There are only trees north to recruit - same as Hurstbridge & Panton Hill
All the suburban clubs have 360 degree population to tap into - granted - more clubs to compete with locally
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AFLW 2024 - Round 10 - Chat, game threads, injury lists, team lineups and more.
NFNL Div 2 discussion 2024
- Thread starter Denny Crane
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There are only trees north to recruit - same as Hurstbridge & Panton Hill
All the suburban clubs have 360 degree population to tap into - granted - more clubs to compete with locally
Rugbyrobby
Debutant
What's the situation now with HBridge juniors?
Are they now all three pointers and the Yarrambat kids one pointers?
Who knows the correct situation?
- Aug 24, 2008
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South Morang coach Gary Hall expects a selection squeeze to drive the club further up the NFNL Division 2 ladder in 2024.
The Lions stunned the competition last year, reaching a semi-final in their first season coming up from a Division 3 premiership.
Looking to build on that foundation, the club has only got stronger in the off-season adding several key players.
Reigning Division 2 Coaches’ MVP Tyrone Leonardis (Thomastown), Kobe and Teague van Zwienen (Watsonia), 2022 Division 2 Team of the Year forward Kyle Wheatley (Bundoora) and James Mellerick (Hurstbridge) are all on board.
Hall isn’t shying away from expectations.
“(Selection headaches) are a good thing but it definitely makes the reserves a very strong side,” Hall said.
“They’re all in or approaching their prime, so there’s no excuses
“We’re competitive as a club, so of course we want to win and that’s what we’ll strive to do, we want to improve on last year’s efforts.
“The best thing is there’s no one going on European holidays this year, so barring major injuries we should be up there when the whips are cracking.
“It was a bit of a throw at the stumps last year but this year we definitely want to improve on that.
“With the recruitment it’s just an exciting place at the moment and they’re all raring to go, they’re all there for success.”
After stellar campaigns, Lachlan Potter finished third in the Division 2 league best-and-fairest, while Tye Hall finished fourth in the Coaches’ MVP.
Gary Moorcroft finished second in the league goalkicking, while Josh D’Intinosante produced a spectacular finish to the season, kicking six and seven goals in South’s two finals.
Potter, D’Intinosante and Moorcroft were all selected in the Team of the Year.
Hall said the addition of Leonardis and the van Zwienen brothers had been seamless.
“Tyrone and Kobe and Teague have just slotted in like they’ve always been there,” he said.
“They knew a few of the boys before, so that made the transition easy, and from what we’ve seen on the track, they’re setting the example.”
After a strong pre-season Hall highlighted an injury-free James Trianou as one to watch this season.
“It was probably his first relatively injury-free season of senior football last year,” Hall said.
“He’s excelled on the track, he’s quick and fit, he’s had a few issues with his hamstrings over the years but it looks like he’s got that under control so I think he’s in for a big year.”
The Lions will finalise preparations for the new season with a pair of practice matches.
They will tackle Division 1 outfit Macleod as well as Eastern Division 3 club Surrey Park.
South Morang will kick of its season against Lower Plenty at Montmorency Park on April 6 before a home opener against Watsonia in Round 2.
South Morang coach Gary Hall discusses expectations after big off-season
31 for 31: An eye-catching recruiting campaign and a strong pre-season has South Morang primed to build on last season’s semi-final appearance in NFNL Division 2.South Morang coach Gary Hall expects a selection squeeze to drive the club further up the NFNL Division 2 ladder in 2024.
The Lions stunned the competition last year, reaching a semi-final in their first season coming up from a Division 3 premiership.
Looking to build on that foundation, the club has only got stronger in the off-season adding several key players.
Reigning Division 2 Coaches’ MVP Tyrone Leonardis (Thomastown), Kobe and Teague van Zwienen (Watsonia), 2022 Division 2 Team of the Year forward Kyle Wheatley (Bundoora) and James Mellerick (Hurstbridge) are all on board.
Hall isn’t shying away from expectations.
“(Selection headaches) are a good thing but it definitely makes the reserves a very strong side,” Hall said.
“They’re all in or approaching their prime, so there’s no excuses
“We’re competitive as a club, so of course we want to win and that’s what we’ll strive to do, we want to improve on last year’s efforts.
