Every NFNL Division 1 club’s ins and outs, key player and our season predictions

Can anyone stop the Heidelberg hat-trick? We look at the main contenders and every club’s ins and outs and key player. Plus, our season predictions.

Ultimate NFNL Division 1 season preview.

Can anyone stop the Heidelberg hat-trick?

The Tigers are once again the team to beat in NFNL Division 1 but there are several teams coming for the title.

Montmorency and North Heidelberg are the main contenders.

However, anything can happen in finals and with the likes of Bundoora, Hurstbridge, Greensborough and Banyule pushing for a top-five finish anything can happen.

Check out every clubs ins and outs and key player for the season ahead.

Plus, we make our season predictions.

Heidelberg celebrates winning back-to-back premierships. Picture: Andy Brownbill

BANYULE

Last season: 8th (5-0-13, 77.90%)

Coach: Paul Harris & Ricky Dyson (third year)

Captain: Kurt Aylett & Kye Yodgee

Ins: Daniel Owen (Eltham), Darcy Bennett, Sam McLarty (Heidelberg), Noah Wheeler (Eaglehawk), Lewin Davis (Eaglehawk), Tim Martin (Woodend-Hesket), Seb Francis-Perkins (Old Eltham Collegians), Oscar White (South Bendigo), Davin Cameron (South Morang)

Outs: Luke Pantalone (Watsonia), Alex Bellchambers (Eltham), Michael Italia (Heidelberg West), Michael Edwards (Darley), James Kayrooz (Maribyrnong Park), Jack Witchell (Old Paradians), Nicholas Mayne (Elmore), Xavier Mitchell (Cohuna Kangas)

Key player: Tim Martin

The veteran big man returns to the Bear after a season at Woodend-Hesket that saw him finish third in the Riddell District best-and-fairest and help the Hawks to a drought-breaking grand final. Immediately gives Banyule one of the best ruckmen in the competition, which is sure to boost the club’s midfield and allow the likes of Jack Langford to play permanently forward.

Verdict: Arguably no club had a bigger off-season than the Bears. Having consolidated themselves in Division 1 last season, the club has significantly strengthened its line-up with the likes of Martin, Owen, McLarty, Davis, Francis-Perkins and – when fit – Wheeler. After five wins last season, a finals push could be on the cards. The midfield and attack looks solid, it will be how the defence improves that will decide Banyule’s season. The club conceded the second most points last season. Finish: 7th

BUNDOORA

Last season: 3rd, grand final (15-0-7, 156.87%)

Coach: Heath Scotland (first year)

Captain: Luke Collins

Ins: Nelson Lane (Tyntynder), Ryan Evans (Reservoir), Brayden King (Old Ivanhoe), Sam Green (Clarence), Jack Briskey (Williamstown CYMS), Matt Morison (Thomastown), Sam Philp (Carlton), Michael Fitz-Gerald

Outs: Kyle Wheatley (South Morang), Brent Marshall (Mernda), Jacob Naismith (Montmorency), Jedd Longmire (Corowa-Rutherglen), Neville Jetta (Fitzroy Stars), Sam Lloyd (Deniliquin), Hamish Shepheard (Deniliquin), Jake Hobbs (Deniliquin), Shaun McKernan (Strathmore), Kyle Green (Thomastown), Ben McNiece, Ben Young (St Mary’s), Kain Proctor (Fitzroy Stars)

Key player: Lachie East

One of two Bulls to play every match last season and was recognised with 11 mentions in the best, second most. The three-time Team of the Year gun Will be the anchor in defence, a defence that will likely have a lot more work to do this season.

Verdict: Bundoora are tough to predict. Obviously, the departures are significant. The arrivals are good but several are on VFL lists and their availability is week-to-week. There’s a core of elite talent still at Yulong Reserve and there’s no doubting Heath Scotland is a very good coach who is sure to have plans in place. While it has been improved, depth could be an issue if injuries bite. It would be easy to say a big fall is coming but the Bulls are very much in the conversation for a top-five finish. Finish: 6th

Peter McEvoy takes the mark for Bundoora. Picture: Andy Brownbill

ELTHAM

Last season: 2nd, premier (18-0-2, 205.94%)

Coach: Tim Bongetti (second year)

Captain: Lane Sinclair & Darcy Vallance

Ins: Cooper Dahms (Central District), Ben Quaynor (Doncaster East), Alex Bellchambers (Banyule), Alex Rigney (Greensborough), James Marchbank, Jaden Collins (Montmorency), Liam McMahon (Montmorency), Bronson Glasgow (North London)

