EFNL 2024: New-look Heathmont’s ‘burning desire’ to rebound from grand final loss

The Jets are set to roll out a host of new recruits as they launch the Eastern league season on Friday night, following Division 2 grand final heartbreak last year.

Heathmont coach Scott Hamill. Picture: Davis Harrigan

A new-look Heathmont side is set to be rolled out under lights as it begins its bid to bounce back from grand final heartbreak.

The Jets will open the Eastern league season at home against The Basin on Friday night, with a host of recruits set to debut.

Norwood quartet Dylan Feltham, James Feltham, Braden Bird and Dan Young are among the new names, alongside Lachie Jackson (Croydon) and Mitch Jones (Birregurra, Colac & District league).

Playing-assistant and former Premier Division name Michael Pearson is also set to return after missing most of last season through injury.

“It probably (will be) a new-look side that will run out on Friday night,” Heathmont senior coach Scott Hamill said.

“But when you look at it, the guys we’ve got across have actually all played a lot of footy together … junior footy, TAC Cup … even though we do have a lot of new players, we do have a bit of consistency in our playing list.”

Heathmont lost last year’s Division 2 grand final to Boronia by 32 points after leading at the half.

Hamill said the feeling had stuck with his side all off-season.

“In a way we’ve tried to look forward, but I’d be lying if I said there hadn’t been a burning desire and that angst of losing a grand final,” he said.

“You always want to get back and it’s always a disappointing result to lose a grand final, but we’re definitely pushing forward.

“We believe we’ve recruited really well, and we’re well placed, but it’s going to be a tough division.”

Harry Isaacs has been a notable departure this off-season, linking with SANFL club North Adelaide.

The tall talent made the Division 2 Team of the Year at centre half-back last season.

Isaacs flies for a grab. Picture: Andy Brownbill

But the young gun’s exit could be offset by signings Young and Jones, said to be more than capable in the key back post.

“He’s six-foot-two, 90kg and an ultra-marathon runner,” Hamill said of Jones.

The Basin has arguably been Division 2’s most active club in recruiting this off-season and could also roll out a host of new names on Friday night.

Former VFL Northern Blue Lachlan Moss, experienced premiership defender Troy Wright, ex-AFL-listed Kangaroo Joel Perry and champion forward Billy Schilling are among the Bears’ haul.

“I think they will be a different looking side as we will be … as we do each week we always respect our opposition,” Hamill said.

“Round 1 is just about getting it right from our end and playing with that intensity and energy that we played with last year.”

Round 1: Heathmont vs. The Basin – Friday, April 5, H.E Parker Reserve at 7pm