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EFNL 2021: Star ‘Roos big men Andrew Renton, Dean Cleven call it a day

The curtain has fallen on the careers of two of the Division 1 club’s biggest names just a month out from the season – but coach Ben Osborne is confident his club can fill the void.

Andrew Renton gets a handball away in 2019. Picture: Field of View Sports Photography
Andrew Renton gets a handball away in 2019. Picture: Field of View Sports Photography

East Ringwood has waved goodbye to two of its biggest names just four weeks out from the Eastern league season, but coach Ben Osborne is confident his club can fill the void.

Star talls Andrew Renton and Dean Cleven have hung up the boots after distinguished careers across more than a decade.

Renton played in two Box Hill development team flags in the VFL across 2009 and 2010, taking the honours for best on ground in the latter.

He later went on to become the ‘Roos premier big man as a tap ruckman, with the 203cm Renton finishing top-three in the club’s best and fairest in his last season in 2019.

Cleven donned the No. 15 guernsey across more than 100 matches for the ‘Roos following previous stints with Noble Park and VFL outfit Casey. He built a reputation on his versatility, hard-edge and contested ball work making him one of the ‘Roos major assets over the years.

Cleven’s strong marking ability was just one of many key features to his game. Picture: Supplied
Cleven’s strong marking ability was just one of many key features to his game. Picture: Supplied

East Ringwood senior coach Ben Osborne said a change in circumstances meant the great mates had to step away after previously committing to the 2020 campaign.

“’Rents’ has got a little baby on the way and called time – it’s disappointing for them not to have a last season at it, they wouldn’t have known it was their last game two years ago,” Osborne said.

“It’s sad for them, but ‘Rents’ has been coming down and doing some ruck coaching with us which is fantastic … Deano’s moved into the city which has made it a bit tougher.

“But they’re good mates, if one played then the other played, and if one didn’t play then the other didn’t.”

Osborne said he was hopeful the two stalwarts would receive a fitting farewell if COVID restrictions permitted.

“It’s disappointing for the club’s supporters to say goodbye, but hopefully we get to do that this year at some stage, and farewell them in some way, shape or form,” he said.

“We just want to make it right for them and make it a farewell.”

Osborne said the club would look to key forward Ben Hickleton to help shoulder the load in the ruck this season, while tall mid James Belo could also expect to see time in the role after boasting some previous ruck experience with VFL club Coburg.

James Belo topped the ‘Roos goalkicking in 2019. Picture: Field of View Sports Photography
James Belo topped the ‘Roos goalkicking in 2019. Picture: Field of View Sports Photography

New recruit Hannin Mundy is another Osborne has earmarked to help fill the void as he embarks on his first season at the ‘Roos, and is set to benefit from the tutelage of Renton as a ruck mentor.

“He (Hannin) was at East Burwood and went through the Oakleigh Chargers system and had some injury problems through his time at Oakleigh Chargers,” Osborne said.

“He’s quite good mates with a few and he’s only 20 – he’s not as tall as ‘Rents’ and you just can’t replace people like that but what it brings for us is a bit of unpredictability.

“Hannin’s running ability is outstanding, very fit, very mobile, so he becomes another onballer for us – he’s the modern-day ruckman.”

Osborne said the ‘Roos new era would naturally bring about an on-field change in game-plan.

Meanwhile, long-serving captain Chris Cerni will share the role with James Belo this season.

“Our game-plan is to play a quicker brand of footy and a more exciting brand of footy and having mobile ruckmen helps that,” Osborne said.

“It’s the end of an era but it’s exciting in another way that this club’s going through some change, new coaches, new voices, some new players and new leadership as well.”

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/efl/efnl-2021-star-roos-big-men-andrew-renton-dean-cleven-call-it-a-day/news-story/73e1d27c1d3ac708a001ac07708f5d41