ROY Ward runs the ruler over Dandenong area sides in the Southern Football League’s division 3 competition for 2012.
Mount Waverley Mountain Lions
Coach: Andrew Taranto
In: Mitchell Jager (Ashwood), Toby Phillips (VAFA).
Out: Trent King (EFL), Ben Stacey (EFL)
Verdict: After doing everything right up to grand final day the Mountain Lions fell short in the division 3 decider, something the club has no intention of doing this season. The loss of Stacey will hurt with his run and carry vital against slower sides. But the club’s commitment to teamwork and tough, disciplined football should see them again pressing for the flag.
Hallam Hawks
Coach: Dave Wakefield.
In: Everyone.
Out: None.
Verdict: The new boys expect to be competitive from game 1 but as Endeavour Hills showed last year, Rome wasn’t built in a day. The Hawks should look to their junior club and various former players to build their side. Division 3 football is far from easy so the Hawks will need to be fully focused to play winning football.
Doveton Eagles
Coach: Paul Davis
In: Shane Taylor (Dandenong), Jason Anthony (Lyndale), Greg Kerr (Sandown).
Out: Tim Maskiell (Hallam), Anthony Formosa (Cheltenham).
Verdict: After an off-season of turmoil almost ended the club, Doveton Eagles want to make the most of their second chance. The Eagles fought their way into the finals last year before being eliminated by premiers Southern Dragons. The side was training well in January, and as long as their training has kept up they will be around the mark again.
Dandenong Redlegs
Coach: Daniel Atkin
In: Tim Ford (Dingley), Brendon Ford (Springvale Districts), Brett Forsyth (cricket), Ryan Forsyth (Springvale Districts), Daniel Atkin (Springvale Districts)
Out: Dylan Bracebridge (Ellinbank FL), Damien Butsch (Riddell FL), Brendan Allan (retired).
Verdict: If Dandenong was making a cricket side, Brett Forsyth and Tim Ford would be smashing additions, although new coach Atkin is confident his recruits will add plenty of skills to a Redlegs side that was a very competitive unit on their day last season. The loss of a veteran like Allan will hurt but the Redlegs are confident their side can push for finals this year.
Lyndale Pumas
Coach: Glen Krepp
In: Daniel Senior, Mark Senior (both MPNFL).
Out:
Kris Akers (Heatherton).
Verdict: Lyndale has a new coach in Krepp and a few handy additions but in a league which will get much stronger with Ashwood’s entry, making the finals will become even harder for mid-table clubs like the Pumas. But Lyndale proved it could push the best sides in the competition last season, so don’t rule them out of finals just yet.
Endeavour Hills Eagles
Coach: Matt Ashenden and Michael Roberts
In: Trent Day (MPNFL), Mark Cooper (Gippsland), Mitch Whatman (Hampton Park), Shane Peake (VAFA).
Out: Daniel Batson (Seaford), Jason Beattie (travel).
Verdict: Endeavour Hills has added 40 players to its list from last year and while recruits like day, Cooper and Peake should all fit into the senior side, co-coach Ashenden is more excited about the 10 or so teenagers the club added during the off-season. The Eagles should be much better in 2012 but they plan to grow into a premiership contender. Last year’s best and fairest Daniel Batson did preseason at Frankston before joining Seaford with the club’s blessings.
Sandown Cobras
Coach: Michael Rossborough
In: John Frenken (Cranbourne), Anthony La Rocca (Beaumaris), Clint Sheedy, James Tate (both returned from breaks).
Out: none.
Verdict: The Cobras finished second last year but missed out on the grand final so Rossborough has set his charges to go two better and win the flag. On-ballers Frenken and La Rocca add quality while Sheedy was a league-leading goal kicker before his two years hiatus. Rossborough says his side is much better than the 2011 model.
Ashwood, Caulfield and Moorabbin also play in this division. Division 1 and 2 previews will appear next week.
