Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews will help launch the new Southern Football League season

DINGLEY, coached by ex-Collingwood star Shane Morwood, has recruited well as it prepares for another shot at its first Division 1 premiership in the Southern Football League.

East Brighton has farewelled former league medal winner Dean Williamson.

VICTORIA Premier Daniel Andrews will help launch the Southern Football League’s 2015 season at Sandringham’s Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday, April 11.

Andrews, Netball Victoria chief executive officer Michelle Plane and beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman are locked in as guest speakers for the kick-off function at Sandy by the Bay.

The launch will take in the under-lights Round 1 match between last year’s Division 1 senior grand finalists East Brighton and Dingley at 7.30pm.

The Under 19s will raise the curtain to the seniors, who will be playing for the beyondblue Cup.

And the entire opening round of football and netball will be dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of depression and anxiety while promoting beyondblue messages through fundraising initiatives.

“The SFL is very pleased to be partnering with beyondblue and creating the opportunity to raise awareness and have conversations in the interest of supporting our community,’’ SFL CEO David Cannizzo said.

“This is the first time in years that the SFL have facilitated a season launch and what a fantastic spectacle it will be under lights watching the 2014 grand finalists battle it out for early season bragging rights’’

East Brighton has farewelled former league medal winner Dean Williamson.

Since their last historic meeting, East Brighton and Dingley have undergone changes in personnel, and they’re hoping they represent improvement.

The reigning premier has shredded some experienced talent, with the matchwinning Dean Williamson heading back to Seaford and seasoned premiership campaigner Matt Jamieson returning to Heatherton. The Vampires will also be without Sam Jeffery, who has returned to Knox, and dual premiership player Matt O’Rourke, who has been cleared to Jacana.

Will Hetherington, who narrowly missed selection in last year’s grand final team, may not be available until later in the season.

Coach Ben Murphy is confident the red-and-whites can cover the losses with former Edithvale-Aspendale pair Jeremy Heys and Andrew Luxa among the new signings. Heys is a classy midfielder/forward, while Luxa is at home in almost any position.

Former Chelsea Heights big man Phil Smith has also moved across the Hurlingham Park, along with Steve Murphy, a former Vampire junior, and Dion Lucas, a forward from Clayton.

“We’ve brought in some class and our depth should be stronger, especially in the midfield,” Murphy said.

“And we’ll be more potent up forward, although we might be a bit thinner down back at this stage.”

Other recruits of note include ex-Sale midfielder John Taylor and Ethan Ford, a small forward from Newstead. Harry Healey, a key forward from Old Xavs, is another new face, although he may not be available for the early games.

Dingley has recruited impressively in its bid to go one better after playing in its first SFL Division One grand final.

The Dingoes, with Shane Morwood again at the helm, have added Dromana trio Steve Gaertner, Stu Cleeve and Tom Wright to their arsenal. Gaertner is an inspirational matchwinner with all the skills but injury may keep him on the sidelines until mid-season, while Cleeve may help to address some weaknesses identified by Morwood.

“We lacked a ruckman and a key forward at times last season and we have recruited to rectify that,” said Morwood.

Cleeve is an experienced ruckman who can run all day, while Wright is a solid defender. Ex-Collingwood draftee and former Frankston Dolphins midfielder Dan Farmer will also add versatility to the Dingoes’ line-up, as will well-built key position player Jake Mullen from Doveton.

Also from Doveton is on-baller Ryan Pearson, while the skilful Mick Turville, mobile big man Danny Ades and small forward Calvin McQueen have crossed from Bonbeach.

While the return of prolific ball-winner Daniel Turcarelli from Marong is another plus, the Dingoes will definitely miss 2014 SFL Best-and-fairest winner Luke “Noodles” Walmsley, who has been picked up by Casey Scorpions. Jack Williams (Sandringham) and Tom Paterson (retired) are among the others missing from Dingley’s grand final line-up.

St Paul’s will be out to make amends for their narrow preliminary final loss last season when they set out on their 2015 journey against East Malvern on Saturday.

“It was pretty disappointing to go out like we did, but the boys have bounced back well are keen to go again,” said coach Mark Dessent.

“Our balance should be good. We’ve picked up some experienced players and have some good under-19s coming through.”

The arrival of stylish Brad Gilder at McKinnon Oval after a stint at Edithvale-Aspendale is a welcome one, while the return of former league best-and-fairest Liam Wilson is sure to make a difference. The Doggies will also benefit from the VFL experience of Steve Harrison and Taylor Irish. Departures include Luke James to Mulwala and Adam McIntyre, who has moved to Sydney.

St Paul's has regained top midfielder Liam Wilson.

A swag of departures during the off-season will test Cheltenham’s depth when it faces a rejuvenated St Kilda City at the Peanut Farm in the season-opener.

The Rosellas have lost more than a third of their senior group of last season due to clearances, injury and retirement, but are confident their replacements can do the job.

They include former Collegians midfielder Jay Austerberry and Mark Dewar, a handy type from Old Brighton.

The return of former Rosellas Tom Christopher, Alistair Garlick and Justin Mills will also provide a boost to the stocks, along with a few others the club is “keeping under wraps’’.

Among the departures are Matt Andrews, Tom Donnell and Jarryd Martin, who have all gone to Tongala, and Marty Gurry and Luke Walsh have been cleared to Oakleigh District. James Roscoe (wrist) and Jack Barclay (knee reco) will sit the season out, Pat Bolger is taking the year off and Ben Fahey has retired.

St Kilda City has recruited extensively and the return of some favourite sons should see it more than competitive.