“The best thing is there’s no one going on European holidays this year, so barring major injuries we should be up there when the whips are cracking.
“It was a bit of a throw at the stumps last year but this year we definitely want to improve on that.
“With the recruitment it’s just an exciting place at the moment and they’re all raring to go, they’re all there for success.”
After stellar campaigns, Lachlan Potter finished third in the Division 2 league best-and-fairest, while Tye Hall finished fourth in the Coaches’ MVP.
Gary Moorcroft finished second in the league goalkicking, while Josh D’Intinosante produced a spectacular finish to the season, kicking six and seven goals in South’s two finals.
Potter, D’Intinosante and Moorcroft were all selected in the Team of the Year.
Hall said the addition of Leonardis and the van Zwienen brothers had been seamless.
“Tyrone and Kobe and Teague have just slotted in like they’ve always been there,” he said.
“They knew a few of the boys before, so that made the transition easy, and from what we’ve seen on the track, they’re setting the example.”
After a strong pre-season Hall highlighted an injury-free James Trianou as one to watch this season.
“It was probably his first relatively injury-free season of senior football last year,” Hall said.
“He’s excelled on the track, he’s quick and fit, he’s had a few issues with his hamstrings over the years but it looks like he’s got that under control so I think he’s in for a big year.”
The Lions will finalise preparations for the new season with a pair of practice matches.
They will tackle Division 1 outfit Macleod as well as Eastern Division 3 club Surrey Park.
South Morang will kick of its season against Lower Plenty at Montmorency Park on April 6 before a home opener against Watsonia in Round 2.
They're not 25 minutes from Bundoora at 5pm Tuesday and Thursday when blokes are trying to get to training unless you own a Delorean.
Been the 11th best club in the comp for 15 years, maybe that's just where they sit. Nothing wrong with that, achieved significantly more than Eltham, Diamond creek and South Morang to name 3 who were all much better placed demographically at that time to establish themselves as Div 1 clubs.
As they have done in the past I am quite sure they will continue to look for ways to take the next step (2016/2017/2018 their longest stint)
Hurstbridge who have many similarities to Whittlesea have shown it can be done, full credit to them as they look to become a permanent fixture at the pointy end of Div 1.
Last edited:
- Aug 24, 2008
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St Mary’s is hungry, hungry for another taste of finals in 2024.
The Burras played NFNL Division 2 finals for the first time in club history last season, reaching the preliminary final.
The experience of winning a semi-final over South Morang and, while disappointing, losses to Eltham and Diamond Creek has given the club all the motivation it needs over summer.
St Mary’s will once again trust in the natural progression of its list having built arguably the most stable squad in the entire Northern league.
Coach Fabian Carelli said his players enjoyed the experience of finals football.
“The guys enjoyed the experience of playing finals, obviously the first time for St Mary’s in Div 2,” Carelli said.
“We were comprehensively beaten by Eltham, got the win over South Morang, and obviously Diamond Creek beat us in the preliminary final, deservedly so the two best teams played in the grand final.
“It’s given them motivation, without having to speak about it, they just really enjoyed the experience.
“Without having said it, the guys just want to get back there now, it’s where we want to be again.
“Not much has changed, we’re still rewarding and banking on guys’ natural improvement that have been mainstays for the last two or three years.
“You have a vision as a coach and mine was making sure we set ourselves right internally and promote from within, which creates a stable environment.”
Key to taking that next step will be the fitness of reigning Division 2 league best-and-fairest winning Tane Cotter.
The gun midfielder suffered a horror ankle injury in the preliminary final last season but is on track for an early-season return.
“He’s coming back slowly, broke two bones in his ankle and ripped every ligament,” Carelli said.
“It was a six-month injury but he’s started training in the last two weeks, so he’s touch and go for Round 1 but highly unlikely.
“The signs are positive that he’s started a bit earlier than expected, which is good for us because he’s obviously an integral part of what we want to achieve.”
The league medal victory was another first in St Mary’s history, the first at senior men’s level, and Cotter’s second after claiming a Division 1 Under-19 award in 2018.
Jeremiah Antypas finished third in the league goalkicking last season and together with Cotter and Rory Hanlon was named in the Team of the Year.
