hill
Coach: Brendan Donovan
Last premiership: 2017
2019 Finish: Seventh
Leading goalkicker: Lachlan Taylor (25)
Key ins: Matt Scharenberg (Collingwood AFL), Mat Rosier, Pat Crosier (South Croydon), Trent Falzon, Alex Mackinnon (North Ringwood), Dale Rohrmann, Jayden Rankin, Brendan Cooling (returning)
Key outs: James Charge (Mooroolbark), Ethan Greenall (Monbulk)
What the club says: “Every game is going to be huge. You only need to lose a bit of cohesion, or have a bad run with injury and you can fall away, or the opposite to that, if you have a good month of footy you can really set yourself up.” – Bloods coach Brendan Donovan
We say: The Bloods were one of those sides that despite finishing seventh in the inaugural season in 2019, it was largely competitive and gave some strong sides headaches. Competitive performances against Berwick, Woori Yallock, Beaconsfield and Narre Warren in the last half of the season were an indicator of the type of football coach Brendan Donovan wants his group to play. But this season provides a bigger challenge as all sides fancy their chances of featuring in finals football, and for the Bloods, they are just the type of side that will really give it a nudge. There’s no bigger recruit for the club – even the league – than ex-Magpie Matthew Scharenberg, with Donovan praising the defender’s influence already on the group, and there’s no doubt he will add plenty of class both on and off-field with his classy ball use and strong marking off the half-back line. The Bloods will welcome back some players from injury such as Sean Atkinson, Mitch Low-Morris and Dylan Arnold, while have also picked up some handy recruits and seen the return of some premiership players which will give the club a major boost and add to the depth. The Bloods have lost star big man James Charge and he will be sorely missed, but will be overall pleased with its retention rate as it looks for strong results across all of its football teams. Despite the opening round loss to the reigning premiers on Saturday, there’s no indication that the Bloods can’t make significant improvements this season.
The burning question: Can the Bloods turn competitiveness into more wins?
First game: vs Narre Warren, Saturday 17 April (lost by 82 points)
Prediction: 6th
PAKENHAM
Nickname: Lions
Ground: Toomuc Reserve, Pakenham
President: Travis Hamilton
Coach: Ash Green
Last premiership: 2013
2019 Finish: Division 1 runners-up
Leading goalkicker: Darcy Hope (18)
Key ins: Ngong Arou (Surrey Park), Cameron de Bruin, Matthew de Bruin (Kooweerup)
Key outs: Darcy Hope (Hampton Park), Tyler Pierce (Officer), Tyler Guan (Lang Lang), Jack Kowarzik (Retired), Matthew Ryan (Cora Lynn)
What the club says: “We’ll definitely be inexperienced, but in the second division (in 2019) we were able to hold our own, and I’m quietly confident that with the list we’ve got that we’ll be very competitive in the Premier Division as well. We expect a red-hot Upwey Tecoma in our first game in Round 2 – we’re under no illusions we’re going to be in a tough competition week in, week out.” – Pakenham coach Ash Green
We say: In what looms as a hotly contested Premier Division season, the Lions are expected to field a relatively inexperienced side in 2021 as they look to remain competitive and potentially surprise a few sides after its Division 1 grand final appearance in 2019. After clinching the minor premiership in 2019 after just two losses in the regular season, Ash Green’s group was just a kick away from snaring its first flag since 2013, but have been promoted up to the top-flight. There has been some firepower departing Toomuc Reserve, and some experience alongside of that, but rather than rely too heavily on recruiting, Green will back in its crop of youngsters that lost by three points in the 2019 Under 18 grand final. What will be fascinating is how the Lions cover the loss of talented tall Darcy Hope up forward, but Green is confident that just like its grand final season in 2019, there will be a spread of goalkickers, both key position and small that will work cohesively to generate a winning score. The Lions have high hopes for recruit Ngong Arou, who won the Eastern league’s Under 19 best and fairest, and have welcomed back Cam and Matt de Bruin, who will give the side a significant boost, but expect there to be plenty of fresh faces injected into the side to complement leaders such as Chris Cardona, Jake Thompson, Jake Barclay and James Harrison.
The burning question: Have the Lions got enough firepower up forward?
First game: vs Upwey Tecoma, Saturday 1 May
Prediction: 9th
UPWEY TECOMA
Nickname: Tigers
Ground: Upwey Tecoma Football Ground
President: Craig Waters
Coach: Stuart Hill
Last premiership: 2011
2019 Finish: 8th
Leading goalkicker: Daniel Waters (26)
Key ins: Stuart Hill (Norwood), Luke Fox (Braybrook), Emmanuel Jakwot (Korumburra-Bena), Josh Hannon (Boronia)
Key outs: Daniel Bell, Liam Beacom, Lachie Marolla (work)
What the club says: “There’s just so many unknowns, and with that it means you just worry about yourself and what system you’re trying to create. You don’t have the knowledge of other teams, and even if you see the names on paper, it feels like a lifetime ago for a lot of footy and non-footy reasons, so there’s a lot of unknown which you can worry about, but we’ll worry about developing a brand that’s consistent that’s on our small deck and on the bigger ones.” – Upwey Tecoma coach Stuart Hill
We say: The Tigers – under its new gun playing coach Stuart Hill – are building solidly ahead of its Round 1 clash against Olinda Ferny Creek, and have perhaps flown under the radar but have enjoyed a fruitful off-season. Hill has crossed over from Eastern league powerhouse Norwood, where he enjoyed a decorated career, and will not only bring expertise on-field, but immense standards to the group. He’s easily one of the most impressive signings for any club in the competition. The Tigers have also added Luke Fox and Emmanuel Jakwot, but are particularly excited by what ex-junior Josh Hannon will do in the forward half, adding to an impressive forward line that includes Daniel Waters. Hill’s group has lost a few players but with the additions and expected improvements from its younger players, should have confidence that a strong season is in the works. One of the big focuses for Hill’s side this off-season has been adaptability to all conditions, with fitness a huge focus particularly on the larger south-east grounds. The Tigers want to ensure they are building their own brand internally and not worrying about things outside of their control.
