AFL Outer-East: Beaconsfield’s youth ready for a big step up with handy recruits in tow

Beaconsfield coach Leigh McQuillen is confident the continuing development of the club’s young talent, coupled with the signatures of a few handy recruits, has his side in good shape as it enters the inaugural AFL Outer-East season.

Beaconsfield and Narre Warren are set for the inaugural season of AFL Outer-East Picture: David Trend

Beaconsfield coach Leigh McQuillen is confident the continuing development of the club’s young talent, coupled with the signatures of a few handy recruits, has his side in good shape as it enters the inaugural AFL Outer-East season.

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Beaconsfield coach Leigh McQuillen

“We’re really pumped about it, it’s a bit of an unknown,” he said.​

“I was at (AFL Yarra Ranges) Belgrave in 2006 so I have a bit of an idea about what the comp is like. I’ve played on all those grounds and I know what we’re in for.​

“Our boys are pretty excited about the new season ahead. There’s been times in the past where you’ve known you were going to win and that’s not good for anyone.”​

Beaconsfield’s pre-season form has been encouraging with wins over Mornington, Koo Wee Rup and VAFA’s Ajax.​

Dandenong Stingrays’ Jack Harmes has signed on at Beaconsfield. Picture: Valeriu Campan

But McQuillen said the most pleasing thing had been the debut of five younger players during that period and the continuing progress the club’s youngsters are showing.​

“Probably the biggest investment we’ve made has been in our youth,” he said. “We’ve played in the last three under-19 grand finals and all our coaches are teachers and we’re very proactive with our feedback.”​

And increased depth means competition for places in the season-opener is fierce.​

“I’ve been really open with the guys,” McQuillen said. “It’s the best we’ve been in three years.​

“In round one, there’s going to be 10 boys disappointed.”​

In the final South-East Football Netball League season, Beaconsfield finished 9-7 for fourth spot and, in the post-season, beat Officer in the elimination final before bowing out in the first semi-final at the hands of Cranbourne.​

As well as the improvement of its younger brigade, McQuillen said the club had recruited a number of players in the off-season to help shore up the squad.​

“We certainly didn’t go out and chase players,” he said. “We locked in our leaders and then looked at the kids coming through and we identified we had a few holes.”​

Casey Demons-listed Jack Griffiths will play when available while Beaconsfield has also signed Dandenong Stingrays’ Jack Harmes, brother of Melbourne’s James.​

Gippsland Power’s Broadie Motton and East Doncaster premiership player Jason Tendler will also be handy additions.​

Jason Tendler won an EFL premiership with Doncaster East. Picture: James Ross

McQuillen said the Beaconsfield coaching staff had also been busy rebuilding its game plan.​

“Our ball movement is different to what it’s been in the past,” he said. “Our defence has always been good but we’ll look to be more attacking.​

“(We’ll) move the ball a lot quicker and we’ve identified our turnover zones.”​

Beaconsfield will open its AFL Outer-East Premier Division season when it travels to Cranbourne on Saturday, April 13.

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