EFNL 2024: How Mitcham is shaping for Premier Division leap in 2025

It’s been almost two decades since the Tigers contested Eastern’s top division – and the local footy power has been busily bolstering its list ahead of its return.

EFNL 2024: Mitcham celebrates back-to-back flags in Division 1. Picture: Field of View Photography

Top-division football awaits for the first time in almost two decades.

Mitcham has been busily bolstering its list ahead of its top-flight return following back-to-back premierships in Division 1, with four-time flag coach Neil Winterton confident the club’s latest additions can address key areas of need.

Dual Bentleigh best and fairest winners Liam Hewish and Michael Rogers have crossed from the Southern league, with a connection to Tigers’ ruckman Danny Baglava helping land the duo.

Hewish brings more than 150 games’ experience, while Rogers, a former Sandringham Dragon, was named captain of Bentleigh at just 20 years of age in 2019.

“Both (Michael) and Liam are looking for a fresh start,” Winterton said.

“We’re really excited about what they’re going to add – Michael will play probably across half-back, but has the ability to play through the midfield or on the wing.

“Liam’s more a key defender, he’s also had a bit of trouble with his body as well so we’re hoping with a bit of a fresh start he can get that back where he’d like it.

“He’s a big body so we think he might be able to add something because we do need to add to our key position stocks, particularly down back.”

Rogers kicks clear for Bentleigh. Picture: Steve Tanner

Meanwhile, brothers Emi and Ezi Aleixo have crossed from Division 2 club Croydon.

Emi returns to the league’s Premier Division after a stint at Vermont where he played 16 senior games in 2022. He was also at Frankston VFL in 2023 before a knee injury put paid to his time in the state league. Ezi featured in two senior finals for Croydon in 2024.

“Emi is an in-and-under mid with good speed … Ezi is a small, pressure forward, which we’re always looking to add those sorts of players in. We think both of those can add to our team,” Winterton said.

“They’ve both played juniors at Mitcham as well.”

Medium-sized forward Jack Kritopoulos has also signed from Premier Division rival, Blackburn.

The former Eastern Ranges talent played most of his footy in the reserves this season with a smattering of senior appearances, kicking 21 goals from 16 showings in the twos and 10 majors from four top-flight matches – including six goals against Norwood.

“He was looking for a little bit more opportunity, which we feel we can give him in our forward line,” Winterton said.

“I’ve watched some of his vision … he looks like he’s got good speed, nice hands and can finish off.”

Winterton said most of the list had re-signed – but 2023 premiership defender Daniel Houeix has departed for Division 1 outfit Boronia.

The Tigers last contested the Eastern league’s premier grade – then known as Division 1 – in 2006, and the coach was confident the group was primed for the challenge.

EFNL 2024: Mitcham's Jesse Uren. Picture: Leesa Clarkson

“They’re in that right age bracket now – I think our average age is going to be 23 or 24, so they’re right in that wheelhouse of playing their best footy,” Winterton said.

“The last two seasons we’ve been the hunted team, and now we’re hunting the Balwyns, East Ringwoods, Doncaster Easts and those sorts of teams.

“We’ve been in Division 1 for four or five years now, and you get used to playing the same teams year after year … a lot of them (our players) have probably never played Vermont or Balwyn or Noble Park.

“It’s a really exciting challenge for us.”

Mitcham opens its season at home to Vermont on April 13.