The burning question: Can Stuart Hill lift the Tigers into finals calculations?
First game: vs Olinda Ferny Creek, Saturday 24 April
Prediction: 7th
WANDIN
Nickname: Bulldogs
Ground: Wandin Football Ground
President: Mick Fowkes
Coach: Nick Adam
Last premiership: 2018
2019 Finish: Sixth
Leading goalkicker: Justin Van Unen (62)
Key ins: Sam Hodgett (Lilydale), Jesse Butcher (Warragul), Harrison Pearce (Aspley), Leigh Pompino (Mitcham), Ryan Jackson (Sunshine)
Key outs: Daniel Gorringe, Michael Fowkes (Powelltown), Clinton Johnston (East Brighton)
What the club says: “As a football department, we put a focus on our ability to function on the bigger grounds, both in our recruiting strategies and investment into our strength and conditioning program which included a full-time coach and the gym at our new facility. Wandin has an expectation to win football games and that mindset does not change in 2021. We can’t wait to get started.” – Wandin coach Nick Adam
We say: Finishing just a game and a half outside of finals in 2019, it was a largely successful season for the Doggies, who played some largely electrifying football – particularly at home – to be a constant threat. Wins against Berwick, Beaconsfield and Cranbourne at home were definite highlights, but like a lot of sides in what was a season of adjustment, the Dogs will be looking to improve its output on larger grounds, particularly down in the south-east in 2021. Nick Adam’s group has recruited sharply, with the pacy Harrison Pearce headlining a strong swag of new arrivals, while ex-Carlton player Ryan Jackson has signed on the eve of the season and will add plenty of class to the mix as a bigger bodied midfielder. Jesse Butcher, Sam Hodgett and Leigh Pompino are other recruits also expected to make a big impact on the larger grounds. The Dogs have managed to hold onto a large portion of its 2019 list, with the likes of Pat Hodgett, star midfielder Pat Bruzzese, defender Jarrod Rowe, Tom Hinds, John Ladner all putting pen to paper. What will be fascinating is how the Dogs look in attack with a couple of losses up forward. But that could create an element of unpredictability to Adam’s side, which in itself could be hard to plan for if you’re an opposition coach. There’s no doubting that the Dogs will once again provide a fierce challenge at its home ground, but the improvement will undoubtedly come by improving its record on the road.
The burning question: Is there enough bite up forward for the Dogs?
First game: vs Doveton, Saturday 24 April
Prediction: 8th
WOORI YALLOCK
Nickname: Tigers
Ground: Woori Yallock Football Ground
President: Robert Thompson
Coach: Jack Cole
Last premiership: 2014
2019 Finish: Fourth
Leading goalkicker: Jake Matthews (29)
Key ins: Zach Monkhorst, Ben Monkhorst (South Croydon), Ryley Monkhorst (Balwyn), Josh Hawkins, Jason Lindgren, Matt Robinson (Montrose), Marcello Pisano (Vermont), Matt McDowell, Pete Wall (Kilsyth), Adam Miles (North Ringwood), Kodi Busoli (returning), Rob Swan (Templestowe), Josh Neal (Seville), Brad Clark (Yarra Junction), Mitch Arnold, Christian Cameron (Warburton Millgrove)
Key outs: Jacob O’Sullivan (Chirnside Park), Campbell Smedley (Bonnie Doon), Hayden Smith (travelling), Jordan Williams (South Croydon), Michael Riseley (Upper Ferntree Gully/Berwick)
What the club says: “We’ve realised where we are as a club – we weren’t that far away all year (2019), we were third basically all year and now Berwick’s gone. We didn’t kick well in the finals, but we actually played quite well and just kicked poorly. I really enjoy the new league, every week’s a challenge, and now we’ve had a good look at it, we’re keen to get on with the job.” – Woori Yallock coach Jack Cole
We say: Make no mistake, Woori Yallock is a genuine premiership smoky if all the cards fall into place. The Tigers enter the 2021 season with plenty of confidence, and just a tinge of expectation. With a bundle of new recruits, including the return of Ryley Monkhorst, Zach and Ben who have returned after initially signing with South Croydon in 2019 (Zach won the Premier Division league best and fairest in 2019) there is simply no ceiling on what Jack Cole’s group can achieve this season. With some added depth and quality types such as Matt Robinson, Adam Miles, and Marcello Pisano joining the club, and the re-commitment of stars such as Jake Matthews, Joel Adams, Robbie Allen, Michael Batten, Kane Thompson and many more, the competition for spots will be fierce as it looks to really challenge for the flag. It can’t be ignored that the Tigers have lost some serious players such as Hayden Smith, Jordy Williams and Michael Riseley, but have recruited sharply and understood that it needed to further build its depth. Like all sides in the inaugural season in 2019, there were teething issues with adjusting to different grounds and conditions, but the Tigers – aside from a few lowly performances – were consistent, hard to play against and with an edge to their game that made them a constant threat. Expect nothing to change in that regard, but with three Monkhorsts back, added depth and already a season in the competition, the Tigers are one side to firmly keep an eye on as the season progresses.
The burning question: How deep can the Tigers go in 2021?
First game: vs Cranbourne, Saturday 24 April
Prediction: 4th
Predicted Ladder
1 Beaconsfield
2 Narre Warren
3 Cranbourne
4 Woori Yallock
5 Doveton
6 Olinda Ferny Creek
7 Upwey Tecoma
8 Wandin
9 Pakenham
