Every NFNL Division 1 club’s ins and outs, star player and season predictions
Is the NFNL Division 1 flag Heidelberg and Bundoora’s to fight over? Check out every club’s ins and outs, star player and our season predictions.
Northern
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There’s been plenty of change around the Northern Football Netball League over summer.
Five of the 10 Division 1 teams have new coaches and there are a litany of new recruits.
There’s even a new CEO of the entire league.
A new club will step up too as Banyule makes a historic first venture into the top flight.
However, sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same.
And Heidelberg and Bundoora remain the two teams to beat and premiership favourites.
Montmorency looks a finals lock too but what about fourth and fifth?
West Preston-Lakeside and Greensborough will be hoping its stays status quo but North Heidelberg, Macleod and Hurstbridge are coming.
It should be a fascinating season, get every club’s ins and outs, star players and our season predictions below.
BANYULE
Last season: Second in Division 2 (15-0-3, 168.29%, premier)
Captain: TBA Coach: Paul Harris
Ins: Kurt Aylett (Myrtleford), Alex Bellchambers (Eltham), Viv Blackmore-Moore (Ivanhoe), Daniel Costanzo (West Preston-Lakeside), Tom Hallebone (Northcote Park), Jackson Jones (Heathcote, Heathcote District), Max Jones (Heidelberg), Lachlan King (Northcote Park), Jake Nikolov (Bundoora), Jack Raines (Pascoe Vale), Jack Sammartino (Northcote Park)
Outs: Kai Davies (Lavington), Daniel Kelly (Heidelberg West), Tim Martin (Romsey), Lincoln Sieben (Lake Boga, Central Murray), James Clark (Parkside)
Big in: Kurt Aylett
Always a good day when you can add a former AFL-listed player and Aylett still has plenty to offer at 31. Staying fit will be his biggest hurdle. Whether he plays or not, Banyule are getting a great injection of knowledge and experience.
Key player: Jack Langford
The big Bear had his way with Division 2 for the past three seasons, earning Team of the Year honours in each year. In 2019 he was named at centre half-back but shifted forward in 2021 and is now a back-to-back league goalkicking champion. Booted 69 majors last season, including five in a dominant grand final performance. However, he might not have it all his own way in Division 1 and how he adapts will be critical to Banyule’s hopes of staying up.
Verdict: Banyule looks well positioned to come up and compete at the top level. Kai Davies and Tim Martin are the only departures from the team was claimed the Division 2 premiership and earn a historic first trip to Division 1, while Daniel Kelly and Lincoln Sieben were unlucky to miss out. Adam Carafa has won a place on Coburg’s VFL list and Riley Loton has shifted to Essendon VFL, which could limit their availability. Collingwood VFL-listed pair Viv Blackmore-Moore and Jack Raines, Aylett, Daniel Constanzo, Max Jones, Lachlan King and Jack Sammartino arrive to bolster the squad, while Tom Hallebone has the unenviable task of trying to replace Tim Martin. The club also won the Division 2 Under-19s premiership, which bodes well for depth this season and sustainability for the future. Finish: Ninth
BUNDOORA
Last season: Second (13-0-4, 133.86%, grand final)
Captain: Luke Collins Coach: Michael Ryan
Ins: Jake Nikolov (Banyule), Lachlan East (Hurstbridge), Jedd Longmire (Corowa-Rutherglen), Shaun McKernan (Tullamarine), Ben McNiece (Northcote Park), Joseph Palazzolo (East Keilor), Kyle Wheatley (Watsonia),
Outs: Aron Burns (Mathoura, Picola District), Jai Burns (Fitzroy Stars), Brayden Callaway (Panton Hill), Brendan Carlyon (retired), Jack Carlyon (Craigieburn), Riley Gaylard (Craigieburn), Peter Hood (Fitzroy Stars), Nathan Howard (Greensborough), Shane Jacobs (Craigieburn), Brenton Keating (Diamond Creek), Travis Keating (Craigieburn), Jacob Maynes (Diamond Creek), Nick McColl (Hurstbridge), Matthew Morison (Thomastown), Jayden Petrucelle (Kinglake), Bailey Thompson (WAFL), David Mitchell (retired)
Big in: Ben McNiece
There’s some big-name arrivals but McNiece will arguably have the biggest impact. His run and delivery off half-back was arguably the one thing Bundoora was missing last season as they went down in the grand final. There’s few better kicks in the competition.
