MPFNL 2024: Late signing for reigning Division 1 premiers Dromana

An unexpected recruit, Jake Aarts’ new role and a major structural change…Dromana is set for changes as it begins its MPFNL premiership defence.

Jack Arceri with the ball for Woodend-Hesket last season. He’s joined Dromana. Photo: Hamish Blair

Reigning premiers Dromana has further strengthened its list with an unexpected signing.

Woodend-Hesket midfielder Jack Arceri “just walked in off the street”, according to new Dromana coach Ben Holmes.

“He’s been a really handy pick up,” Holmes said.

“He goes well. He will be another player to go through the midfield for us.”

Arceri booted 24 goals in 20 appearances for Woodend-Hesket last season, helping the Hawks to the Riddell league grand final. He previously played at Aberfeldie in the Eastern league.

Dromana has also regained young ruckman Josh Smith, who played 15 games in Mt Eliza’s seniors last season.

Jake Aarts of the Tigers is tackled by Kyle Hutchison (left) and Lachlan Wallace of the Stonecats during the 2023 MPFNL Division 1 grand final. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Meanwhile, Dromana’s league medal-winning ex-AFL star Jake Aarts has stepped into a playing assistant coaching role.

“He’s doing a lot of work with the mids,” Holmes said.

Holmes said the Tigers would tailor a training program for Aarts in a bid to continue to get the best out of the 29-year-old.

“He will obviously get a fair bit of attention this year so we will have to monitor his workload,” Holmes said.

“We’ve got young kids who can take a lot more of the brunt than last year who we got good games into, so they will go through the midfield a lot more.”

Holmes said a noticeable difference in Dromana’s side this year will be its forward line.

“Our forward line will very different this year,” he said.

“We’ve got a lot more height coming through.’’

Billy Geurts.

Taylor Davidson. (Photos by Josh Chadwick)

Tall forward Nathan Higgins, after missing last season travelling, is back to provide another avenue to goal for the Tigers.

“Structurally we will look a lot different up forward,” Holmes said.

“That will be the biggest change to our team.”

Holmes said Hastings recruit Clayton Gay was likely to play up forward this year.

“We’ve got a strong backline so it gives us the luxury of using his foot skills; he will probably play as a high half forward,’’ Holmes said of Gay.

“It gives us some options — Higgins, Smith, (Taylor) Davidson and Billy Geurts can all roll as that tall third forward.

“We haven’t really played a tall forward line in the past. We’ll play around with it in the praccy matches.”

Holmes also said Noble Park recruit Ryan Morrison had fitted in “like a glove”.

“He’s awesome, been terrific, brought some new leadership to the backline and I can’t wait to watch him play, he’s going to be real good,” Holmes said.

Dromana had a match sim hit out with Somerville on Monday night.

“We did a number of different kind of stoppage work, kicking into each other’s zones and things like that,’’ Holmes said.

“The boys had a good hit out at each for about an hour.’’

Dromana plays its first practice match on Saturday when it meets Park Orchards at Linen House in Seaford. The Tigers then play Bayswater the following week at Beleura.