Antypas was one of St Mary’s key recruits last season and the club will top-up again in 2024 with Curtis Howden-Crhak (North Heidelberg) and Lincoln Zhang (West Preston-Lakeside).
“We’ve recruited a couple again to add to and top-up our list, like we did last year with Jack Bianchin and Jeremiah Antypas,” Carelli said.
“Lincoln’s been really good, and Curtis as well, Curtis is a ex-St Mary’s boy and he works with Lincoln.
“They’ve both had Div 1 experience and hopefully they can impart some of that knowledge that they’ve gain and help our group.”
While St Mary’s pre-season training has been impacted by Whatmough Park’s unavailability, Carelli has been pleased with the club’s progress.
He pointed out, promising midfielder Lachie Read as one to watch in 2024.
“Young Lachie Read has torn it down this pre-season, so I’m looking for big things from him,” Carelli said.
“He’s out Mr Fix-It, we’ve thrown him all around the park but with things settled we can give him more midfield time because that’s where we’re going to get the most out of him.
“He’s one I think can bounce out of the blocks and hopefully get a bit of confidence and have a really good year.”
St Mary’s has two practice matches ahead of Round 1, facing West Preston-Lakeside and Essendon District club St Albans.
The Burras face fellow 2023 finalist Watsonia in the opening round of the season at Binnak Park.
St Mary’s aiming to go further after NFNL Division 2 preliminary final experience
31 for 31: After playing NFNL Division 2 finals for the first time in club history, St Mary’s is eyeing a bigger slice in 2024.St Mary’s is hungry, hungry for another taste of finals in 2024.
The Burras played NFNL Division 2 finals for the first time in club history last season, reaching the preliminary final.
The experience of winning a semi-final over South Morang and, while disappointing, losses to Eltham and Diamond Creek has given the club all the motivation it needs over summer.
St Mary’s will once again trust in the natural progression of its list having built arguably the most stable squad in the entire Northern league.
Coach Fabian Carelli said his players enjoyed the experience of finals football.
“The guys enjoyed the experience of playing finals, obviously the first time for St Mary’s in Div 2,” Carelli said.
“We were comprehensively beaten by Eltham, got the win over South Morang, and obviously Diamond Creek beat us in the preliminary final, deservedly so the two best teams played in the grand final.
“It’s given them motivation, without having to speak about it, they just really enjoyed the experience.
“Without having said it, the guys just want to get back there now, it’s where we want to be again.
“Not much has changed, we’re still rewarding and banking on guys’ natural improvement that have been mainstays for the last two or three years.
“You have a vision as a coach and mine was making sure we set ourselves right internally and promote from within, which creates a stable environment.”
Key to taking that next step will be the fitness of reigning Division 2 league best-and-fairest winning Tane Cotter.
The gun midfielder suffered a horror ankle injury in the preliminary final last season but is on track for an early-season return.
“He’s coming back slowly, broke two bones in his ankle and ripped every ligament,” Carelli said.
“It was a six-month injury but he’s started training in the last two weeks, so he’s touch and go for Round 1 but highly unlikely.
“The signs are positive that he’s started a bit earlier than expected, which is good for us because he’s obviously an integral part of what we want to achieve.”
The league medal victory was another first in St Mary’s history, the first at senior men’s level, and Cotter’s second after claiming a Division 1 Under-19 award in 2018.
Jeremiah Antypas finished third in the league goalkicking last season and together with Cotter and Rory Hanlon was named in the Team of the Year.
Antypas was one of St Mary’s key recruits last season and the club will top-up again in 2024 with Curtis Howden-Crhak (North Heidelberg) and Lincoln Zhang (West Preston-Lakeside).
“We’ve recruited a couple again to add to and top-up our list, like we did last year with Jack Bianchin and Jeremiah Antypas,” Carelli said.
“Lincoln’s been really good, and Curtis as well, Curtis is a ex-St Mary’s boy and he works with Lincoln.
“They’ve both had Div 1 experience and hopefully they can impart some of that knowledge that they’ve gain and help our group.”
While St Mary’s pre-season training has been impacted by Whatmough Park’s unavailability, Carelli has been pleased with the club’s progress.
He pointed out, promising midfielder Lachie Read as one to watch in 2024.
