Local footy: The teams catching our eye during the 2025 pre-season
From clubs with massive off-season recruiting drives to those who need to live up to the pressure, these are the local footy teams you need to keep an eye on in 2025.
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The 2025 local footy season is quickly approaching.
As the first bounce draws closer, talk surrounding clubs throughout metro Melbourne is only growing.
Now Leader Local Footy’s writers have come together to pick the teams with the most interesting storylines heading into the new year.
Here are the teams you need to keep an eye on.
Balwyn, Eastern
All eyes will be on reigning top-division premier Balwyn in its flag defence under former Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson. The Tigers have recruited handily, including former Carlton VFL co-captain Lachie Young and SANFL premiership wingman Steve Slimming, while ex-Port Adelaide and St Kilda defender Jarrod Lienert has aligned with the club. Can the Tigers go back-to-back?
Berwick Springs, Southern
After crossing from the Outer East competition, the Titans have been slotted into Division 3. They’ve added some exciting names while coach Hayden Stagg is set to return from an ACL injury.
Boronia, Eastern
Consecutive league restructures meant it had to win the flag three times in the same tier of competition to earn a promotion, but at long last, Division 1 football awaits the Hawks. Back-to-back flags in Division 2 and a combined two losses across the past two seasons says they’ve been ready to make the jump for some time. Led by the likes of young gun Mitch Mellis – who won a second-straight Division 2 league medal last season – and ex-AFL Bomber Josh Begley (grand final best-afield and a comp-leading 54 goals last season), the Hawks enter the league’s second tier loaded with weapons. Topped up with recruits to key areas, and four-time Eastern premiership coach Matt Clark is confident his group can make a splash this season.
Caroline Springs, Western
The club led by former AFL defender Brian Lake endured a horror run with injury last season, eventually missing finals. But they’ve been moving along nicely in the off-season with some exciting additions who should have them in the mix for the Division 1 top-five.
Chelsea, Mornington Peninsula
The Seagulls were just one straight kick away from winning the flag last season — after coming from seventh the year before. Can they continue their rise and go all the way? One of Chelsea’s strengths is its scoring ability, with the likes of Jesse Davies, Anthony Beale, Jack Francis, Jack Wallace and John Simson.
Diamond Creek, Northern
Can the Creekers go again or has their opportunity passed? After two Division 2 grand final defeats, can the club get back to the summit one more time and take that step onto the premiership dais. Darcy Laurie, Ty Franks, Bailey Griffiths and Bronson Hill are all quality additions. Depth is certainly no issue with the Creekers’ reserves going through undefeated until a shock grand final defeat.
Deer Park, Essendon District
One of the most talked about local footy sides of last 15 years. The Lions finished seventh in their maiden Premier Division campaign in 2024 but after another massive recruiting push, could finals footy be on the way?
De La Salle, VAFA
After promotion to the top tier, De La have added plenty of talent as they aim to remain in the VAFA’s top tier.
Dingley, Southern
After losing the Division 1 grand final last year, the Dingoes have brought in a series of big name recruits to help them go one step better. They’re an experienced football team with an older group, can they make one final push?
Doncaster East, Eastern
It’s been another off-season of top-drawer recruiting at Zerbes Reserve – but perhaps none more important than this time around. The Lions slid from preliminary finalist to eighth last season, banking just five wins – but the signing of former AFL forward Josh Schache, ex-VFL midfielder Tom Maloney and young gun Jay Rankin has the coach bullish his group can rebound. With heavy recruiting comes lofty expectations, and attention of Eastern pundits will be firmly on the Lions in their bid to return to September.
East Brighton, Southern
After a middle of the pack finish in 2024, a raft of recruits – headlined by former AFL defender Alex Keath and Ben Reid – has put a big watch on the Vampires. Coach Nick Jewell has said the recruits will be key in filling the holes he discovered after promotion at the end of 2023.
East Keilor, Essendon District
It’s been a major off-season of change at the Cougars who have lost a host of key players but have been bolstered by plenty of fresh faces. The major question is, can they survive in the top tier?
East Ringwood, Eastern
A heartbreaking two-point loss in the Premier Division grand final has driven the Roos all off-season. Finishing on top of the ladder in the home-and-away campaign last year to mark a second consecutive finals appearance, the club has proven it belongs at the level. Can it harness the heartbreak and win its first top-division cup since 2002?
Edithvale-Aspendale, Mornington Peninsula, Division 1
It’s always hard for teams rising from Division 2, but the Eagles look to have the talent to more-than-make an impact in the top flight. Boom recruit Jordan Gallucci joins the brilliant Kurt Lopo in an Eagles’ midfield sure to cause opposition headaches.
Hampton Park, Southern
The Division 2 club has been on a recruiting extravaganza throughout the off-season as they aim for a premiership push. Mason Hawkins, a ruckman from Vermont, is one of the headline inclusions. Luke Bull takes over as a playing-coach this year.
Healesville, Outer East
The Bloods capped a fabulous ‘24 season with a resounding premiership victory. Gone, though, are experienced stars Luke Potts, Aaron Edwards and Levi Greenwood. Quality players Nick Mende, Max Donegan, Charlie Warren and co will be even more crucial this year.
Heidelberg, Northern
You would like the three-time Division 1 reigning premier would be a known commodity but the Tigers have arguably been the top recruiter in the Northern league this off-season. Heidelberg has strengthened an already powerful list with the likes of favourite sons Sam Gilmore, Jesse Kane, Matt Cecchin and Kai Kearns. Ethan Johnstone has arrived from MPFNL power Dromana, while VFL-listed talents Angus Curry, Kristian Ferronato and Marcus Herbert have also jumped on board.
