NFNL Div 3 discussion 2024

[bertybeetle]

looking like 4th-10th is now anyone’s guess… Epping mernda turtles in any order top 3, the rest then lalor. Whoever has Lalor twice could be box seat

 

[Mappa]

Parade was 5 goals down at half time according to the Northern Footy Show. Not sure of final score. But in the pre game interview they said Gilmore had his bucks so him and his brother were not playing

Sounds about right. I think the final result was about 10 goals or so.
The NFS was right with their observation about SG and his brother, plus a host of other blokes too. I know all teams say “we were missing blokes”, but this week we had a whole heap of them. Of those that did play, a couple of our younger lads acquitted themselves really well.

Credit to Laurimar who were clean, classy and will trouble some Div2 sides if they move the ball like they did today. Unrelated to the game itself, hats off to the players and staff at Laurimar who left the away rooms in a terrific state. Well played

 

[Mappa]

looking like 4th-10th is now anyone’s guess… Epping mernda turtles in any order top 3, the rest then lalor. Whoever has Lalor twice could be box seat

I ducked across the road and had a peek at Lalor vs Glenroy after the OPs game. I left at 3/4 with the score approximately 13 goals to 1 in Glenroy’s favour.

 

[Thing]

Couldn't make it for the bloods game today unfortunately, but yeah word is be ready for more pain . Glenroy has just been relegated back to div 2 EDFL (epping equivalent basiclly) and walked all over them. Hopefully still some issues mixing the old and the new and they start moving forward soon

 

[Thunder1]

Had a look at OP today and they will be very competitive in Div 3, wouldn’t surprise me if they push for top 5.
Left at 3 quarter time and drove up Plenty Rd
Lalor are in for another long year by the look of it. Not sure what the quality of the Glenroy team was but Lalor didn’t score in the first half
Left at half time
Mernda vs Watsonia which should be worth a look

 

[Mappa]

Had a look at OP today and they will be very competitive in Div 3, wouldn’t surprise me if they push for top 5.
Left at 3 quarter time and drove up Plenty Rd
Lalor are in for another long year by the look of it. Not sure what the quality of the Glenroy team was but Lalor didn’t score in the first half
Left at half time
Mernda vs Watsonia which should be worth a look

Score line aside, Lalor were more than competitive in close. Their attack on the man and the ball was pretty good. They held their own in the third quarter.

When Glenroy spread the footy they opened the Bloods up a bit.

 

[Thunder1]

Score line aside, Lalor were more than competitive in close. Their attack on the man and the ball was pretty good. They held their own in the third quarter.

When Glenroy spread the footy they opened the Bloods up a bit.

They didn’t score in the first half and there was a 5 goal breeze to one end
There attack on the ball was ok, but that looks good when you are chasing tail.
From what I saw in a half, can’t see them winning a game

 

[Aucklander]

I thought Epping were very impressive against Craigieburn

 

[Talkinshite]

Any results from today? I think I saw that Kilmore, Epping, Fitzroy, Old Pardians and Laurimar were all playing.

Watched Kilmore v Roxy game not sure who was missing from both teams but Roxy by 40 points

 

[10571z]

Couldn't make it for the bloods game today unfortunately, but yeah word is be ready for more pain . Glenroy has just been relegated back to div 2 EDFL (epping equivalent basiclly) and walked all over them. Hopefully still some issues mixing the old and the new and they start moving forward soon

Have glenroy recruited?

I mean with Reservoirs recruitment it’s looking pretty grim for Lalor to even be competitive this year.

 

[talkingfootball6969]

Have glenroy recruited?

I mean with Reservoirs recruitment it’s looking pretty grim for Lalor to even be competitive this year.

Glenroy have won 1 maybe 2 ganes in the past two years. Double relegated.

They got some guys from wataonia and they have got a player or two from like west heidleberg and that and had a few players return tk the ckub. But overall not much recruiting and have lost a few of their stronger players who wanted to stay in div 1 ( 2nd tier comp)

 

[roosterslife]

How did Fitzroy stars go

 

[NorthernBastard]

Reservoir are showing that you're never that far away if you stick at it and get the right people on board. I absolutely did not see their recruitment spree coming.

You wouldn't be able to get odds for Lalor winning the spoon now.

 

[talkingfootball6969]

How to lalors reserves go against glenroy? Only managed to watch the secind half on the seniors

 

[10571z]

Glenroy have won 1 maybe 2 ganes in the past two years. Double relegated.

They got some guys from wataonia and they have got a player or two from like west heidleberg and that and had a few players return tk the ckub. But overall not much recruiting and have lost a few of their stronger players who wanted to stay in div 1 ( 2nd tier comp)

Gee, that’s one way to burst your bubble.

