EFL 2019: Bret Lavars re-signs at Mooroolbark for 2020

Aaron Mullett topped the EFL Division 1 goalkicking charts in 2019, but Mooroolbark will target a key forward in the off-season to allow the free the former AFL player up for a move into the midfield.

Aaron Mullett celebrates one of his 47 goals this year. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Mooroolbark had the EFL Division 1 leading goalkicker this season.

Aaron Mullett topped the goalkicking charts with 47 majors in his first season out of AFL.

But a key forward will be high on the Mustangs’ recruiting wish list.

They averaged just 56 points a game in 2019.

Mullett will also be a leading contender for the Division 1 best and fairest award.

He was listed in Mooroolbark’s best players 11 times from 17 games.

Mooroolbark coach Bret Lavars said Mullett played in attack out of necessity.

“No disrespect to Aaron, he topped the goalkicking, but we recruited him as a midfielder,” Lavars said.

“That’s were both we and he would like him to play so we’re definitely focusing ourselves on getting a key forward.”

Lavars has re-signed at Heights Reserve for a second season.

He was an assistant under former coach Heath Black and was appointed in the senior role at the end of last year.

Kane Noonan played 13 games at Coburg in 2019. Picture: Mooroolbark Facebook

Mooroolbark was winless from its first six games but finished the season with a 6-11-1 record.

It was briefly in the top five but finished in the bottom three for a second consecutive year and two premiership points clear of the drop zone.

“We had a rough start to the year and some injuries probably didn’t help us but throughout the season, we played 11 debutants,” Lavars said.

“We put some games into some kids, which probably wouldn’t have got that experience if we had have been able to maintain list we previously had.”

Emerging talents Jay Harris, Jayden Weichard, Kyle Crosby and Braedon Dobie each got a taste of senior football.

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Lavars said Harris had a “very bright future in senior footy”, Weichard and Crosby were both been exposed to NAB League football at Eastern Ranges and Dobie played every game in his first senior season.

Kane Noonan was also promoted to VFL club Coburg, and juniors Zak Pretty, Jarrod Gilbee and Jack Hourihan each spent the year playing in the NAB League.

Lavars said he was proud of the group for responding from a 0-5-1 start and the season was an improvement on 2018.

Mooroolbark junior Jarrod Gilbee has spent the season with Eastern Ranges. Picture: Martin Keep/AFL Photos/Getty Images

“I know when I took over last season, we did have an exodus of players, which was disappointing because you lose quality people from your club, but it has given opportunities to younger kids and boys who didn’t have opportunities previously,” he said.

“We’ve had some breakout years. One of them was Blake Daniell. He didn’t play senior football in 2018 and I think he played 17 games this season.

“That’s a perfect example of opportunity and someone grasping it.”

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