“Young Lachie Read has torn it down this pre-season, so I’m looking for big things from him,” Carelli said.
“He’s out Mr Fix-It, we’ve thrown him all around the park but with things settled we can give him more midfield time because that’s where we’re going to get the most out of him.
“He’s one I think can bounce out of the blocks and hopefully get a bit of confidence and have a really good year.”
St Mary’s has two practice matches ahead of Round 1, facing West Preston-Lakeside and Essendon District club St Albans.
The Burras face fellow 2023 finalist Watsonia in the opening round of the season at Binnak Park.
- Aug 24, 2008
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And have not for the last two seasons.....moved to Binnak Park.
Same as last year. Using the Parade St Damian's home ground at Binnak Park. Great ground to watch the footy.
- Aug 24, 2008
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From HS
Panton Hill finished eighth last year, failing to live up to expectations.
However, dig a little deeper and you’ll find the Redbacks knocked off grand finalist Diamond Creek at Coventry Oval, preliminary finalist St Mary’s at Whatmough Park and semi-finalist South Morang at Mill Park Lakes.
A shock loss to Lower Plenty, draw with Thomastown and then defeats to Northcote Park and Watsonia in the run home cruelled their NFNL Division 2 finals hopes, finishing six points out.
After a busy 2023 off-season, Panton Hill has been quieter this year.
Coach Simon Amore said this pre-season had been spent fine-tuning the gameplan and finding the consistency that was missing last season.
“We brought in a lot of new faces last year and now they’ve been around the club longer, more invested and have a better understanding of what’s required in our system,” Amore said.
“That’s something you under-estimate when you have a big turnover and it’s all exciting and new, finding that continuity can take a little while.
“We were very inconsistent, our best was really good and our worst was pretty poor so closing that gap in the pre-season has been our goal.
“When you compare our form against the top-six, we knocked off Diamond Creek, St Mary’s and South Morang, who all won finals and beat Northcote (Park) as well.
“It’s just a matter of finding that consistency and if we can do that it will give us a good opportunity to push for finals.”
Riley Livingstone led the Redbacks’ attack with 37 goals, while Matt Duckworth was also prolific with 30.
Sam Parks finished fifth in the Division 2 league best-and fairest and was rewarded with a third straight Team of the Year selection.
Panton Hill has bolstered its squad with the addition of 2021 Division 1 Under-19 league medallist Christian Roberts (Montmorency), Ethan Gorski (Epping) and Jason Pannam and Guilan Fable (both Heidelberg).
However, the loss of 2021 Division 2 league best-and-fairest Tom Keys to Heidelberg in recent days is a massive blow so close to the season.
“We’ve lost a few and gained a few but we’re very comfortable where we sit and pretty excited to go to war with guys that are invested and want to buy in,” Amore said.
“Tom’s looking to move up to Division 1 … for him to move up and see if that re-ignites the fire for him is a good move.
“We’re not going to stand in the way of someone that wants to play at a higher level.”
Amore will look to the likes of Bailey Sobol, who stormed home with four mentions in the best in the final four games last season, Fable, Roberts and veterans such as Scott Conte to step up.
“Some of our veterans have been putting in the hard yards, Scott Conte is looking as fit as he ever has and Tim Duckworth is another one,” Amore said.
“Bailey Sobol has been leading the way, he had a wonderful second half of the year, and plays footy the way everyone aspires to.
“We’re really excited noticing the improvement within him this pre-season.
“Gulian Fable is another kid that’s crossed over from Heidelberg this off-season who we’re excited about and has been training well.
“Christian Roberts has come across from Montmorency after having a year off but played some really good football in their under-19 program.
“Todd Johnson is another one who’s been in-and-around our senior side who looks ready to take the next step and Connor Pilatti, the captain of our under-19s last year, we think he’ll play a lot of senior football.”
Panton Hill will face Riddell District club Romsey in the first of two practice matches on Saturday before a final hitout against Division 3 club Mernda.
The Redbacks face a daunting start to the season, travelling to grand finalist Diamond Creek in Round 1 before returning to Cracknell Reserve to tackle Northcote Park in Round 2.
