EFNL 2021: Names to watch in Berwick’s Eastern league debut

There’s a host of names to watch for in Berwick’s EFNL debut according to coach Clint Evans – but there’s also a few big outs.

Travis Tuck takes a strong mark for Berwick. Picture: Stuart Milligan

A raft of star names headline Berwick’s long-awaited Eastern league debut this Saturday, as it takes on neighbouring club Noble Park.

Berwick senior coach Clint Evans said the league’s Premier Division remained a mystery after the club made the move from the Outer East comp in August of last year.

“We’re stepping into the unknown really,” Evans said.

“We’ve got most blokes back now which is really good and I suppose we just want to be competitive and have a crack – but I couldn’t tell you what’s going to happen – we just don’t know to be honest.”

But excitement surrounds a host of new and returning names slated to line up on Saturday – headlined by those returning from Noble Park after signing with the Bulls prior to 2020.

Former skipper Bryce Rutherford returns from a knee reconstruction, as well as ex-Cranbourne gun and 2016 best and fairest Anthony Vella after a handful of matches for Casey in ‘19.

Half-forwards Anthony Burr and Trent Thomas also return from the Bulls, with Thomas listed with VFL outfit Sandringham.

“We’ve gained a fair bit and we’ve got some kids coming through which is good,” Evans said.

“(Thomas) probably played his best game a week ago in our practice match actually that I’ve seen, and he’s come back fairly fit and he’ll be a good acquisition for us if he doesn’t play at Sandringham.”

Evans said captain Luke Sheppard was also set to return from a knee reconstruction, while the experience of gun midfielder and 2019 best and fairest Madison Andrews alongside ex-AFL Hawk Travis Tuck would provide a major boost.

Madison Andrews took out Berwick’s ‘19 best and fairest. Picture: Bethany Hutchinson

“Tucky’s been going well, same with Madi Andrews – they’re both leaders around the club,” Evans said.

“We’ve got a lot of experience coming through with 25-27-year-olds which is good.”

The Eastern league newcomer is also hopeful Will Arthurson would be available to play, with the defender listed on Frankston’s VFL list.

But the Wickers haven’t been without their significant departures.

Ex-Melbourne spearhead James Magner, former West Coast Eagle Ash Smith and triple premiership star and ’19 acting skipper Lucas Jellyman-Turner headline the outs.

Magner and Smith have both retired according to Evans, while Jellyman-Turner has relocated to Queensland following time with Darwin-based club St Mary’s last year.

Regardless, it’s set to be a bumper crowd at Edwin Flack Reserve as Berwick runs out for its maiden Eastern league match, and Evans believes the occasion certainly isn’t lost on his players.

And particularly with the crossover of personnel between the Wickers and Bulls.

“You want to embrace it in a way because the boys have been out of footy for a year and a half, you want to enjoy it,” he said.

“I think that (player movement between the clubs) is going to make the occasion a bit more special, too.

“We know it’s a massive challenge and we’re not downplaying it as it’s a huge day for the club – they’re expecting between 2,000-3,000 people there.”

With the challenge of Premier Division awaiting, Evans said the initial goal for his club taking on a new league would be simple before it looks too far ahead: “We’re going out to try and be as competitive as we can and we’ll know more in the next three or four weeks of where we’re at,” he said.