Eltham coach Tim Bongetti discusses the Panthers’ expectations, preparations

31 for 31: Eltham has successfully completed the first two steps of its five-year plan. Coach Tim Bongetti reveals the club’s ambition for year three.

Jesse Donaldson in action for Eltham. Picture: Field of View Photography

Year 1: win the Division 2 premiership. Tick.

Year 2: survive in Division 1 return. Tick.

Year 3: mid-table, maybe even challenge for top-five. ???

Eltham’s five-year plan under Tim Bongetti is on track and now with a season under its belt the club is confident it can continue to cement its position in the top-flight.

The Panthers won five games in their NFNL Division 1 return last season, finishing ninth.

Eltham players celebrate a goal. Picture: Field of View Photography

Bongetti said his players now knew what it takes to compete at the level and had returned to training accordingly.

“The way the boys came back was unbelievable, in their fitness and approach knowing what it takes to play Division 1 footy,” Bongetti said.

“We started off on the right foot and then we’ve had massive numbers, with two under-19s sides, and been able to work on a lot of our match sim and competitive stuff because we’ve had the numbers to do so.

“I’d love to play for anywhere from seventh to fifth spot, we finished in the bottom three and now let’s see if we can push for the next three.

“My five-year plan when I got the job was to get back to Div 1, to stay in Div 1 and then challenge for fifth spot and we’re on par with the plan.

“Definitely then, the fourth and fifth year to play finals.”

Premiership captain Darcy Vallance (Old Paradians) is the only major departure at Central Park.

While the star defender is almost irreplaceable, the club has bolstered its list with the likes of Alex Jacobs (Northern Bullants/Myrtleford) and Kai Turner (Mernda).

“With Darcy, the biggest thing he gave us was his experience and leadership, as one of only three who had played Div 1 footy when we went up,” Bongetti said.

“Understanding the game and articulating the game to others, I don’t think we can replace him in that, but Alex and Kai are definitely quality footballers.”

Darcy Vallance has joined Old Paradians. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Kieren Malone (clearance pending), Matt Keys and Bradyn Taglieri have all jumped across from Division 3 club Old Eltham Collegians, while Jye Murphy (Watsonia) has also submitted a clearance.

Malone would slot into the Panthers’ forward line and play through the midfield, while Murphy is an inside contested ball-winner.

Eltham will need to find another level in attack after ranking 10th in points for last season, while the defence was ninth overall.

Colm Culligan, Bronson Glasgow, James Marchbank, Declan Ayres and Vallance played every game for Eltham last season, while Seb Molloy was the leading goalkicker with 22 majors in 17 appearances – 21st in the league.

Bongetti said small forward-midfielder Jason McCormick had been a clear standout throughout the pre-season, while key defender Ayres was also set for a big year after a pre-season at Carlton VFL.

“Jason is in fine form, he’s my diamond in the rough to keep an eye on,” Bongetti said.

“He’s taken his game, away from the footy club, to a new level – his strength and conditioning stuff – and he is dominating.

“Declan has done a pre-season and training at Carlton VFL.

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“I’ve done maybe eight sessions at Carlton myself with Luke Power and his assistant Tommy Langford is a good mate, and been able to learn a lot down there.

“Declan is the same, he didn’t make the list but he’s going to be a train-on and he is fit as a fiddle.”

Eltham will kick off its 2025 campaign against fellow struggler Bundoora in a key early test.

It will then host elimination finalist Hurstbridge, preliminary finalist Greensborough in the traditional Good Friday clash and grand finalist Montmorency in a difficult opening month.