Consistency to determine Panton Hill’s season, according to coach Simon Amore
Panton Hill had wins over Diamond Creek, St Mary’s and South Morang but finished eighth. Coach Simon Amore reveals the key to the Redbacks’ improvement.Panton Hill finished eighth last year, failing to live up to expectations.
However, dig a little deeper and you’ll find the Redbacks knocked off grand finalist Diamond Creek at Coventry Oval, preliminary finalist St Mary’s at Whatmough Park and semi-finalist South Morang at Mill Park Lakes.
A shock loss to Lower Plenty, draw with Thomastown and then defeats to Northcote Park and Watsonia in the run home cruelled their NFNL Division 2 finals hopes, finishing six points out.
After a busy 2023 off-season, Panton Hill has been quieter this year.
Coach Simon Amore said this pre-season had been spent fine-tuning the gameplan and finding the consistency that was missing last season.
“We brought in a lot of new faces last year and now they’ve been around the club longer, more invested and have a better understanding of what’s required in our system,” Amore said.
“That’s something you under-estimate when you have a big turnover and it’s all exciting and new, finding that continuity can take a little while.
“We were very inconsistent, our best was really good and our worst was pretty poor so closing that gap in the pre-season has been our goal.
“When you compare our form against the top-six, we knocked off Diamond Creek, St Mary’s and South Morang, who all won finals and beat Northcote (Park) as well.
“It’s just a matter of finding that consistency and if we can do that it will give us a good opportunity to push for finals.”
Riley Livingstone led the Redbacks’ attack with 37 goals, while Matt Duckworth was also prolific with 30.
Sam Parks finished fifth in the Division 2 league best-and fairest and was rewarded with a third straight Team of the Year selection.
Panton Hill has bolstered its squad with the addition of 2021 Division 1 Under-19 league medallist Christian Roberts (Montmorency), Ethan Gorski (Epping) and Jason Pannam and Guilan Fable (both Heidelberg).
However, the loss of 2021 Division 2 league best-and-fairest Tom Keys to Heidelberg in recent days is a massive blow so close to the season.
“We’ve lost a few and gained a few but we’re very comfortable where we sit and pretty excited to go to war with guys that are invested and want to buy in,” Amore said.
“Tom’s looking to move up to Division 1 … for him to move up and see if that re-ignites the fire for him is a good move.
“We’re not going to stand in the way of someone that wants to play at a higher level.”
Amore will look to the likes of Bailey Sobol, who stormed home with four mentions in the best in the final four games last season, Fable, Roberts and veterans such as Scott Conte to step up.
“Some of our veterans have been putting in the hard yards, Scott Conte is looking as fit as he ever has and Tim Duckworth is another one,” Amore said.
“Bailey Sobol has been leading the way, he had a wonderful second half of the year, and plays footy the way everyone aspires to.
“We’re really excited noticing the improvement within him this pre-season.
“Gulian Fable is another kid that’s crossed over from Heidelberg this off-season who we’re excited about and has been training well.
“Christian Roberts has come across from Montmorency after having a year off but played some really good football in their under-19 program.
“Todd Johnson is another one who’s been in-and-around our senior side who looks ready to take the next step and Connor Pilatti, the captain of our under-19s last year, we think he’ll play a lot of senior football.”
Panton Hill will face Riddell District club Romsey in the first of two practice matches on Saturday before a final hitout against Division 3 club Mernda.
The Redbacks face a daunting start to the season, travelling to grand finalist Diamond Creek in Round 1 before returning to Cracknell Reserve to tackle Northcote Park in Round 2.
- Oct 3, 2017
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Interesting to see how PH go. Highly rated heading into 2023 but didn’t live up to the hype. Keys and duckworth gone. Is Livingstone playing?
