All the ins and outs and key players at every NFNL Division 3 club for 2024

Throw a blanket over a host of teams as the premiership race begins in a new-look 11-team NFNL Division 3. Check out every club’s ins and outs and key players.

Ultimate NFNL Division 3 season preview.

Throw a blanket over seven or eight clubs in the NFNL Division 3 premiership race.

An expanded 11-club competition has seen the finals increased to top-five and, still, there’s going to be some very good teams miss out.

The addition of Old Paradians and Ivanhoe adds another layer of mystery, while Reservoir and Lalor will be far from the easybeats they were previously.

The off-season saw an eye-opening arms race with big-name players such as Brent Macaffer, Sam Gilmore, Brent Marshall and Neville Jetta coming in.

Fitzroy Stars will be vastly improved, Epping has bolstered its squad after suffering relegation and Heidelberg West and Kilmore are desperate for finals football.

Check out every club’s ins and outs and key players for 2024 and our season predictions below.

Epping are coming back to Division 3 after relegation in 2023. Picture: Valerie Campan

EPPING

Last season: 10th Division 2, relegation (1-0-17, 49.10%)

Coach: Brad Hollow (first year)

Captain: Leigh Judd

Ins: Liam Waldron (Eltham), Michael Gillard (Broadford), Jordan Sacca (Reservoir), Seb Latina (Macleod), Daniel Gennaccaro (Preston Bullants), Adrian Cirianni (Northcote Park), Dallyce Taylor (Northcote Park), James Tadd (Northcote Park), Marc Tartaglia (Keilor), Reece Field (Albanvale), Jaedyn Kearney (Old Eltham Collegians), Corey Middleton (Eltham), Ostinn Bellingham (Albanvale), Adrian Alfonsi (Watsonia)

Outs: Ethan Gorski (Panton Hill), Caleb Newport (Whittlesea), James Stockwell, Tom Stockwell, Bailey Caldow, Jackson Bailey, Ethan Kunelius, Clark Sloan (Whittlesea), Matt Harrington, Andrew Denoon, Alo Taiatia

Key player: Leigh Judd

Despite Epping’s struggles last season, Judd still earnt Team of the Year selection, highlighting his impact and influence in a struggling team. Expect him to be even more determined this season to lift his club back up.

Verdict: The Pingers have made a solid start, earning a Good Friday win over Lalor. It was the club’s first win since May last year. New coach Brad Hollow said it had been a good hitout for his team, pleased with how his players ran out the game. He also warned rivals Lalor was no longer an easybeat side. A host of old boys have returned to the club to try and help it bounce straight back up, while the likes of Seb Latina, Reece Field and Adrian Alfonsi are other quality recruits. A finals appearance is the minimum expectation. Finish: 4th

FITZROY STARS

Last season: 7th (5-0-11, 95.98%)

Coach: Lionel Proctor (fourth year)

Captain: Jai Burns & Kain Proctor

Ins: Desmond Tipuamantumirri (Rumbalara), Neville Jetta (Bundoora), Kain Proctor (Bundoora), Patrick Farrant (Bridgetown), Alex Williamson (Heidelberg West), Ralph Bamblett (Bundoora), Jacob Bamblett (Mernda), Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson (Mernda)

Outs: Dylan Harvey, Rex Taylor (Rumbalara)

Key player: Jai Burns

Earned high finishes in the league best-and-fairest and Coaches’ MVP in his return to Sir Doug Nicholls Oval last season and is expected to only get better with the arrival of old Bundoora running mate Kain Proctor.

Verdict: There was no more disappointing team last season than Fitzroy Stars. There’s no team with higher expectations on it this season than Fitzroy Stars. The club has brought in arguably the strongest recruiting crop in the entire Northern league. The likes of Kain Proctor and Alex Williamson are strong additions. It remains to be seen how much Patrick Farrant will play after securing a VFL contract at Collingwood, while Tyson Pickett is on the Northern Bullants list and Neville Jetta has coaching duties at the Magpies. On paper, the Stars’ strongest team earns it a top-three finish. Finish: 3rd

Al Norris in action for Fitzroy Stars.