Outs: Corey Middleton (Epping), Kyle O’Sullivan (Old Paradians), Daniel Owen (Banyule), Bradyn Taglieri (Old Eltham Collegians), Liam Waldron (Epping), Damon Braby (Watsonia), Jackson Weatherald, Finnbar Maley (North Melbourne)

Key player: Jesse Donaldson

Gives the Panthers unparalleled Division 1 experience as they return to the top-flight. Donaldson was a dominant force in midfield last season, finishing third in the Coaches’ MVP, and will again lead the way in 2024. Was one of Eltham’s best in the Good Friday loss.

Verdict: The Panthers were arguably of Division 1 quality last season and have only gotten better over summer. There were enough glimpses in the Good Friday loss to Greensborough to suggest the Division 2 premiers will survive in their return to the top-flight. While it has lost some depth, winning the senior and reserve grade flags last year will hold the club in good stead in a physically demanding Division 1 competition. Eltham has a good blend of experience and youth and had a player on every line of the Team of the Year last season. If it does avoid relegation, the experience gained this year will only benefit it into the future. Finish: 8th

GREENSBOROUGH

Last season: 6th (9-0-9, 95.55%)

Coach: Matt Hyde (first year)

Captain: Jack Johnston

Ins: Zak McCubbin (Port Melbourne Colts), Tom O’Sullivan (Seymour)

Outs: Alex Rigney (Eltham), Rayden Garrard (Watsonia)

Key player: Harrison Andronaco

Starred last season, playing all 18 games and earning 11 mentions in the best – second most at the club. Also kicked 14 goals. If his Good Friday performance is anything to go by, he’s in for a big season and will be a key member of the Borough midfield.

Verdict: If Good Friday is any indication, Greensborough are going to be fun to watch this season. With a core of quick, skilful young players a return to finals is very much on the cards. The likes of Ethan Luke, Harry Andronaco, Brody Glenn, Charlie Bowes ripped Eltham apart. The Borough only just missed out last season, pipped by two points, and should be only better in 2024 with internal development. By far the quietest club on the recruiting market but Zak McCubbin was arguably best-on-ground in his return against Eltham, while Tom O’Sullivan is an VFL-listed talent who only missed due to a suspension last year. The defence and midfield looks solid, how an offence – which ranked a distant 8th last season – fares will be critical. Finish: 5th

Daniel Ferronato in action for Greensborough. Picture: Valeriu Campan

HEIDELBERG

Last season: minor premier, premier (18-1-1, 194.05%)

Coach: Vinny Dattoli (second year)

Captain: Keenan Posar

Ins: Tom Keys (Panton Hill), Trent Bianco (Collingwood), Adam Galgano (Montmorency), Solly McKay (Macleod)

Outs: Isaac Wallace (Warragul), Jed Rule (Old Carey), Kane Veliou (Ivanhoe), Kai Kearns (Tooleybuc Manangatang), Jesse Kane (Tooleybuc Manangatang), Gulian Fable (Panton Hill), Sam Gilmore (Old Paradians), Matthew Smith (Uni Blues), Mackenzie Hogg (Macleod), Tom Schnerring

Key player: Nathan Honey

Returns to the Tigers full-time this season after VFL duties with Northern Bullants saw him make just five appearances in 2023. Has been earmarked as the man to fill Matt Smith’s boots in midfield, a tough ask for any player.

Verdict: Can the Tigers complete the treble again? They enter 2024 as warm favourites but knowing there are several teams coming for the crown. The two-time defending champs have certainly lost some firepower, headed by captain Sam Gilmore, Matt Smith and Tom Schnerring, reigning Rosbrook Medallist Lachie Wilson has also won a VFL contract at Richmond and could be unavailable at times. However, there’s no shortage of depth at Warringal Park, arguably Heidelberg’s greatest weapon the past two seasons. Honey, Dylan Clarke, Mitch Jorgensen and Daniel O’Dwyer are all full-time this year, Keys comes in and McKay might be at local level more often than VFL. Expect the club to at least be at Preston City Oval on the final day of the season defending their crown. Finish: 1st

HURSTBRIDGE

Last season: 5th, elimination final (9-1-9, 98.83%)

Coach: Joel Cordwell (second year)

Captain: Ethan Taylor

Ins: Tom Hird (Avondale Heights), David Mennen (Benalla), Cooper Perrin (Great Western), Sean McLaren, Cam Wild (East Keilor)

Outs: Tom Indian (Macedon)

Key player: Joel Naylor

The focal point of Hurstbridge’s attack, Naylor is a threat anywhere within 60m of goal. The two-time Team of the Year gun booted 53 majors in 18 appearances, with a haul of 10 against Whittlesea. Had a terrific stint in the Northern Territory over the summer, winning a Division 1 premiership at Tracy Village and booting 44 goals in just nine matches.

