EDFL 2021: Division 2 club Oak Park enjoys strong recruiting campaign

After 13 wins in the past three years, Oak Park is expected to enjoy more EDFL success in 2021.

Blair Cronin has returned to Oak Park after a stint at Tullamarine. Picture: Jamie Morey

Oak Park coach Todd Clark expects his club to rebound from a lean period in 2021 but is stopping short of any bold declarations.

The Kangaroos are tipped to be one of the leading premiership contenders in Essendon District Football League Division 2 this season after securing some key additions.

But the unknown of a new set of opponents and season off could make for an even playing field.

Oak Park has claimed 13 wins in the past three seasons in Division 1 and was relegated at the end of the 2019 campaign after scoring just one win.

Clark, who is in his second stint in the top job, said his priority was to inject some enthusiasm and ensure the club rediscovered a winning culture as it looks to lay the foundations for success in coming years.

Oak Park coach Todd Clark. Picture: James Ross

“We’d like to think what we’ve got is good enough to have some sort of success,” Clark said.

“The club’s been starved of wins the last couple of years prior to (2020). If you win the game, your culture’s good, it’s good for your supporters, and it doesn’t matter if you’re Premier league or Division 2.

“We obviously want success, but we want to enjoy it as well … sometimes that gets lost.

“It’s not going to be a cake walk or anything.

“A lot of people, regardless of what division you are, (believe) the team that goes down may go up again the next year. But I’ve pretty much squashed that on the head.”

Midfielder/defender Ryan Smith has arrived at the Kangaroos from Warrnambool and District league side Timboon Demons as a well-credentialed senior player.

He kicked 17 goals from 16 games in 2019, earning a mention in the best players seven times.

“He lives in the area, comes from Cobden, and just been impressed with his workmanlike attitude and his ability to get hold of the ball,” Clark said.

“It was really good to have him come down and want to be a part of it.

“He’s certainly impressed and showed a bit in our practice match on the weekend.”

Classy duo Blair Cronin and Travis Anderson have also returned after stints at Tullamarine, adding vital experience.

“Someone of Blair’s calibre should be able to have a pretty good season,” Clark said.

“For Travis to come back, it’s good and it’s just part of what we’re trying to build as much off the field as on the field to get a good culture around the place.”

Lachlan Busk has joined from Western Region club Yarraville-Seddon, while 2020 recruits Michael Peart and Isaac Willett have re-committed.

In another boost, the top five from the 2019 best-and-fairest – Danny Rajab, Liam Molloy, Harrison Wilson, Jack Kennedy and Jack Pascu – have stayed put.

Clark said Justin Palanechka had been one of the standouts on the training track after a lengthy lay-off.

“He’s been out for two years, but he’s certainly attacked the pre-season with vigour,” he said.

“He’s a fair size, and good on the ground and in the air.”

Oak Park is set to face stiff competition from the likes of Moonee Valley, Burnside Heights and Coburg Districts as it chases a return to Division 1.

They Kangaroos will face Jacana away from home in the opening round on April 10.