Division 2 practice matches this weekend
Diamond Creek vs Blackburn diamond Creek
Whittlesea vs Mitcham @Whittlesea
Sth Morang vs Macleod @Marymede
Northcote Park vs Spotswood Altona North
Watsonia vs Heathmont @Watsonia
Panton Hill vs Romsey @Panton Hill
Lower Plenty vs Diggers Rest Diggers Rest
Thomastown vs Hillside @Thomastown
Laurimar vs ???? @Laurimar
Sunday
St Marys vs West Preston Lalor
Diamond Creek vs Blackburn diamond Creek
Whittlesea vs Mitcham @Whittlesea
Sth Morang vs Macleod @Marymede
Northcote Park vs Spotswood Altona North
Watsonia vs Heathmont @Watsonia
Panton Hill vs Romsey @Panton Hill
Lower Plenty vs Diggers Rest Diggers Rest
Thomastown vs Hillside @Thomastown
Laurimar vs ???? @Laurimar
Sunday
St Marys vs West Preston Lalor
Son of a Butcher
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- Jan 21, 2023
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East Burwood are Laurimar's mystery opponent. I think the Panton Hill game is also at Marngrook in Diamond Creek. Must have wanted a ground of similar dimensions to their own
Thomastown on the top oval due to cricket finals?
lennyhayes777
Debutant
- Oct 4, 2016
- 64
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Went down to watch diamond creek yesterday, they come up again a strong Blackburn who are fresh off a finals campaign in premier division. Was a clean free flowing game, a lot of new faces at creek but a lot of their experience is now gone. Ended up getting done by roughly 2 goals which is a great result for them. Saw a half of Panton hill’s game across the road against Romsey, again alot of their senior boys were on the sideline not sure why. Game was a bit scrappy Romsey seemed to move it better from what I saw
- Aug 24, 2008
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From HS
Lower Plenty coach Travis Stephens says Bears’ young talent ready to step up
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Lower Plenty is confident its young talent and core stars can lift the club back up the NFNL Division 2 ladder.
A strong showing in the first practice match of the pre-season has boosted Lower Plenty coach Travis Stephens’ hopes for 2024.
The Bears faces Riddell District premier Diggers Rest in their first true hitout, testing the club’s promising batch of young talent.
It will be that young talent, combined with a clutch of experienced stars, the club hopes can lift it back up the NFNL Division 2 ladder.
Lower survived relegation by the skin of its teeth last season, finishing just four points ahead of Epping with two wins by an inferior percentage.
A year of natural progression and a graduating under-19s crop will rejuvenate the club’s list.
Stephens, taking the reins for the first time, says the playing group has adapted to the gameplan quickly.
“I did (like what I saw), it was obviously a very young group on the weekend that played in the senior team and played against good opposition in Diggers Rest so we got a fair bit out of it,” Stephens said.
“The young kids were keen just to get out there and took the game on but knew when to slow down.
“They followed instruction well and everything that we’ve worked on over the pre-season they tried to implement, which was good.
“There were a few little rusty areas here and there but it’s coming together well – your first practice match is always a bit scratchy.”
“The under-19s, we had eight or nine in the seniors to give them a run, we saw some good things from them.
“They’ll get better every week and play regular senior footy, the spots are there if they want so it’s up to them now.”
While the next generation establishes themselves at the level, Lower will look to its core players to show them the ropes.
The likes of captain Josh Turner, premiership ruckman Patrick Flynn, best-and-fairest winner Jordan Sacco, Joel Leslie and Ciaran Porter remain strong talents.
Stephens said his experienced players, as well as some emerging talents, were leading the way in pre-season.
“The older blokes have really come back fit and in good shape,” he said.
“A few of the young kids are pushing along with their fitness and done a lot of extra work.
“The regulars, big Patty Flynn, younger kids like Jed Wallace and Felix Bell and Joel Leslie and Jasper Collins – guys that have played senior footy before but the penny’s dropped.
“They’ve been positive since day one, that’s the main thing to stay positive and go from there.”
The Bears have added four players over summer.
Mitch Clamp returns after a season off, while Billy Reardon is back after a year with Worri Yallock in the Outer East.
Nick Uzelac moves up the hill from neighbouring Montmorency, while his Research Juniors premiership teammate Lewis Tsourou has jumped across from Preston Bullants.
Lower has two more practice matches in preparation for Round 1, taking on Division 3 finals contender Heidelberg West and Montmorency Park neighbours Montmorency in an under-23s hitout.
The Bears will then kick off the season hosting last season’s semi-finalist South Morang.
“Every side wants to play finals and win a premiership but we’ve got to – the old cliche – take it one week at a time,” Stephens said.
“Hopefully we stay injury-free this year too, which would be handy.”
