EFNL 2021: How swag of recruits will boost Chirnside Park in 2022

It’s been a busy recruiting scene for the Panthers, with the new names expected to lift the Division 4 club next season.

Chirnside Park coach Dave Newlands believes his recent swag of recruits should boost the club’s fortunes next season as it looks for a finals berth.

The Eastern league Division 4 outfit was in the finals hunt in 2021 before the season came to a premature close, as the Panthers ended their campaign in fourth with a 6-5 record.

They’ve been busy on the recruiting scene, welcoming Mooroolbark crew Austin Sutherland, Blake Daniell, Kallum Harper and Lachie McGee, who Newlands said have linked with mates at the club.

Chirnside Park coach Dave Newlands. Picture: Steve Tanner

Daniell played five matches in the Mustangs’ seniors this season after 18 in 2019, while Sutherland featured in one this year after 10 the previous campaign.

McGee (three senior appearances this season) took out a best and fairest with Mooroolbark’s reserves in a premiership year in 2018. Harper played nine games in the reserves this year following eight senior matches in ‘19.

“They’ll make us harder and quicker – just straight-line stuff,” Newlands said.

“They’re all good mates with Ben Slattery and Nick Slattery, and they’re hard-running midfielders … Blake’s more of a half-back flanker, Aussie, Kal and Lachie are all through the midfield and forward line.

“They all just wanted to come across and have a kick. Everyone that’s come to us, none of them have been about money which is great.”

The Panthers were in the hunt to break a finals drought before the season was scrapped. Picture: Steve Tanner

And the Panthers have bolstered their ruck division with emerging talent Aaron Puckering, who crosses from Croydon in Division 1.

He was part of Croydon’s under-19 program in the league’s second tier across 2018 and ’19, after playing his junior football between the Blues and Montrose. He’s set to combine with veteran ruckman Grattan Stephens next season.

“He’s a good kid, really fit, I think he’s only 21-22. He’ll be good for ‘Sticks’ (ruckman Grattan Stephens) who isn’t missing a beat for us in the pre-season,” Newlands said.

They’ve also added emerging forward Jake Hollingsworth from North Ringwood, who debuted for the Saints in the top division in 2019 in a season where he played five senior matches, before seven in the reserves in 2021.

He’s touted to add significant pace, pressure around the ball and another avenue to goal.

Newlands recently declared that “finals is a minimum” for the Panthers next season, with the club last featuring in 2009.

And there could be more recruits to come ahead of season 2022.

“There’s a couple who we’re still yet to announce, but are pretty close (to signing),” Newlands said.