Verdict: The breakout club of 2023, reaching Division 1 finals for the first time in club history. The Bridges will be looking to press on in 2024 and have added some nice pieces in the likes of Mennen, Perrin and McLaren, while Hird and Wild could be restricted by VFL duties. Hurstbridge is solid in defence, led by skipper Ethan Taylor, and possesses an under-rated midfield with the likes of Team of the Year pair Mitch Moschitti (VFL-listed) and Will Cookson and young gun Harry O’Brien. It’s the forward line that gives rival coaches nightmares, spearheaded by twin towers Joel Naylor and Bailey Jordan, who kicked 86 goals combined last season – the third best partnership in the competition. Last season we went conservative in our prediction, this season we’re jumping on board the hype train. Finish: 4th

Hurstbridge’s Mitchell Moschetti can’t escape Jesse Tardio of North Heidelberg. Picture: Josh Chadwick

MACLEOD

Last season: 7th (6-0-12, 82.32%)

Coach: Craig Hayes (third year)

Captain: Justin White

Ins: Mackenzie Hogg (Heidelberg), Darcy Hogg (Old Carey), Sam Richards (Old Carey), Max Razums (Old Carey), Cooper Clark (Wodonga Raiders), Max Childs (Echuca), Joel Anderson (Heidelberg)

Outs: Sebastian Latina (Epping), James Condello (Heidelberg West), Jacob Smith (Heidelberg West), Liam Wanders (Heidelberg West), Lucas Hobbs (Whittlesea), Ned McKeown (Swan Hill), Brad Leggett (Panton Hill), Solly McKay (Heidelberg), Ethan Lowe (Watsonia), Patrick Martin

Key player: Darcy Barden

Despite Macleod’s struggles last season, Barden’s form saw him earn Team of the Year honours at centre half-back. He’ll again be asked to carry a heavy load with the Kangas potentially facing a difficult season. Provides excellent leadership and one of the competition’s best intercept markers.

Verdict: The naysayers are out for Macleod this season. However, Craig Hayes has consistently delivered solid mid-table finishes in his two seasons with less talent at his disposal. There’s absolutely no reason he can’t again. The losses are many but the arrival of the likes of Mackenzie and Darcy Hogg and Max Childs is positive. The Kangas still possess one of the competition’s best forwards in Michael Hurley, when available, and the Team of the Year centre half-back in Darcy Barden. Throw in the Manuel brothers, Hayden and Kurt, Zac Hudson and Jordan Corelli and there’s still plenty of talent. Finish: 9th

MONTMORENCY

Last season: 2nd, semi-final (14-2-4, 142.34%)

Coach: Nick Rutley (first year)

Captain: Stef Uzelac & Sam Binion

Ins: Jacob Naismith (Bundoora), Ayhan Bajramov (Heathmont), Callum Brown (Marcellin), Harvey Hooper (Old Scotch), Nash Holmes (Deer Park), Cam Nyko (Healesville)

Outs: Jaden Collins (Eltham), Liam McMahon (Eltham), Darcy Porter (Glenelg), Liam Wale-Buxton (Sorrento), Kyle Kankaanpaa (Diamond Creek), Adam Galgano (Heidelberg), Jake Spencer

Key player: Stef Uzelac

With gun ruck Liam Wale-Buxton departing, it could be the co-captain stepping up to take the first bounce. The Magpies have arguably the strongest midfield in the competition and will hope who ever is in the ruck can give them first use. Even if Uzelac doesn’t start in the middle his versatility ensures he’ll be a key player at centre half-back or centre half-forward.

