MPNFL 2019: Dromana Tigers ready to tackle Division 1

Dromana coach Rikki Johnston says the Tigers can “surprise a few people’’ when they step up to MPNFL Division 1 this year.

Dromana players celebrate their win in last year’s MPNFL Division 2 grand final. The Tigers will step up to Division 1 this year. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dromana coach Rikki Johnston says the Tigers can “surprise a few people’’ when they step up to MPNFL Division 1 this year.

Dromana won the MPNFL Division 2 flag last September to earn promotion to the top flight for the first time in its history.

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“We are all really geared up and looking forward to it,’’ Johnston said.

“We’ve played against Sorrento, Frankston and Rosebud in the last couple of years but some of these other clubs, our club doesn’t have much history with at all.

Dromana players celebrate their premiership victory last September. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“It’s an exciting time for the club. We definitely think we will surprise a few people on the way out, no doubt.’’

Dromana has retained most of its premiership line-up, with the exception of Matt Price and Ben Holmes (49 goals last season) who have both retired.

As well, Shaun Clarke is having a shoulder reconstruction and will miss a large part of the season, and Dan Guerts has had hip surgery and might not play at all this year.

We are ready: Dromana coach Rikki Joohnston. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Matthew Gahan playing with the Stingrays.

Sam Fletcher of Vic Country kicks during the U18 nationals at the MCG last year.

Jai Taylor fires off a handball with the Stingrays.

Dromana’s additions will provide an injection of enthusiasm and class. Dandenong Stingrays premiership players Sam Fletcher, Jai Taylor and Matt Gahan were unlucky to be overlooked in the AFL draft and have joined VFL lists — but they’ve also made Dromana their home club.

Fletcher is on the Box Hill Hawks list, while Taylor and Gahan are Casey Demons-listed.

Former WAFL and NEAFL player Jake Hiep has also joined Dromana after doing a pre-season with Frankston Dolphins. He is working at the nearby Cerberus navy base.

In other news, Josh Bateman and Sam Fowler — among the best players in the grand final – have decided to play with Dromana full-time this year after being on Frankston’s VFL list.

Dromana’s pre-season will ramp up on Friday, March 1 when the Tigers take part in a competitive training session with Collingwood’s VFL side at the Holden Centre.

The session was teed up by former Dromana player Mitch Cook, who works as a pathways manager for Collingwood.

Dromana will have two practice games — against Seaford on March 16 at Linen House and Diamond Creek on March 23.