Key player: Hamish Shepheard
Almost everything Bundoora does starts with Shepheard. Whether the big fellas is in the ruck giving his midfielders first use, taking intercept marks or resting forward and kicking important goals. How he mixes with Shaun McKernan and Peter McEvoy will be an interesting watch.
Verdict: Bundoora has lost some talent but more than compensated with another strong recruiting summer. East, McKernan, McNiece and Wheatley were all Team of the Year players in their respective competitions last season and McKernan won the EDFL Division 1 league best-and-fairest. Joe Palazzolo is a Bulls premiership player and Jedd Longmire will also be a handy addition when available from Collingwood VFL or Northern Knights duties. To put it bluntly, all the chips are in for coach Michael Ryan and co. Finish: First
GREENSBOROUGH
Last season: Fifth (8-1-8, 115.93%, elimination final)
Captain: Jack Johnston Coach: Saade Ghazi
Ins: Harrison Andronaco (St Bernard’s), Joseph Ayton-Delaney (Old Xavs), Charlie Bowes (Wilston Grange, AFLQ), Lachlan Caruana (Warrandyte), Mitch Correzzola (Preston Bullants), Brody Glenn (Whittlesea), Zac Hart (De La Salle), Nathan Howard (Bundoora), Ryan Johnson (Broadford), Jack Newnes (Carlton), William O’Dwyer-Richards (Seymour), Mark Pegoraro (Whittlesea), Cooper Shackleton (Old Paradians), James Smith (Mulwala, Murray), Callum Spencer (Corowa-Rutherglen)
Outs: Billy Bedford (Diamond Creek), Tom Bell (Doncaster East), Josh Caddy (Port Melbourne Colts), Josh Callaway (Panton Hill), Chris Clark (Northcote Park), Harvey Daniher (Parkside), Nathan Hrovat (Shepparton Swans), Zak McCubbin (Port Melbourne Colts), Will Reinhold (Temora, Farrer), Nick Riddle (Old Ivanhoe), Jake Rowe (Panton Hill), Tynan Smith (Torquay, Barwon), Tristan Stead (Beechworth, Tallangata)
Big in: Nathan Howard
The Borough has been crying out for a No.1 ruck and they got their man over summer with Howard jumping across from Bundoora. Such was the depth at the Bulls last year the Coburg VFL-listed big man couldn’t crack into the senior team for the grand final – perhaps the weather counted against him – but he showed his quality with a best-on-ground medal-winning performance as the Bulls went back-to-back-to-back in the reserves.
Key player: Angus Seivers
Had a breakout 2022 and at just 19 is the heir apparent to legendary full-back Nick Riddle. Billy Bedford has also departed the Borough backline but skipper Jack Johnston remains to mentor the young gun. Would not surprise if he earned Team of the Year honours this season.
Verdict: The summer wasn’t necessarily kind to Greensborough as key players Nick Riddle, Tom Bell, Billy Bedford, Josh Caddy, Josh Callaway, Harvey Daniher, Tristan Stead Nathan Hrovat, Will Reinhold, Zac McCubbin and Tynan Smith all departed. It’s time for the next generation at War Memorial Reserve to take over and in Seivers, Jackson Hasler, Ethan Luke, Jordan Smith and Tom Brindley the club has a talented core. However, it will be a year of transition, which can only serve the youngsters well in the long-run. Finish: Seventh
HEIDELBERG
Last season: First (16-0-1, 186.04%, premier)
Captain: Sam Gilmore Coach: Vinny Dattoli (new)
Ins: Riley Byrne (Eltham), Mitch Jorgensen (Dimbola, Wimmera), Jamie Koutoufides (basketball), Jed Rule (Old Carey), Tom Sullivan (Tatura), Max Thompson (Old Carey), Noah Barnes (Yarrambat)
Outs: Max Jones (Banyule), Jaicob Kenny (Tooleybuc Manangatang, Central Murray), Josh Minogue (North Albury)
Big in: Tom Sullivan
Always a positive when you can welcome back a former club best-and-fairest winner and premiership player. Sullivan has been a star for Tatura in the strong Goulburn Valley league, winning a club B&F in 2021. His versatility to perhaps his greatest strength.