HEIDELBERG WEST

Last season: 5th (10-0-6, 158.00%)

Coach: Dale Mayne (first year)

Captain: Nick Paton

Ins: Max Brown (Beverley Hills), Aaron Smith (Banyule), Patrick Molony, Mitch Kerrison (Banyule), Anton Accetta (Banyule), Callum Moore (Coburg Districts), Michael Italia (Banyule), Aaron Scott (Diamond Creek), James Condello (Macleod), Liam Wanders (Macleod), Dalton Doherty (Macleod), Jordan Vellios, Mitch Thompson (Banyule), Jacob Smith (Macleod)

Outs: Bradley Moore (Diamond Creek), Louis Hill (North Heidelberg), Alex Williamson (Fitzroy Stars), Lachie Evans (Burnside Heights), Daniel Kelly

Key player: Jordan Bulman

The reigning Kelvin Wood Medallist has been elevated to stand-alone vice-captain this season, highlighting his impact on the playing group. A big year will go a long way to West making finals.

Verdict: What to make of Heidelberg West? The Hawks have recruited strongly but have also lost considerable talent over summer. Brad Moore, Alex Williamson and Lachie Evans are almost impossible to replace. On the other hand, Michael Italia, James Condello, Liam Wanders, Jordan Vellios and Jacob Smith are all good gets. West is in the conversation for a finish anywhere from third to seventh with the quality of clubs competing this season. Will the 30-year finals drought finally end? Finish: 6th

IVANHOE

Last season: 10th VAFA Division 1 (2-0-16, 53.63%)

Coach: Wayne Schultz (second year)

Captain: Danny Jones & Connor O’Brien

Ins: Scott Selwood, Ben Ernst (Noble Park), Ant Willison (Old Ivanhoe), Will Drapac (Banyule), Jack Welham (Old Ivanhoe), Jamie Lay (Kew), Kane Veliou (Heidelberg), Sam Aanensen, Jacob Martin

Outs: Dylan Birdo

Key player: Nick Vines

One of Ivanhoe’s most consistent players in a difficult season. Vines booted 15 goals from 12 goals, including bags of four against Old Peninsula and Preston Bullants. Will be one of the club’s focal points this season.

Verdict: The Hoers experienced a difficult 2023 campaign that saw them win just two matches in VAFA Division 1. A switch to the Northern league certainly won’t make life any easier and 2024 looms as a learning season. The club has had great success recruiting former juniors and that will only increase in the years to come as it provides an improved level of football. Expect the unexpected this season, especially if gun key forward Ash Close and ex-AFL star Scott Selwood are available when not coaching Oakleigh Cannons and Collingwood respectively. Finish: 9th

Wayne Schultz will coach Ivanhoe in its NFNL return. Picture: Andy Brownbill

KILMORE

Last season: 6th (6-0-10, 120.00%)

Coach: Paul Derrick (second year)

Captain: Mick Marrett

Ins: Luke Chapman (Longwood), Josh Coe (Mernda), Jake Hall (Broadford), Kye Maher (North Heidelberg), Ryan Bailey (Macleod), Mitch van de Duim (Longwood), Ben Barton (Colbinabbin), Brian Lawrence (Wallan), Brad Deed (Laurimar), Damian Johnstone

Outs: Riley McLaughlin, Ethan Fitzpatrick (Rupertswood)

Key player: Chris Barton

The three-time Team of the Year gun is one of the leading midfielders in the competition. He’ll again be a key playmaker for Kilmore as it looks to jumps back into finals contention.

