EFL 2019: Mulgrave bolsters its playing stocks ahead of Eastern Football League season

Mulgrave’s wiggle room in its player points cap has allowed it to add to its playing stocks as its pushes for its first finals berth in five years.

Cohen Howell is one of many one-point players at Mulgrave. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Mulgrave’s wiggle room in its player points cap has allowed it to add to its playing stocks as its pushes for its first finals berth in five years.

Mulgrave averaged just 26 player points per game in 2018 and only five players were allocated more than one point.

That player points abundance has allowed the Lions to add Nicholas Pirrie (Old Xaverians), Edward Watkins (Old Xaverians) and Edward Wilson (Beaconsfield).

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“We’ve been lucky enough that a couple of our players have been awesome in recruiting a couple of their mates,” Mulgrave coach Anthony Goodwin said.

“We’re still talking to a player or two. I still think we need a big-bodied mid as well so we’re trying to suss that out as well.”

Goodwin said he expected the Lions would average between the mid-to-high 30s in their points cap this year.

“We knew we were on anywhere between 22 and 24 points for pretty much most of the season last year,” he said.

“Obviously all our players are locally bred so that has given us 25 points to throw around and get as much quality into the group as we can.”

Mulgrave won four of its last six games in 2018 to finish with a 4-14 record but suffered its second relegation in eight years, dropping to the Division 2.

Mitch Prosser also shapes as a vital addition to the backline after missing most of last season with injury.

Goodwin said he expected the Lions would be more competitive in 2019.

“Last year we were just outclassed by bigger bodies of Doncaster East and Upper Gully but I could never fault our commitment,” he said.

“We just weren’t quite good enough but four out of our last six games were excellent and hopefully that gives us a little bit of momentum.

“I’m looking forward to having a few wins and our goal is to play finals, there is no doubt about that.”

Goodwin said there had been no key departures.

“One or two have maybe moved on to another club for more opportunity but nothing key at the moment, but nothing of our top 20 players or anything like that,” he said.

Mulgrave opens its season against Boronia at Tormore Reserve on April 6.

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