Melton South, Riddell District
The Panthers are returning to the Riddell District for the first time since 1996 and have made a big splash. South has secured Richmond premiership star Marlion Pickett and fellow ex-AFL star Sam Darley, as well as goalkicker Alec Goodson and talented brothers Will and Jacob Thornton-Gielen. With all that, the first goal is to break its current 39-game losing streak dating back to 2022.
Mitcham, Eastern
For the first time since 2006, the Tigers take on the league’s Premier Division. And they hit the top-flight with the momentum of three premierships in four completed seasons. Led by its longest-serving coach Neil Winterton – who has led the club to four flags and a mighty climb up the grades – he says it’s leap his group is set to embrace: “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 … it’s a really exciting challenge for us.” Can one of local footy’s rapidly rising powers match it with the best?
Mordialloc, Southern
After dropping down to Division 2, the Bloods have managed to add some much-needed experience and leadership in the off-season. They’ve had their first full pre-season under coach Josh Jewell which gives Mordialloc a good platform to build off.
Narre Warren, Southern
The big question is where do the Magpies fit in their new competition after crossing from the Outer East. They were a powerhouse in their former competition but can they compete against the Southern league’s best?
Newport, Western
As the Panthers prepare to embark on their maiden Division 1 season, there’s plenty of reasons to keep an eye on them. They’ve recruited strongly, highlighted by ex-AFL gun Bachar Houli, and will be determined to make their mark.
Noble Park, Eastern
It lost a star quartet at the end of last season, with nine-time best and fairest Kyle Martin departing alongside Chandler medallist Jackson Sketcher and mainstays Luke Bull and Chris Horton-Milne. It’s a heavy loss for any club all at once, and it’s been a quiet off-season on the recruiting front. The Bulls celebrate their 25th anniversary in the Eastern league this year and will be watched with great interest as it embarks on a new era on the field.
Oak Park, Essendon District
After playing finals following promotion to Division 1, Todd Clark’s side will be eyeing a potential place in the top-three after an impressive recruiting drive.
Old Brighton, VAFA
After the Tonners fell short last year, they’ll be right in the mix for the Premier Men’s flag once again. They’ve welcomed back some big names to help boost those hopes.
Old Ivanhoe, VAFA
The Hoers impressed after promotion to the second tier last season and again have made some big splashes in the off-season. Ex-AFL names Alex Mirkov and Patrick Naish are back at the club and add immediate class to the middle of the ground.
Pakenham, Outer East, Division One
The Lions have a new coach, key recruits and a new-found determination after dropping down from the top flight. Justin Stanton, after steering Nar Nar Goon to a premiership, takes the coaching reins and he has a proven record of building lists to play finals consistently.
Pearcedale, Mornington Peninsula
Coach Peter Bastinac partners up with brilliant forward Brett Eddy to form a coaching partnership as the Dales look to claim the ultimate prize after three successive finals appearances. Their youngsters are now seasoned performers, ready to raise the bar.
Prahran, VAFA
Into the Premier divisions of the VAFA, Prahran are aiming to continue their rise and have been buoyed by an impressive off-season. It’s an exciting time for a club which is lauding the brand new facilities at its home ground.
Rosebud, Mornington Peninsula, Division 1
The Buds were the big improvers last season, jumping from eighth to fourth and winning a final. It will be interesting to see if Danny Ades’ side can take the next step and become a genuine flag contender in 2025. Gun recruits Mitch White, Lachy Williams and Nick Mason will slot in nicely alongside key men Jake Carosella, Campbell Hustwaite and Stephen Cumming.
South Morang, Northern
Two premierships in three seasons has seen the Lions go from Division 3 to Division 1 in the blink of an eye. Can they handle the step up to the top flight? South had been quiet on the recruiting front, trusting its flag-winning squad, but pulled off one of the recruiting coups of the summer by signing ex-Richmond forward Noah Cumberland. Survival this season would be a significant achievement.
St Bede’s Mentone, VAFA
After relegation to the third tier, there’s a sense of optimism around the Tigers. There has been some list turnover but there’s plenty of young exciting talent looking to take their chance. They’ve also welcomed back some experienced players.
Surrey Park, Eastern
Achieved the rare feat of winning a flag immediately after promotion last season, making it two in two years – in Division 4, then in Division 3. Now the rapidly-rising Eastern outfit readies for Division 2, flush with recruits and re-signed premiership talent.
Taylors Lakes, Essendon District
After winning the Division 2 flag last season, the Lions are arriving in the second tier with a bang, securing a host of impressive signings. Given how close the competition was last season, a finals push might not be out of the question.
Wallan, Riddell District
The beaten grand finalist has gone hard in the off-season, securing the likes of Victor Micallef, Jeremy Hayes, Cameron Cloke and maybe Harley Short if Roxburgh Park let him go. The Magpies are going all out to win a premiership and end the club’s drought in the 40th anniversary season of its 1985 triumph.
Wandin, Outer East
The perennial contenders were stinging after losing the grand final. But with Narre Warren no longer in the competition, it could open the door for the Bulldogs to assert their authority.
Wyndhamvale, Western
The pressure is on the Falcons this season. They finished the highest of any team which remains in Division 2 from last season with Albion, Newport and Sunshine all moving to the top tier. They’ve added a couple of new faces and many are expecting them to lift the Cup.
Bullants aim to grow consistency in season 2025
Preston Bullants have made a long-term commitment to their senior coach and now the club is determined to see the young list thrive. Three impressive recruits will help lead the way in 2025.
Double recruiting coup strengthens Mernda’s flag ambition
A fully fit Billy Morrison and Brent Marshall put Mernda in premiership contention, securing two gun recruits on the eve of the season could take the Demons all the way.