By Roy Ward
The Southern Football League division 1 and 2 competitions start this Saturday. Weekly journalist Roy Ward assesses the chances of Greater Dandenong and Monash area teams.
Division 1
Clayton
Coach: Ben McGee
Ins: Brad Robertson (Eastern Ranges), Chris Morrison (VAFA), Frank Drago (TAC Cup).
Outs: Joe Sibilia (Oakleigh District), Grant Sykes (Forest Hill).
Chances: New coach McGee has made some smart signings with the likes of Morrison and Robertson to inject some vitality into the Clays line-up. Big challenges still remain for the club, which only just avoided relegation last year, but with McGee’s experience at Dandenong Stingrays and Noble Park and some much-needed youth, Clayton should be a much tougher proposition in 2012 although they will have to get some early wins to avoid a difficult relegation battle late in the season.
Dingley
Coach: Shane Morwood
Ins: Aaron Sawers (CHFL), Shane Gotsch (Rowville), Adam Myhal (Stoney Creek), Ilya Fridman (Bentleigh), Matt Freeman (Keysborough).
Outs: Tim Ford, Kevin Atkin (both Dandenong)
Chances: The Dingoes needed to mature over the off-season after fielding a painfully young side last season and while Morwood has seen a much stronger looking group return to training, it remains to be seen whether their heads have matured as well. The Dingoes needed a few older bodies, especially down the middle, so Sawers will help there while Gotsch and Freeman should be dangerous in front of goals. Dingley should again press for a finals place. At the very least the Dingoes will take home some memorable wins and be the side no one wants to play.
Heatherton
Coach: Nick Jewell
Ins: Nick Jewell (Sorrento), Justin McCleary (Tyabb), Glyn Trueman (Pearcedale), Ben Clements (MPNFL).
Outs: Matt Jamieson (East Brighton), Kane Tucker (Skye).
Chances: Jewell and Heatherton appear a perfect match and after a disappointing 2011 season, Jewell wants to take the Tunners back to respectability. Additions like McCleary and Amos should make a difference but Jewell, who will be a player-coach, is concerned about how quickly his side gels together. Jewell has also instilled a new game plan as well so how quickly the Tunners learn their playing style will decide whether they can mount a serious finals challenge. The addition of Frankston Heat cricketer Ben Clements is also promising as his preseason form has caught the eye.
Division 2
Oakleigh District
Coach: Steve Wright
Ins: Justin Isaacs, Pat Curran (De La Salle), Joe Sibalia (Clayton), Sasha Danilovic (break), Tony Bevaqua (break).
Outs: Grant Pitts (Cheltenham),
Chances: The Combine lost a lot of players over the off-season but new coach Wright is confident his side will remain a finals contender. Wright takes on the coaching role at the club he and his wife Kerrie, are closely attached to. Curran, Sibalia and former 70-goal forward Danilovic should all make a major impact for Oakleigh while Isaacs has a track record of excellence in this division when he played a key role for Clayton in its 2010 premiership win. Wright is concerned his side could be behind others after a late start to their preseason but with experienced players and a little luck they should catch up quickly. Questions remain about the depth of the Combine but if they can find early wins expect them to press for the finals.
Southern Dragons
Coach: Scott Hilton
Ins: Flamur Beshiri (EFL), Andrew Loke (EFL), Jeffrey Rueda (EFL), Andrew Dexter (VAFA).
Outs: Stevan Janjic, (Lyndale).
Chances:The Dragons lived a fairytale season in 2011 to earn promotion to division 2. Now they will do everything they can to make sure 2012 is not a nightmare. The spirit in the Dragons side will always be high and their tackling and ball pressure could well trouble sides in division 2. But against the skillful sides at the top of the league, the Dragons could meet their match.
Springvale Districts
Coach: Clint Einsiedel
Ins: Joe Morsello (VAFA), Justin Doust (MPNFL), Sean Francis (MPNFL), Michael Odachowski (MPNFL).
Outs: Brendon Ford (Dandenong), Brett Forsyth (Dandenong).
Chances: Morsello appears a major inclusion for the Demons , who will relish having another leading on-baller in their side. The Demons are a proud club and still boast enough quality to beat any side. More consistency will be needed from the Demons in 2012 as an open division 2 is ripe for the winning if the team can pull their best play together. Fitness will be another key for the Demons. A healthy and focused 2012 could be a memorable year for the club.
South Yarra, Bentleigh, Hampton, Tooronga Malvern, Skye, Black Rock and Murrumbeena also play in division 2.
