EDFL: Will Martiniello among departures at Maribyrnong Park

Some big names have exited, but EDFL club Maribyrnong Park is not pushing the panic button.

Chris Prowse has left Maribyrnong Park. Picture Andrew Tauber

MARIBYRNONG Park is not pushing the panic button after waving goodbye to four key senior players.

Star midfielder Will Martiniello, who claimed this year’s Reynolds Medal for the best and fairest player in Essendon District Football League Premier Division, headlines the departures after returning to Benalla.

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Ruckman Chris Prowse and forward Nick Prowse have gone back to VAFA outfit Old Xaverians, while former Werribee VFL captain Robbie Castello has crossed to Westmeadows after stepping down as coach because of work commitments.

The Lions won their opening six games of the campaign before taking the points in only five of their last 12 to miss finals and finish sixth.

But with ex-North Melbourne mentor Dean Laidley taking over as coach, president Doug Stevens said the club remained confident it would be a formidable opponent.

“We’re also in the process of signing two or three players up to replace those that we’ve lost,” Stevens said.

“We’re fairly confident we’ll have another very competitive team for 2019.”

Will Martiniello claimed this year’s Reynolds Medal. Picture: Jamie Morey

Martiniello is the most significant loss, having won Maribyrnong Park’s best and fairest in the past two years.

He spent two years with the Lions after stints with Goulburn Valley league club Benalla and Werribee.

“We were hoping he’d stay, but he comes from Benalla in the first place and has made a choice to go back and play with his brother (James),” Stevens said.

“Obviously it’s sad not to lose only one of our key players, but a best and fairest in the competition this year.”

Maribyrnong Park progressed to the Premier Division preliminary final in 2017, losing to Greenvale.

The club’s last senior flag was in 2010 it is set to field 26 sides next season, including a senior women’s team.

“Our first aim is to make sure we win enough games so we don’t get relegated,” Stevens said.

“The aim is always to win the premiership, but one step at a time.

“If we make finals, it will be a bonus. If we go beyond that, that will be a double bonus.”