EFNL 2024: Riley Linke among recruits at reigning premier Rowville

Rowville’s premiership defence is uncharted territory for the coach and players – but it’s a challenge the club will embrace according to Ben Wise. And there’s been some signings ...

Rowville celebrates its 2023 top-flight premiership. Picture: Josh Chadwick

Rowville’s premiership defence is uncharted territory for the coach and players – but it’s a challenge the club will embrace according to mentor Ben Wise.

The Hawks toasted a maiden top-flight premiership in 2023, knocking over Vermont by 10 points in the decider following a grand final loss in 2022.

The club finished 10th of the division’s then-11 teams in 2021.

“I don’t think many paid us much respect (in 2022) and that was a big driver for us to demand that from the comp … we wanted to build a reputation as being a fierce and competitive footy side,” Wise said.

“Eyes were on us last year – we lost the first two games and the knives started coming out saying last year (2022) was a fluke.

“I think we had that expectation last year upon ourselves – and we just embraced it and thrived on it.

“Even to handle that expectation – I’ve never been in this position as a coach and the players are in the same boat – we’re riding it together.”

Excitement surrounds the arrival of young gun Riley Linke, who crosses from Division 2 club Mulgrave.

The 193cm talent is touted as “athletic with a huge motor and a lovely left shoe” by Wise, who has him earmarked for a “hybrid forward” role.

Riley Linke (right) in full flight for Caulfield Grammar. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Linke featured in Mulgrave’s seniors last season when not playing for Caulfield Grammar, and is the nephew of Rowville great, Paul ‘Monster’ Mynott.

“He sort of fell into our lap a little bit … (Riley) was really keen to play the best level of footy that he can,” Wise said.

“He wanted to get a VFL pre-season, so I’ve got him to go and have a run down at Carlton through (Blues’ VFL coach) Luke Power. It’ll be good exposure to go down there and experience what VFL football is like.

“He’s got a lot of growing into his body to come over the next couple of pre-seasons, but he moves really well … he’s got a beautiful left foot and marks the ball well.

“I see him as a hybrid forward … there’s great flexibility for him.”

Midfielder Liam Coghlan has crossed from Doncaster via VFL outfit Box Hill where he played most of his footy in 2023, and will be aligned with Port Melbourne this year.

Versatile defender Brayden Lapanche has linked with the Hawks, with the 2023 Eastern Ranges co-captain also listed at VFL outfit Casey.

Jake Arundell (South Adelaide, SANFL), Zac Greeves (Castlemaine, Bendigo FL) and Ryan Hall (Knox) are among the key departures.

Key back Kyle Stainthorpe has won a spot on Frankston’s VFL list, resuming his state league career following a previous stint with Casey.

He’s one of up to 12 Hawks set for VFL programs this season.

“We’ve pretty much held the (grand final) list together … a couple of boys have gone to VFL to have another crack at it, but as a coach I push them there to challenge themselves,” Wise said.

“(Stainthorpe) will be a big loss for us if he plays a lot of games at Frankston, but if he doesn’t, he’ll obviously be with us.”

Wise said the Hawks would continue to back their youth.

“I feel our list is really healthy … the hardest thing is, it’s hard to recruit when you’re at the top but it’s also hard to recruit when you’ve got such a young list that are all developing at the same time,” he said.

“I’m at the point where I think I’ve got a really good list in front of me and I’ve just got to add one or two around the same age.

“It’s a bit of a balancing act but I feel like we’ve got it right at the minute.”