EDFL 2019: Roxburgh Park captain Harley Short excited about Division 1 challenge

Roxburgh Park captain Harley Short has conceded “there will be some tough games” this season but is confident his young team will be competitive in EDFL Division 1.

Roxburgh Park captain Harley Short and playing coach Michael Farrelly show off the silverware after last season’s grand final triumph. Picture: Hamish Blair

Roxburgh Park captain Harley Short has conceded “there will be some tough games” this season but is confident his young team will be competitive in EDFL Division 1.

The Magpies, who earned promotion following their maiden senior flag in Division 2, are under no illusions about the enormity of the challenge in the competition’s second tier.

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Roxburgh Park banished the painful memories of grand final defeats in 2014 and 2016 with a six-point triumph over East Sunbury in last year’s thrilling decider.

Star midfielder Short has been reappointed as skipper for a third season and will be supported by vice-captains Hayden Farrelly and Jack Elliott.

“We’re very excited about the next step up,” Short said.

“Obviously last year was good to taste success finally. There were a lot of boys that had stuck around to taste that success. The club probably deserved it.

“There’s been a lot of buy in from the players, new recruits and even the older guys.”

Harley Short is one of Roxburgh Park's star midfielders. Picture: Jamie Morey

Jay Barbera, who played alongside coach Michael Farrelly in Hurstbridge’s 2016 premiership in the Northern league, headlines Roxburgh Park’s signings.

Zac Reichelt and Tom Baker have also arrived from Craigieburn, but otherwise there has been little movement.

Short is hoping the Magpies can pounce if they are underestimated by their opposition.

“We’re a pretty young group. There’s a lot of guys from the 19s who have stepped up during this pre-season that we’re really excited about. They’ll probably add a bit more leg speed,” he said.

“We’re going to come out all guns blazing and hopefully sides do take the foot off the throat and not expect us to come out that hard.”

Short, who was best afield in last season’s grand final, said he was looking forward to locking horns with better quality sides.

“It’s probably the reason I came back four or five years ago, just to get the club up and about and give them that premiership success and then drive the club forward,” he said.

“Hopefully in a few years’ time we can make it to Premier.

“Very excited about this year and all the young boys coming through.”

Roxburgh Park faces a massive test in Round 1 with a clash against relegated Premier Division club West Coburg on April 6.