Verdict: The Blues fell off the pace last season but have made some big strides over the off-season in a bid to jump back into the top-five fight. The likes of Luke Chapman, Kye Maher, Ryan Bailey, Ben Barton and Joe Coe should be key players. The return of ace forward Bailey Taylor-Egan from concussion issues is arguably the biggest boost of all. Clancy Reserve should provide enough home ground advantage to secure a number of wins. Will it be enough to earn a top-five finish, only time will tell. The Blues could finish anywhere from fourth to seventh. Finish: 7th

KINGLAKE

Last season: 3rd, elimination final (12-0-5, 183.73%)

Coach: David Florance (first year)

Captain: Bailey Robinson

Ins: Shane Harvey (North Heidelberg), Elliot Kynaston (Avenal), Mitch Skipper (Lower Plenty)

Outs: Matthew Coen (Whittlesea), Matt Langford (Whittlesea), Joel Slattery

Key player: Leigh Gilbert

The evergreen star booted 44 goals in 14 matches last season after a mid-season move into attack. Still capable of making an impact running through the midfield but could form a dangerous triumvirate alongside Damien Pywell and Shane Harvey.

Verdict: Based on last season, the Lakers’ strong home ground advantage could bank it eight wins straight away, which will have it among the strongest top-five contenders. Only a late-season dip in form denied it a second chance and resulted in an elimination final defeat in an impressive NFNL return last year. The squad is largely the same with the addition of goalkicking legend Shane Harvey, who should excel at the level after dominating Division 1 for so long. Finish: 5th

Brock Greaves of Kinglake and Lalor’s Thomas Burn battle in the ruck. Picture: Hamish Blair

LALOR

Last season: 9th (0-0-16, 15.40%)

Coach: Lance Whitnall (first year)

Captain: Scott Dickson

Ins: Chris Zabrieszach (Thomastown), Exavier Whitnall (Bundoora), Nathan Parkes (Preston Bullants), Dev Pretty (Kilmore), Seb Pretty (Wallan), Nathan Stamkovski (North Heidelberg), Ethan Hope (Hadfield), Nick Caldone (Maribyrnong Park), Sam Rexhepi (Craigieburn), Hayden Hunt (North Heidelberg), Heath Patton (Maribyrnong Park), Ashley Patton, James Todoroski (Maribyrnong Park), Luke Decarne (Masala), Michael Boyle (Laurimar)

Outs: Nadem Taha (North Heidelberg)

Key player: Nick Anastasi

The reigning club best-and-fairest winner also led the club in Coaches’ MVP votes and will again be an important figure if the Bloods are to claim a breakthrough victory this season.

Verdict: Is favourite son Lance Whitnall the saviour? There certainly seems to be a bigger air of optimism and confidence at Sydney Crescent heading into 2024 than in previous seasons. The Good Friday performance against Epping would appear to back that up. The Bloods pushed an expected premiership contender, scoring 50 points – something they only did twice last season. Experienced talents such as Nathan Parkes, Hayden Hunt, Heath Patton and Sam Rexhepi make the club instantly better. The win-loss column remains largely irrelevant but we should expect improved competitiveness in games and reduced margins. Finish: 11th

MERNDA

Last season: minor premier, grand final (15-0-4, 231.75%)

Coach: Rob Fletcher (fourth year)

Captain: Angus Mills & Matthew Golledge

Ins: Travis Keating (Craigieburn), Josh Mazzarella (Thomastown), Brent Marshall (Bundoora), Jake Bennett (Bundoora), Aydin Kesici (Tatura)

Outs: Josh Coe (Kilmore), Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson (Fitzroy Stars)

Key player: Kai Turner

Produced a breakout season last year, earning Team of the Year honours at half-back. One of the best intercept-marking defenders in the competition and a key springboard for the Demons’ offence.