Going to be a seriously long year if that’s the case

 

[Thunder1]

How to lalors reserves go against glenroy? Only managed to watch the secind half on the seniors

talkingfootball6969 they kicked one goal for the game, overheard some Glenroy people talking. Maybe someone from Lalor can confirm that
No idea how many Glenroy kicked or what the score was though

 

[Start Again]

Watched Kilmore v Roxy game not sure who was missing from both teams but Roxy by 40 points

Stand out players for both teams?
And any other stand out players from other praccies?

 

[talkingfootball6969]

Gee, that’s one way to burst your bubble.

Going to be a seriously long year if that’s the case

Glenroy and are weak side. They wont be as bad in the edfl bottom div this year, but shouldnt make finals

 

[10571z]

Glenroy and are weak side. They wont be as bad in the edfl bottom div this year, but shouldnt make finals

Not great signs then. Unfortunately they haven’t been able to recruit well and the standard of the comp seems to keep rising.

I’m assuming they were hoping Lance was going to do what Mustangs coach was able to do and attract really good talent.

I feel like this was last roll of the dice for the club, if this doesn’t work out where to from here?

 

[Denny Crane]

From HS

Mernda ready to become the hunted as it eyes redemption for grand final heartbreak​

31 for 31: Mernda is ready to become the hunted in 2024, strengthening its side with some strong talent, as it aims to erase last year’s heartbreak.

The “fire in the belly” has Mernda primed for a redemption premiership tilt.
After suffering grand final heartbreak last year, the Demons are determined to go one better.

The NFNL Division 3 club has retained its entire grand final side and added more experienced talent in Brent Marshall, Travis Keating, Aydin Kesici and Jake Bennett.

Meanwhile, young gun Josh Mazzarella has returned after one season at Thomastown.

After also reaching the preliminary final at reserve and under-19 level, more than 100 players have reportedly been training over summer.

Mernda coach Rob Fletcher said his players would have to find another level in 2024 if they were to make up for last season’s loss.

“The boys have worked hard and have a fire in belly after last year’s disappointment,” Fletcher said.

“I’ve mentioned (the grand final) a couple of times but I don’t have to say anything, they know how much it hurt.

“They came a long way last year, we didn’t win the premiership but the boys came a long way and know what they need to do each week now to perform and play finals again.

“With a bit of depth, it’s a big thing for us with these new blokes coming in, everyone is fighting for their spot plus the fire in the belly we think we’ve got unfinished business.

“We’ve spoken about (being favourites), 100 per cent, we hunted everyone last year – no one rated us, which was fair enough.

“This year we know we’ll be on everyone’s radar, watching how we go and analysing our games to see how we set up, so we’ve got to be better for that reason.”

Mernda possesses arguably the best young talent in NFNL Division 3.

Dayne Kellett and Kai Turner were recognised with Team of the Year selection last season, while the likes of Riley Vincent, Jayden Bell, Matt Bawden, Nathan Baccega and Jesse Guelfo had strong seasons.

After a season-ending knee injury, Gus Mills will return, while Ryan Bongetti will hope to play for than five games this season.

The addition of Team of the Year ruckman Billy Morrison and Shannon Bennett last season was critical and its hoped Marshall, Keating, Kesici and Bennett can have a similar impact.

“I think the experience of Shannon Bennett and Billy Morrison last year and now this year with Nipper, Kesici, Keating and Bennett adds a fair bit on and off field for us,” Fletcher said.

“Nipper is moving really well for a 50-year-old as is Jake Bennett.

“Some of our kids, Riley Vincent is the best full-back in the competition and he’s just getting bigger and stronger.

“Dayne Kellett had his best year of senior football and is ready to take it up another notch, he’s a future captain of our footy club I think.

“We’ve been blooding the kids for the last three years but they’re not kids, they’re young men now, they’ve got 30-35 games under their belt and know what senior footy is about.”

Despite suffering a severe knee injury in the grand final, the Demons hope Morrison can make it back for a finals tilt.

“Billy has started running, so we still think he’s a massive chance to come back and play finals,” Fletcher said.

“That’s another 20 weeks away but we’ll analyse that during the season.

“He’ll be our runner this year to keep fit ... as long as he sends my message not his own.”

Lachie Taylor, Will Crouch, Nick Eades or even Mazzarella are in line to fill Morrison’s boots in the ruck and attack.

Mernda ramps up preparations with its first practice match on Sunday against Division 2 finalist Watsonia, before hitouts against Essendon District club Oak Park and another Division 2 outfit, Panton Hill.

The Demons will kick off the season with a trip to preliminary finalist Old Eltham Collegians on April 6.

 

[talkingfootball6969]

Not great signs then. Unfortunately they haven’t been able to recruit well and the standard of the comp seems to keep rising.

