Epping coach Brad Hollow discusses expectations for NFNL Division 3 season

31 for 31: After suffering relegation last season, Epping has been busy in the off-season, bringing in new talent, and a pre-season win has expectations high.

Luke Lirosi in action for Epping. Picture: Nathan McNeill

A first-up practice match win over Craigieburn has ratcheted up expectations at Epping.

The Pingers are among the pre-season fancies to contend for the NFNL Division 3 premiership after suffering relegation last season.

A bounty of off-season recruits has only amplified the anticipation.

After taking over mid-season last year, Epping coach Brad Hollow said he could see the difference around the club, even if it was after a pre-season match.

“We had our first practice match against Craigieburn and it went really well considering a lot of the players hadn’t played together for a few year, or ever,” Hollow said.

Leigh Judd in action for Epping. Picture: Nathan McNeill

“We were a bit scrappy at the start and then we went coast-to-coach at one point and it clicked.

“We got on top and I think we won by a couple of goals, so we’re on the right path.

“Even beating Craigieburn, seeing a few smiles on faces and some of our members who come week-in, week-out happy.

“They see the progress and the future going forward is good so it will be a week-by-week thing – I know that’s an easy cliche.

“From where the club’s been the last three or four years people are starting to see what we’ve brought back into the club that we’re heading in the right direction.”

Epping has brought in a host of new faces for the new season.

Macleod Division 1 regular Seb Latina, Albanvale teammates Reece Field and Ostinn Bellingham, Watsonia key forward Adrian Alfonsi and Eltham reserve grade premiership-winner Liam Waldron have all signed.

Meanwhile, former Pingers Jaedyn Kearney, James Tadd, Adrian Cirianni, Dallyce Taylor and Corey Middleton have returned.

Brad Hollow talks to his players. Picture: Nathan McNeill

The influx of new players will take time to gel.

“We’re going to have a little bit of time to find our rhythm because we were missing probably eight players in the practice match and we’ll miss a couple this week against Templestowe,” Hollow said.

“Come Round 1 against Lalor, they won’t be easy to beat, it’s the local derby.

“When you’re coming down a level everyone expects you to be at a higher level.

“My expectation for the players – and we sat down and had a conversation about it on Thursday night – the level of footy and training has to be a high standard.

“Everyone has bought in but it depends on the day, hopefully they all come in and play at that standard.”

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Following the practice match against Craigieburn, Epping will complete preparations with hitouts against Eastern club Templestowe and VAFA outfit Therry Penola.

The Pingers will then launch the NFNL season on Good Friday against Lalor at Sydney Crescent.

Meanwhile, Epping will field its first women’s team in 2024.

Former Victorian Women’s Football League gun Melissa Barnes has been named captain.