Verdict: The Magpies off-season was certainly eye-catching with Cal Brown and Harvey Hooper coming on board but if we’re honest, it would be a surprise if they played one game, let alone three to qualify for finals. However, the recruitment of Nash Holmes is perhaps one of the best of the summer and bolsters an already elite midfield. Finding a replacement for Liam Wale-Buxton could be make or break. Will co-captain Stef Uzelac step back into the role, perhaps new addition Jacob Naismith or one of the club’s many talented young talents will be called up. The home-and-away season is a bit of a formality for Monty – it’s obviously not but in a way it is – because the club will be judged on what it does at Preston City Oval. Finish: 2nd

NORTH HEIDELBERG

Last season: 4th, preliminary final (13-0-8, 139.62%)

Coach: Jason Heatley (fifth year)

Captain: Kyle McDonald

Ins: Fraser Rosman (Melbourne), Alex Kirkopoulos (Yarrambat), Kyle Templeton (Diamond Creek), Louis Hill (Heidelberg West), Jack Mapleson (Aberfeldie), Tom Rivis (Kew Bears), Kyle Maynard (Avenel), Tom Wallis (Essendon Doutta Stars), Adam Giobbi (Euroa), Ben Giobbi (Euroa), Nadem Taha (Lalor)

Outs: Majak Daw (Deer Park), Jhye Baddeley-Kelly (Boort), Billy Hogan (Mansfield), Kye Maher (Kilmore), Kyle Jarman (St Mary’s), Curtis Howden-Crhak (St Mary’s), Hayden Hunt (Lalor), Shane Harvey (Kinglake)

Key player: Dane Whitnall

With the departures of Majak Daw and Jhye Baddeley-Kelly, Whitnall looms as the focal point of the Bulldogs’ attack. The young tall booted 17 goals in 21 appearances last season, sixth most at the club. Mitch Dillon and Adam Giobbi are other marking targets. Of course, this is all dependent on him not playing VFL at Northern Bullants.

Verdict: Had the Bulldogs as favourite to be the main challenger to Heidelberg this season but that was before they bizarrely threw Majak Daw out a fortnight before the first game. Now we’ll need to see what they’re capable of with a host of new players integrating into the team. Wallis (VFL-listed), Mapleson, Maynard and the Giobbi brothers all look quality acquisitions, oversetting some of the big outs like Daw, Baddeley-Kelly, Hogan and Harvey. The top-tier talent remains some of the best in Division 1, led by Jesse Tardio, Liam Hunt, Kyle McDonald, Josh Hamilton, Brock Chircop and Nick Matthews. A top-three finish would be the minimum expectation. Finish: 3rd

WEST PRESTON-LAKESIDE

Last season: 9th (5-0-13, 64.78%)

Coach: Ian Aitken (first year)

Captain: Matt Harman & Max Dreher

Ins: Tom McKenzie (Fitzroy), Bregon Cotchett (Inglewood), Alek D’Arro (Whittlesea), Kobe Brown (Deer Park), Max Johnson (Lockington Bamawm)

Outs: Ahmed Saad (Pascoe Vale), Callum Kilpatrick (North Hobart), Mark Kovacevic (Shepparton Swans), Mohammed Yassine (Pascoe Vale), Jack Nicolo (Old Paradians), Malik Elfakahani (East Keilor), Beaudie Maroney (Old Eltham Collegians), Alex Federico (Wangaratta), Jaylon Thorpe (Fitzroy Stars), Lincoln Zhang (St Mary’s), Garrett McDonagh (Morningside)

Key player: Chris Ryall

Crazy to think given it’s just his second season at the club but Ryall will be heavily depended on this season. A ball-winning midfielder who can hit the scoreboard, Ryall was in the Roosters’ best 10 times in 17 matches and kicked 12 goals – the most of any player signed for 2024.

Verdict: The Roosters were back-to-back premiers in 2018-19 and were runaway leaders in 2021. Worryingly though, just a few years later, the Roosters are in rebuild mode and that rarely bodes well when it comes to relegation. After a ninth placed finish last season, the club has again bled talent, most notably legendary forward Ahmed Saad, Mo Yassine, Malik Elfakahani, Alex Federico and Beaudie Maroney. Alek D’Arro is coming off the Northern Knights list, while Kobe Brown returns but is still VFL-listed, as is high-profile recruit Tom McKenzie. There’s still plenty of talent at new coach Ian Aitken’s disposal, headlined by 2022 Rosbrook Medallist Matt Harman, Max Dreher, Chris Ryall, Aiden Tilley and Adam Valeri. However, if last season was tough, this year looks more so. Finish: 10th