Dangerous small man Jay Bruno has returned after a stint with Rye, while ruckman Steve Arvanitis is back after a serious back injury. Premiership player Mark Tasiyan has also returned (from Monbulk) and is sure to play a key role in attack, while the silky-skilled Aaron Purvis has crossed from Berwick.

Josh Murphy, a key defender from Port Colts, and rover Jamil Tye from Scoresby are also expected to make their mark with the Saints this season.

Defender Aaron Green and veteran Glenn Krepp have been recruited from Noble Park. Krepp played six games with the Bulls in 2104 after recovering from a knee reconstruction. Former City juniors Rhys Joachim, Juan Perriam and Cameron Hansen have also returned to the Peanut Farm.

Major losses include Chris Economou and Daniel McGee, who have been cleared to Pascoe Vale, and former coach Gav Mahoney, who has retired.

East Malvern has impressed with its recruiting and could be the big improver in 2015.

After just missing finals last season, the Panthers have picked up a swag of talent and experience in a bid to become a major player.

Former Shepparton Swans premiership captain Jessie Finnen heads a dazzling list of arrivals that includes former Kilcunda Bass duo Tim Smith, described by coach Justin Cowell as ‘a great leader’, and classy left-footer Ryan Fitzgerald.

“We believe we have added to our depth with some real quality and although we’ll be missing seven or eight of our top 20 for the first four or five rounds, we’re looking forward to the challenge,” Cowell said.

East has also picked up former Broadbeach skipper Matt Fife, who is “experienced and smart’’ according to Cowell. Michael Cooke, a tall, running forward from Korumburra, and ex-Chelsea Heights tall Matt Terech will add height to the Panthers’ line-up, while former Frankston YCW backman Nick Barry, who has been most impressive in practice matches, and key defender Josh Strachan (ex-Bendigo Pioneers) will ensure a sturdy defence. Liam Voigt and Luke Poustie from Whitehorse Pioneers will also add to the Panthers’ depth.

Ex-Chelsea Heights tall Matt Terech has crossed to East Malvern.

After consolidating its place in Division One last season, Bentleigh will be under the guidance of new playing coach, former Western Bulldogs star Paul Dimattina.

“We weren’t overly aggressive with our recruiting,” said Dimattina on the eve of the season.

“We’ve got a great group of Under 19s coming through and should have good depth.”

The Demons have added to their depth with some handy pick-ups. Former Sheffield Shield cricketer Steve Gilmour has joined from Waaia in the Picola and District league and will play a key role in defence, while Matthew Hogan, a tall 21-year-old midfielder/forward from De La Salle, will push for senior selection.

“He’s got a bit of the X-factor about him,” Dimattina confided.

The Demons will also be boosted by the return to the club of Luke Forrest, who will add some height and mobility.

Jayde Young, a stylish young left-foot midfielder from Hobart, is another acquisition, as is former Murrumbeena midfielder Jacko Meredith.

If nothing else, Dimattina promises a fit team.

“We’ve got terrific leg speed and the boys are super fit,” he said.

“The players have responded well to the new game plan and a new coach and I’ll be disappointed if we don’t push for a top four spot.”

New Clayton playing coach Nick Scanlon is one of 19 new senior coaches across the SFL this season and like all of his counterparts, the former Narre Warren midfielder is looking forward to the challenge.

“I don’t know much about the make-up of the team last year, but I am happy with our progress so far,” he said.

“There are quite a few new faces and we are hoping to form a settled combination that will give the top five a big shake.”

Scanlon’s brothers Dean (midfield) and Stuart (forward) have followed him across from Narre Warren, as has defender Andy Ray.

Sam Apter and young tall Rory Naylor have been recruited from Mazenod, while midfielder Chris Lee rejoins his old Narre Warren teammates after a stint at Warragul.

Luke Ross, a flanker/wingman from Nyora, and former Hawthorn Amateurs forward Robbie Palazzolo have also joined the Clays, while Brad Robertson has returned after a year off.

Alex Johnston (South East league), Dion Lucas (East Brighton), Sheldon Price (Bonbeach) and Matt Douglas (Bonbeach) are among the key departures.

Multiple Narre Warren premiership player Nick Scanlon is coaching Clayton.

Former Bentleigh coach Brad Canavan has taken over the reins at Chelsea Heights, where he began his career as a junior.

“It’s like coming home,” he said.

“We’ve got a good core of young talent and I’m looking forward to working with our coaching team to develop these players and provide opportunities for them to play senior football.”

The Heighters have lost some experience with the departures of Phil Smith and Steve Murphy to East Brighton and Matt Terech to East Malvern, while dashing forward Erish Uthayakumar will try his luck with Sandringham in the VFL.

Arrivals include rugged young defenders Tyler Hart from Mornington and Aaron Cocker from Karingal, along with talented utility Mick Shaw from Chelsea. Reliable defender Jarryd Uren has returned to the club after a stint at Ashwood.

The Heighters take on newly promoted Mordialloc on Sunday at Ben Kavanagh Reserve.

Coach and veteran playmaker Sam Anstey leads Mordialloc in its return to Division 1.

Mordialloc returns to the top division after an absence of two years and premiership coach Sam Anstey is confident the Bloods will be competitive.

“We’ll be a little bit stronger than last season, but we know it will be a lot tougher,” he said.

“We’ve only lost three or four out of the 44 players who played in our premiership teams last year and we’ve picked a few handy players.”

Among the new faces are Beau Turner, a midfielder from Edithvale-Aspendale who will serve as Anstey’s assistant, and Dean Miller, a tall key position option from Parkdale.

Ex-Lakes Entrance midfielder Joel Waters and Josh Lewtas, another midfielder from Hampton, will also don the red-and-white. The Bloods open their season on Sunday at home against Chelsea Heights.