Key player: Sam Gilmore
Mr Heidelberg. The Tigers skipper won the club’s premiership season best-and-fairest, was named first ruck in the Team of the Year and finished fourth in the Rosbrook Medal. A gem.
Verdict: Can the Tigers go back-to-back? Before a game has been played you’d be comfortable putting your money down. Only Josh Minogue has departed from the premiership team and Heidelberg has added Sullivan, Coburg VFL-listed Max Thompson, Box Hill listed Jed Rule and Carlton listed Noah Barnes. Premiership coach and Tigers legend Danny Nolan departed due to work commitments but Vinny Dattoli – a Division 1 premiership-winning coach in his own right – has taken the reins after serving as senior assistant last season. It would take something catastrophic for the club to not finish highly. Finish: Second
HURSTBRIDGE
Last season: Eighth (5-0-12, 80.48%)
Captain: Ethan Taylor Coach: Joel Cordwell (new)
Ins: Kye Agosta (basketball), Josh Beven (Park Orchards), Luke De Goldi (Eltham), Blake Fitzgerald (Whittlesea), Ben Harrisson (Park Orchards), Tom Indian (Whittlesea), Jackson Kirley (Bacchus Marsh), Chris McCabe (West Preston-Lakeside), Nick McColl (Bundoora), Mitch Moschitti (Balwyn), Harry O’Brien (Phillip Island, West Gippsland), Will Plain (Whittlesea), Jake Richards (Laurimar), Jake Wild (Whittlesea), Mitch Wild (Whittlesea)
Outs: Sunny Brazier (Pascoe Vale), Aidan Clarke (Laurimar), Lachlan East (Bundoora), Michael Florance (North Heidelberg), Daniel Keenan (Montmorency), Tyson Old (Northcote Park), Cooper Perin (Great Western, Mininera District)
Big in: Jake Richards
It’s a big step up from star Division 3 player to Division 1 but Richards has already turned heads at Hurstbridge and will be definitely one to watch in 2023. Attacks the ball like a bull at a gate and can turn defence into attack in a heartbeat with his line-breaking.
Key player: Joel Naylor
Shoulders the responsibility of kicking Hurstbridge a winning score most weeks and does so with aplomb. Booted 36 majors in 12 games in 2021 and backed it up with 45 in 17 games last season to earn himself back-to-back Team of the Year honours.
Verdict: While the loss of skipper East, Brazier, Florance, Old and Perrin is a blow it could be argued Hurstbridge is deeper this season. Box Hill VFL-listed Agosta, Jake and Mitch Wild, Josh Beven, Blake Fitzgerald, Harry O’Brien, Carlton VFL-listed Mitch Moschitti, and Chris McCabe have arrived and Joel Cordwell has taken the coaching reins. Combine that with the likes of Naylor, new skipper Ethan Taylor, Bailey Jordan, Cooper Barbera and Ty Franks and there’s plenty to like. But how far can the Bridges go? We’ve been conservative but it wouldn’t surprise if they’re in the finals conversation at the end of the season. Finish: Eighth
MACLEOD
Last season: Seventh (7-0-10, 74.39%)
Captain: Justin White Coach: Craig Hayes
Ins: Tyler Amor-Beale (Elmore, Heathcote District), Darcy Barden (Lower Plenty), Billy Barden (Lower Plenty), Jake Chiminello (Heidelberg West), Shane Doherty (Parkside), Zach Hudson (St Mary’s), Michael Hurley (Essendon), Michael Kiraly (Castlemaine), Jack Lipscombe (Old Scotch), Ethan Lowe (Preston Bullants), Solomon McKay (Tyntynder, Central Murray)
Outs: Jack Bianchin (St Mary’s), Tom Flood (Whittlesea), Patrick Flynn (Lower Plenty), Chris Long (West Footscray), Jose Miliado (Swan Hill, Central Murray), Joseph Nesci (Kyab), Hamish Paynter (Drysdale, Barwon), James Traianou (South Morang), Trent Warren (Greenvale)
Big in: Darcy Barden
In the conversation as the best recruit of the off-season. Barden is a proven star of the competition and one of the best the league has seen this millennium. Claimed a second Division 2 league best-and-fairest 11 years after his first and a seventh Team of the Year nod. Expect him to slot in to centre half-back and dominate.
