OSFA: Season preview, coaches comments, player movement
With the new OSFA season officially here, we’ve run the rule over the six clubs. See the new faces, big name departures and every club’s verdict.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
As the new Old Scholars Football Association season kicks off on Saturday, all eyes turn to the six clubs who have reshaped their squads in a high-stakes game of recruitment, retention, and reinvention.
We take a deep dive into the player movements and look at what the coaches said as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Richmond
Coach: Ryan Newell
Captain: Harry Suhr
2024 B & F: Adrian Tatnell-Cowen
Last season: 6th
Old Scholars Premierships: 5 Seniors and 3 Reserves
In: Joshua Palmer (New Norfolk), Jaidyn Fisher-Cooley (New Norfolk), Luke Crosswell (New Norfolk), Dylan Morgan (New Norfolk), Beau Kline (Bothwell), Brandon Carrick (Claremont), Bradley Cripps (Sorell), Kobe Bennett (Sorell), Shane Henderson (Sorell), Ty Nichols (Hobart).
Out: Jake Cure (Sorell), Sam Godfrey (retired), Ryan Cowen (Dodges Ferry).
Coach says: With the 2025 season fast approaching we as a playing group and a club are filled with excitement at the challenge that lies ahead. This competition remains incredibly strong and we as a football club are looking forward to continuing to take positive steps to grow as a young group and find our place as a competitive unit. We have put in a lot of work across the pre-season not only from a training point of view but also driving stronger standards, developing club culture and uniting players, coaches, volunteers and supporters alike. We have worked hard to continue recruiting with our senior side likely to feature between 6 – 10 Debutants in round one.
On behalf of the playing group we can’t wait to get stuck in.
ST VIRGILS
Coach: Mark Beck
Captain: Daniel Coppleman and Aaron Brennan
2024 B & F: Jack Crossin
Last season: 3rd (lost in prelim final)
Old Scholars premierships: 11
In: Jake Cox (Clarence), Liam Grace (Cooparoo), Dom Jack (retirement), Charlie Banks (Clarence), James Bourke (Clarence), Nick Freeman (Hobart).
Out: Luke Potter (St Helen’s), Alex Blair (Victoria), John Geard (Glenorchy), Dylan Pearce (Bothwell), Ryan Wakefield (New Norfolk).
Coach says: 2025 sees some playing and coaching changes at the Saints but hopefully a continuation of the success over the last 5 years.
Over the pre-season the numbers have been very solid culminating in some really high energy nights and a great vibe leading into the season.
The leaders have been great and setting a positive environment with premiership players Daniel Coppleman, Aaron Brennan and Zac Lucas leading the way. New players Liam Grace and Charlie Banks have been great additions.
We hope to contend well with the big boys and secure a finals spot giving ourselves an ATB chance at the pointy end.
OHA
Coach: Rodney Callinan
Captain: Gabby Chambers & Damien Paul
2024 B & F: Matt Ling & Ryan Borsboom
Last season: Premiers
Number of Old Scholars premierships: 21
In: Harry Fisher, Lachlan Borsboom, George Auchterlonie (Clarence), Jonte Doran (University), Riley Whitelaw, Archie Murell (Clarence under 18), Chris Hevey (Retirement)
Out: Colby Whitelaw (Gold Coast), Tim Castle (retired)
Coach says: The Ships are excited with what the upcoming 2025 season will bring. Pre-season has been solid and gone off without a hitch, we are hoping to climb the mountain again but very respectful of what the opposition will bring
Hutchins
Coach: Andrew Lamprill
Captain: Henry Johnstone
2024 B & F: Hugh Johnston
Last season: 4th
Number of Old Scholars premierships: 9 Senior, 13 Reserves
In: Tom Bayley, Tom Griffiths, Julius Patiniotis, Charlie Barclay, Ryan Heald, Noah Kuepper, Tom McMurray, Spiros Daglas.
Out: Harry Opray, Eddie Burrows-Cheng, Oliver Farid
Coach says: I am excited to kick off my second season as coach of HSOBFC, and to continue to develop the playing list and our game plan, and improve on last year’s campaign. We have retained the majority of our playing list from 2025 and gained a few key ins, which is a credit to the club and the culture we have built, which has made Hutchins an appealing and exciting place to be. We have put in a big block of pre-season since late October last year and I am very excited to put the work to the test as we kick our year off against University at home on April 5.
DOSA
Coach: Daniel Willing
Captain: Harri Loveless
2024 B & F: Nathan McCulloch
Last Season: 2nd
Number of Old Scholars premierships: Senior – 9
In: Ryan Hopkins & Blake Jones (Lindisfarne), Chris Ransom (South Cairns Cutters), Tom Clark (returning player after a year in Wagga Wagga), Josh Young
Out: Fin Lapham (Nth Hobart), Joe Sowter (Sorell).
Coach says: We’ve had another strong pre-season and we’re looking forward to the season ahead. We’ve made some small changes to our game style and we think we have the list to put ourselves in contention again in 2025.
University
Coach: Tom Cleary
Captain: Simon Vandervelde
2024 B & F: Jonte Doran
Last season: Fifth
Number of Old Scholars premierships: 4 (9 including Amateur years)
In: Tom Cleary (Clarence), Josh Morgan (Perth), Lachlan Goldschmied (Old Scotch), Lucien Wever (Hobart), Yos Miller (Hobart), Hamish Ayliffe (Kingborough), Jack Bennett (Claremont), Isaac McCrimmon (North Hobart) James Hurd (University Lions), Ed Smith (University lions), Nate de Weys (Kingborough), Liam Barr – Glenorchy, Jack Kaspers – Noosa AFC, Lachie Heath – Lake Wendouree Football Netball Club, Alex McMullen, Sam Markham, Joe Hall
Out: Jed Dunstan, Neo Butler, Troy Cunliffe (North Hobart), Jonte Doran (OHA), Adam Golding, Luke Graham, Tristan Barnett (Huonville), Ash Woodhead (Triabunna), Brayden Livingston (Kingborough), Harry van Kraanen, Lachie Dare, Jewd Careless, Charlie Moore (Hobart)
Coach says: 2025 marks a powerful new era for TUFC, a year of change, growth and unity.
With a surge of hungry young talent and driven local & interstate recruits, we’re ready to surprise a lot of teams. Backed by a strong group of committed leaders, we’re building something special and setting a new standard for what this club represents.
More Coverage
Originally published as OSFA: Season preview, coaches comments, player movement
Glenorchy captain opens up on his side’s hot start to season
Glenorchy skipper Harrison Gunther has given an insight into the “pretty intense” game which awaits his side this weekend as they look to maintain a perfect start to the season. See what he said.
‘Pretty big effort’: Cygnet send massive message to competition
Cygnet have put the competition on notice after a huge win in its opening round match against Claremont and it could well and truly be a better side than last year. Here’s why.