Verdict: Is the flag the Demons to lose? They and Laurimar were certainly a class above last season and only the craziest final five minutes of last year’s grand final denied them a premiership. Unfortunately, Billy Morrison won’t be available for the majority of the season after injuring his knee in those dying stages of the grand final but it’s hoped he’ll return in time for finals. Mernda’s recruiting has only strengthened the club with the likes of Brent Marshall, Travis Keating, Aydin Kesici and Josh Mazzarella coming in. Finish: 1st

OLD ELTHAM COLLEGIANS

Last season: 4th, preliminary final (11-0-7, 195.31%)

Coach: Matt Sleeman (fourth year)

Captain: Eden Simpson

Ins: Micky Glouftis (Panton Hill), Campbell Prior (Panton Hill), Lochi Uwland (Greensborough), Bradyn Taglieri (Eltham), Bryce Fleming (Broadford), Kieran Malone (Warrandyte), Nicholas Osborne (Lower Plenty), Brent Macaffer (Tooradin-Dalmore), Beaudie Maroney (West Preston-Lakeside), Sean Leerson (Cardross), Ben Taylor (Power House)

Outs: Jaedyn Kearney (Epping), Sebastian Francis-Perkins (Banyule), Luke Crowley (Whittlesea)

Key player: Tim Ellis

The gun defender will once again anchor the Turtles backline. Capable of taking crucial intercept marks and launching Collegians’ attack. Two-time Team of the Year weapon.

Verdict: Back-to-back preliminary finals and a strong summer recruiting campaign makes Old Eltham the main premiership rival to Mernda heading into Round 1. And funnily enough, the pair face off in a blockbuster season-opener at Eltham College. Brent Macaffer’s inclusion would be enough to elevate any club, while the likes of Beaudie Maroney, Bradyn Taglieri and Kieran Malone bring Division 1-level experience. Fair to say a preliminary final won’t cut it this season. Finish: 2nd

OLD PARADIANS

Last season: 7th VAFA Division 2 (6-1-11, 85.92%)

Coach: Ben Turner (first year)

Captain: Marcus Nolan

Ins: Sean Desmond (Eltham), Joel Tolli (Eltham), Mitch Merkel (Panton Hill), Kyle O’Sullivan (Eltham), Sam Gilmore (Heidelberg), Will Gilmore, Declan Brunskill (Cobram), Luke Ericson (Eltham), Jack Witchell (Banyule)

Outs: Luke Brock (Moonee Valley)

Key player: Marcus Nolan

Claimed a club record fifth Frank Mount Trophy last season and is a strong chance to make it six this season as a key piece of the club’s midfield. Could look even better roving under Sam Gilmore.

Verdict: Into the great unknown for the Raiders. Unlike their ex-VAFA counterpart Ivanhoe, Paradians at least come into the season with some form after six wins in Division 2 last season and have made a splash on the recruiting market. Heidelberg premiership captain Sam Gilmore comes on board, his brother Will returns, and experienced heads such as Mitch Merkel will also play a key role. We’re expecting a finish anywhere from fifth to eighth as it settles into the NFNL. Finish: 8th

RESERVOIR

Last season: 8th (2-0-14, 22.33%)

Coach: Rohan Davies (first year)

Captain: Zechariah Cuppins

Ins: Mark Ferraro (Templestowe), Dean Johnson, Steve Smith, James El Moussalli, Ayce Taylor (Crib Point), Jack Craig-Smith (Mooroolbark), Zechariah Cuppins (Mulwala), Jake Lynch, Murphy Del Rosario (Tarneit), Chris Hill

Outs: Ryan Evans (Bundoora), Jordan Sacca (Epping), John Abouhaila (Watsonia)

Key player: Rob Holland

A shining light in midfield for Reservoir in recent seasons. New coach Rohan Davies is confident, with the talent brought in in the off-season in support, that Holland can go to another level in 2024.

Verdict: The Mustangs picked up two wins last season, both against Lalor, but struggled to be competitive against any other club in the competition. That will change this season with new coach Rohan Davies bringing in some quality talent and the club avoiding mass exoduses that have plagued it in previous seasons. Look out for Cuppins, who played in Mulwala’s 2023 Murray league flag under Davies, as his instant impact at Crispe Park has seen him named club captain. Finish: 10th