Key player: Lucas Hobbs
As commanding a player as there’s ever been at Macleod and in the Northern league. Picked up his sixth Division 1 Team of the Year guernsey last year after playing 17 matches and booting 21 goals. Will again be a key player in Macleod’s midfield.
Verdict: Finished only a game-and-a-half outside the top five but struggled to kick big scores and defend against them, ranked eighth in scores for and seventh in points against. Michael Hurley, when available and Billy Barden will help boost the attack, while Darcy Barden and Essendon VFL-listed Solomon McKay will bolster the defence. We’re expecting an improved Kangas outfit in coach Craig Hayes’ second season. Finish: Sixth
MONTMORENCY
Last season: Third (12-0-5, 146.16%, preliminary final)
Captain: Sam Binion & Stef Uzelac Coach: Jono Manzoney (new)
Ins: Daniel Clarke (Old Carey), Jaden Collins (Eltham), Daniel Keenan (Hurstbridge), Liam McMahon (Collingwood), Ben Paterson (Lower Plenty), Corey Sleep (Lower Plenty), Jake Spencer (Doncaster),
Outs: Lachlan Bowden (Watsonia), Mitch Brownhill (Watsonia), Danko Bzenic (Woorinen, Central Murray), Charles Blake (Watsonia), Darcy Charles (Watsonia), Connor Dalgleish (Eaglehawk), Koby Davies (South Morang), Jesse Donaldson (Eltham), Lin Jong (Mulgrave), Steve McCallum (Tullamarine), Lachlan O’Brien (Warrandyte), Logan Plant (Panton Hill), Tarwan Rennie (Diamond Creek)
Big in: Jake Spencer
A big in literally and metaphorically. Spencer was one of the best rucks in the deep Eastern league Premier Division and joins arguably the Northern league’s dominant big man in Liam Buxton. The question is, how will Montmorency combine the pair to get the best out of both?
Key player: Liam Buxton
Not that he’ll probably care but robbed himself of a Rosbrook Medal with a brain snap in the final round. Montmorency will be hoping he returns in 2023 determined to go again and produces an equally impressive or even better campaign. With Spencer in the team his mobility could see him play ruck, centre half-forward or even centre half-back and dominate in every position.
Verdict: While Jono Manzoney is a fresh voice as coach, don’t expect too much to change given he was Gary Ramsay’s assistant last season. Montmorency lost ground over the summer as Jesse Donaldson, Lin Jong, Danko Bzenic, Connor Dalgleish, Steve McCallum and several Division 1 Under-19 premiership players departed but the Magpies have more than enough quality – led by Sam Binion, Jai Robinson, Pat Fitzgerald, Buxton and Mitch Honeychurch – to contend for finals and it wouldn’t surprise if they pushed for a premiership. Finish: Third
NORTH HEIDELBERG
Last season: Sixth (7-0-10, 104.87%)
Captain: Kyle McDonald Coach: Jason Heatley
Ins: Zane Anderson (Whittlesea), Brody Bell (Whittlesea), Curtis Brown (Whittlesea), Michael Florance (Hurstbridge), Hamish Murphy (Avondale Heights), Brodie White (Craigieburn), Dane Whitnall (Craigieburn), Josh Hamilton (Yarrambat)
Outs: Brandon Bailey (Morwell), Adam Braendler (Morwell), Nick Graham (Old Ivanhoe), Jack Mapleson (Aberfeldie), Ryan McGhie (Boort, North Central), Corey McKay (Parkside), Nick O’Neill (Nyah Nyah West United, Central Murray), Jackson Starcevich (Newlyn, Central Highlands)
Big in: Dane Whitnall
The son of Carlton great – and Lalor Division 1 premiership winner – Lance will be hoping to follow in his old man’s footsteps, except in the red, white and blue of North Heidelberg. Showed some promising signs with Calder Cannons and against more mature opponents at Craigieburn but was ultimately overlooked by as a father-son pick by the Blues. The Bulldogs believe he can be a long-term rock in defence.
Key player: Jesse Tardio
Was already arguably the best midfielder in the competition and now North believe he could be even more dangerous with Liam Hunt back at the Kennel full-time and running amok alongside him.