I’m assuming they were hoping Lance was going to do what Mustangs coach was able to do and attract really good talent.

I feel like this was last roll of the dice for the club, if this doesn’t work out where to from here?

Im not sure of the quality lalor has bought in, but appears reservoir have a few people who are going to be strong players for a div 3 comp

 

[10571z]

Watsonia beat Mernda by 8 according the the Northern Footy Show

Heard the main news of the day is what looks to be a serious injury to Nipper Marshall on his troubled ankle. Carried off in the arms of trainers, can anyone confirm?

 

[Swoopingtime]

Great hit out between Mernda & Watsonia today. Nippa was the only casualty with a bad ankle.
Was a decent crowd, considering it was only a practice match.

SWOOPINGTIME

 

[Rusted nuts]

Great hit out between Mernda & Watsonia today. Nippa was the only casualty with a bad ankle.
Was a decent crowd, considering it was only a practice match.

SWOOPINGTIME

Exactly why sign ons are bad news.

 

[10571z]

From HS

Mernda ready to become the hunted as it eyes redemption for grand final heartbreak​

31 for 31: Mernda is ready to become the hunted in 2024, strengthening its side with some strong talent, as it aims to erase last year’s heartbreak.

The “fire in the belly” has Mernda primed for a redemption premiership tilt.
After suffering grand final heartbreak last year, the Demons are determined to go one better.

The NFNL Division 3 club has retained its entire grand final side and added more experienced talent in Brent Marshall, Travis Keating, Aydin Kesici and Jake Bennett.

Meanwhile, young gun Josh Mazzarella has returned after one season at Thomastown.

After also reaching the preliminary final at reserve and under-19 level, more than 100 players have reportedly been training over summer.

Mernda coach Rob Fletcher said his players would have to find another level in 2024 if they were to make up for last season’s loss.

“The boys have worked hard and have a fire in belly after last year’s disappointment,” Fletcher said.

“I’ve mentioned (the grand final) a couple of times but I don’t have to say anything, they know how much it hurt.

“They came a long way last year, we didn’t win the premiership but the boys came a long way and know what they need to do each week now to perform and play finals again.

“With a bit of depth, it’s a big thing for us with these new blokes coming in, everyone is fighting for their spot plus the fire in the belly we think we’ve got unfinished business.

“We’ve spoken about (being favourites), 100 per cent, we hunted everyone last year – no one rated us, which was fair enough.

“This year we know we’ll be on everyone’s radar, watching how we go and analysing our games to see how we set up, so we’ve got to be better for that reason.”

Mernda possesses arguably the best young talent in NFNL Division 3.

Dayne Kellett and Kai Turner were recognised with Team of the Year selection last season, while the likes of Riley Vincent, Jayden Bell, Matt Bawden, Nathan Baccega and Jesse Guelfo had strong seasons.

After a season-ending knee injury, Gus Mills will return, while Ryan Bongetti will hope to play for than five games this season.

The addition of Team of the Year ruckman Billy Morrison and Shannon Bennett last season was critical and its hoped Marshall, Keating, Kesici and Bennett can have a similar impact.

“I think the experience of Shannon Bennett and Billy Morrison last year and now this year with Nipper, Kesici, Keating and Bennett adds a fair bit on and off field for us,” Fletcher said.

“Nipper is moving really well for a 50-year-old as is Jake Bennett.

“Some of our kids, Riley Vincent is the best full-back in the competition and he’s just getting bigger and stronger.

“Dayne Kellett had his best year of senior football and is ready to take it up another notch, he’s a future captain of our footy club I think.

“We’ve been blooding the kids for the last three years but they’re not kids, they’re young men now, they’ve got 30-35 games under their belt and know what senior footy is about.”

Despite suffering a severe knee injury in the grand final, the Demons hope Morrison can make it back for a finals tilt.

“Billy has started running, so we still think he’s a massive chance to come back and play finals,” Fletcher said.

“That’s another 20 weeks away but we’ll analyse that during the season.

“He’ll be our runner this year to keep fit ... as long as he sends my message not his own.”

Lachie Taylor, Will Crouch, Nick Eades or even Mazzarella are in line to fill Morrison’s boots in the ruck and attack.

Mernda ramps up preparations with its first practice match on Sunday against Division 2 finalist Watsonia, before hitouts against Essendon District club Oak Park and another Division 2 outfit, Panton Hill.

The Demons will kick off the season with a trip to preliminary finalist Old Eltham Collegians on April 6.

Gee this talk of Morrison coming back is a huge risk if they push that. Would have to come back inside 12 months. Could easily do it again and be out for 2 years. I’ve seen this happen quite a few times.