MPFNL: Mt Eliza retain all players and set sights on recruits for 2024

New Mt Eliza coach Rikki Johnston has revealed who’s on top of “the shopping list” as the Redlegs look to go two steps further in 2024.

Rikki Johnston is building a strong Mt Eliza list for 2024. Picture: Chris Eastman

New Mt Eliza coach Rikki Johnston has praised his predecessor Steve Brattle for being “really open and transparent”, while identifying the type of players the Redlegs need to recruit for 2024.

Johnston says Mt Eliza hopes to announce a star signing within days.

There’s speculation a former VFL captain is headed to Madsen Reserve.

“We identified a couple of older, mature on-field leaders are on top of the shopping list,” Johnston said.

“There’s one we will be able to announce early next week and there’s another who we think we’ve got squared away, in that late twenties bracket that has some experience in that kind of leadership coaching role.

“And I think that’s going to be a huge help.’’

Tom Kelly celebrates last season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mt Eliza had 12 wins and a draw this year as it made it to the last three in MPFNL Division 1, losing to Frankston YCW in the preliminary final by 10 points.

“I mean the talent’s there, there’s no doubt about that,” Johnston said.

“It’s probably more the continuity of the group staying together and playing more games together but also slotting in a few older heads with a bit more experience is going to be a big help.”

Johnston, a Dromana premiership coach, was announced as Mt Eliza’s next coach in May.

It was a succession type of arrangement, with incumbent Steve Brattle continuing in his role until season’s end.

Steve Brattle calling the shots during the 2023 season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Johnston praised Brattle for allowing him access to players throughout the season, and to get “a pretty big head start” on 2024 preparations.

“Getting the deal done in March or April or whatever it was and having this long run up has been good to get to know a lot of the players I didn’t know and shore up everything so we weren’t running around like headless chickens at this time of year,” Johnston said.

“With ‘Bratts’ being really open and transparent and giving me access to the players throughout the year has been a massive help.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“I ended up sitting in the box in one of the finals and I’ve been down to quite a few training sessions. He’s been great for me, and it’s just allowed me to get around and form some relationships with players.

“We will retain one hundred percent of the playing list from this year so every player who played a senior game will be back. That’s a huge part of the puzzle.”

Braden Nelmes.

Lachie Williams.

Johnston said former Melbourne captain Nathan Jones would play on next season.

“He will probably be looking to play eight to 10 games next year which is great for the club,” he said.

In other Redlegs news, Will Anthony will return to the action after missing 2023 with an ACL injury.

Star forward Lachie Williams will be back from overseas.

“There’s another very good player who’s been playing at another MPFNL club who is coming back as well,” Johnston said.

“He’s a multiple team of the year player who’s a Mt Eliza junior.

“There are going to be some good things fall our way organically and with those couple of extra players who come. Hopefully it will have us right at the pointy end.

“Obviously Dromana are going to be bloody tough but that’s a good challenge to have.”