Verdict: On balance, North have come out ahead after the summer. Exciting young talents such as Brody Bell, Brodie White and Dane Whitnall – plus Zane Anderson and Josh Hamilton and Curtis Brown when available from Coates League and VFL duties – will blend nicely with experienced campaigners Tardio, Hunt, Kyle McDonald, Billy Hogan, Majak Daw, Nick Matthews and the Harvey boys, Shane and Brent. Suffered some tough losses last season where they just couldn’t finish the job and that will be critical in a red-hot Division 1. Finish: Fourth
WEST PRESTON-LAKESIDE
Last season: Fourth (9-1-7, 95.07%, semi-final)
Captain: Ahmed Saad Coach: Luke Giles (new)
Ins: Ashtyn Atkinson (Rumbalara), Matthew Centofani (Epping), Nathan Franklin (Doncaster East/Glenelg, SANFL), Phoenix Gonis (Preston Bullants), Callum Fitzpatrick (North Hobart, TSL), Chris Ryall (Kilmore), Mohammed Yassine (Westmeadows), Garrett McDonagh (Essendon)
Outs: Daman Aujla (Pascoe Vale), Jackson Barling (Deer Park), Mason Bowden (Wallan), Kobe Brown (Deer Park), Steven Callanan (Wallan), Luke Khoury (Watsonia), Tony Khoury (Watsonia), Daniel Costanzo (Banyule), Josh D’Intinosante (South Morang), Sani Egan (Point Cook), Hayden Gill (Wallan), Josh Iacobaccio (Pascoe Vale), Luke Lirosi (Epping), Chris McCabe (Hurstbridge), Ethan Penrith (Tatura), Khodr Waari (Thomastown), Makka Zakkour (Thomastown)
Big in: Chris Ryall
A two-time Division 3 league best-and-fairest, Ryall had outgrown his pond at Kilmore and arrives at West Preston-Lakeside looking to push his VFL claims for next season. Spent some time during the pre-season at Coburg so should be cherry-ripe for a big Division 1 season.
Key player: Ahmed Saad
All roads lead to Rome and all avenues to goal go through Ahmed Saad at West Preston. The Roosters skipper is aiming to return from a knee injury around Round 3 and his presence is sure to see an uptick in scoring power.
Verdict: We’re not sure the Roosters have what it takes to challenge the likes of Heidelberg and Bundoora but they are still a quality outfit and new coach Luke Giles is sure to bring fresh energy to the club. The outs are many but the likes of Ryall, Fitzpatrick, Franklin and Richmond VFL pair Atkinson and Yassine look strong additions. Combine that with the likes of reigning Rosbrook Medallist Matt Harman, a fit again Saad, Max and Felix Dreher, Michael Ercolano, Alex Federico and Aidan Tilley and West will be firmly in the finals hunt again. Finish: Fifth
WHITTLESEA
Last season: Ninth (4-0-13, 81.255)
Captain: Xavier Dimasi Coach: Wayne van der Ross (new)
Ins: Nathan Aston (Bruthen, Omeo District), Peyton Burns (Laurimar), Matt Dornauf (Deloraine, Northern Tasmania), Tom Flood (Macleod)
Outs: Zane Anderson (North Heidelberg), Brody Bell (North Heidelberg), Curtis Brown (North Heidelberg), Blake Fitzgerald (Hurstbridge), Brody Glenn (Greensborough), Sam Indian (Macedon), Tom Indian (Hurstbridge), Nash King (Wallan), Mark Pegoraro (Greensborough), Will Plain (Hurstbridge), Matthew Ryan (Lower Plenty), Jake Wild (Hurstbridge), Mitch Wild (Hurstbridge)
Big in: Matt Dornauf
A returning premiership player is a god-send for an young Eagles squad. Dornauf will provide leadership and experience on and off-field that will hopefully hold the club in good stead as it looks to consolidate at the top level.
Key player: Xavier Dimasi
The Eagles skipper will be working hard at the coalface as always this season and will be critical in Whittlesea’s hopes of survival. Played 17 of 18 games last season, underlining his reliability.
Verdict: Season 2023 looms as a true test of Whittlesea’s ambitions to be a Division 1 club. A new coach is at the helm, Wayne van der Ross will undertake his biggest task, and the squad has been stripped of several key players. However, the likes of Dimasi, Matt Atta, Jaron Murphy, Paul Higgins, Clancy and Taidgh Bland, Mitch Andrews and – while he is expected to play mostly at VFL level – Blake Watson remain, which is a strong core group. It will be a special performance if they stay up Finish: 10th
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