Lower Plenty coach Travis Stephens says Bears’ young talent ready to step up
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Lower Plenty is confident its young talent and core stars can lift the club back up the NFNL Division 2 ladder.
A strong showing in the first practice match of the pre-season has boosted Lower Plenty coach Travis Stephens’ hopes for 2024.
The Bears faces Riddell District premier Diggers Rest in their first true hitout, testing the club’s promising batch of young talent.
It will be that young talent, combined with a clutch of experienced stars, the club hopes can lift it back up the NFNL Division 2 ladder.
Lower survived relegation by the skin of its teeth last season, finishing just four points ahead of Epping with two wins by an inferior percentage.
A year of natural progression and a graduating under-19s crop will rejuvenate the club’s list.
Stephens, taking the reins for the first time, says the playing group has adapted to the gameplan quickly.
“I did (like what I saw), it was obviously a very young group on the weekend that played in the senior team and played against good opposition in Diggers Rest so we got a fair bit out of it,” Stephens said.
“The young kids were keen just to get out there and took the game on but knew when to slow down.
“They followed instruction well and everything that we’ve worked on over the pre-season they tried to implement, which was good.
“There were a few little rusty areas here and there but it’s coming together well – your first practice match is always a bit scratchy.”
“The under-19s, we had eight or nine in the seniors to give them a run, we saw some good things from them.
“They’ll get better every week and play regular senior footy, the spots are there if they want so it’s up to them now.”
While the next generation establishes themselves at the level, Lower will look to its core players to show them the ropes.
The likes of captain Josh Turner, premiership ruckman Patrick Flynn, best-and-fairest winner Jordan Sacco, Joel Leslie and Ciaran Porter remain strong talents.
Stephens said his experienced players, as well as some emerging talents, were leading the way in pre-season.
“The older blokes have really come back fit and in good shape,” he said.
“A few of the young kids are pushing along with their fitness and done a lot of extra work.
“The regulars, big Patty Flynn, younger kids like Jed Wallace and Felix Bell and Joel Leslie and Jasper Collins – guys that have played senior footy before but the penny’s dropped.
“They’ve been positive since day one, that’s the main thing to stay positive and go from there.”
The Bears have added four players over summer.
Mitch Clamp returns after a season off, while Billy Reardon is back after a year with Worri Yallock in the Outer East.
Nick Uzelac moves up the hill from neighbouring Montmorency, while his Research Juniors premiership teammate Lewis Tsourou has jumped across from Preston Bullants.
Lower has two more practice matches in preparation for Round 1, taking on Division 3 finals contender Heidelberg West and Montmorency Park neighbours Montmorency in an under-23s hitout.
The Bears will then kick off the season hosting last season’s semi-finalist South Morang.
“Every side wants to play finals and win a premiership but we’ve got to – the old cliche – take it one week at a time,” Stephens said.
“Hopefully we stay injury-free this year too, which would be handy.”
Must have drafted this a while back... Uzelac definitely back at Mont.
FootyNuff123
Debutant
- Feb 27, 2024
- 130
- 98
- AFL Club
- Melbourne
Where do we see Whittlesea finishing this year?
DC the top by a gap.
Who will they be better than out of St Mary's, South Morang and Thomastown?
DC the top by a gap.
Who will they be better than out of St Mary's, South Morang and Thomastown?
- Oct 3, 2017
- 1,473
- 687
- AFL Club
- Geelong
Don’t think there will be much between whittlesea & diamond creek, south the threat to challenge top 2, slight gap then Thomastown and St Mary’s, another gap then Watsonia PH Laurimar with NP & Lower in a fight for bottom 2.
Do people expect Thomastown to bounce back? Lost their best player and sure recruited a couple but were terrible last year and have employed their reserves coach.
FootyNuff123
Debutant
- Feb 27, 2024
- 130
- 98
- AFL Club
- Melbourne
I think they will be 4th, behind DC, Whit, South.
Whether that's considered a bounce back
Last on the list
Rookie
- Oct 12, 2019
- 25
- 9
- AFL Club
- Gold Coast
DC by the sounds of thing have lost a fair bit of experience
DC lost a fair bit of experience by some reports.Are they going to be as strong as people are anticipating?
yearoftheeagle
Senior List
Agree with this
