EFL: Vermont makes commitment for shot at three-peat of Premier Division flags
Already considered one of the greatest sides assembled in local football history, Vermont’s talent-laden list has committed for a shot at a three-peat of EFL premierships.
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When Vermont starts pre-season later this month, it will do so having made a commitment for a tilt at a three-peat of EFL premierships.
The Eagles swept to back-to-back flags this year and their 2019 grand final team was considered one of the strongest sides to ever grace a suburban football ground.
As many as 13 players could be hoping to become three-time premiership players next year and veteran ruckman Robbie Ross could be shooting for a sixth flag.
Ryan Mullett (retired) and Adam Parker (Upwey Tecoma) are the only confirmed departures from the grand final side.
Vermont captain Lachlan Johns said the talent-laden squad wanted to achieve a hat-trick of flags.
“As the season goes on, everyone makes noises about whether they’re going to go on for another year and getting to the end of the year — and winning it again — convinced a few people that maybe they should hang around for another year,” Johns said.
“As far as I’m aware, pretty much everyone is going around again.”
Vermont has won 28 of its past 29 games and its average winning margin in that time is nine goals.
The only defeat was a single-figure loss against Rowville in Round 6 this year.
And there’s no reason to believe why it won’t again be the team to beat in 2020.
Johns said the group remained hungry for success.
“I’d probably be more determined to win this one than the first one,” he said.
“We’ve got that taste for it now and it makes the season worth it when you get to the end and win it in that last game.
“I remember waking up on the Monday for Mad Monday … I couldn’t wait to get stuck back into it and I really wanted to win another one.”
It was confirmed last month a package of Vermont players had joined Wantirna South for 2020.
Pat Wallis, Jack O’Keefe, Hamish McGowan, James Krikas and Charlie Young each crossed to Walker Reserve after featuring in the Premier Division reserves premiership.
Each of the five players made senior appearances during the campaign.
Johns said it had been difficult to offer senior opportunities to fringe players.
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“The last few years it has happened quite regularly where we’ve lost a couple of good young players but the junior program at Vermont is so strong that these players do keep coming through,” he said.
“I’m sure those guys will go off and be super players for Wantirna South. They’re great blokes but it is disappointing for the club.”
Vermont will start pre-season on November 25.
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