Every NFNL Division 2 club’s ins and outs, key players and 2023 predictions

The NFNL Division 2 off-season recruiting has been eye-catching, will the on-field competition mirror the summer? Check out every club’s ins and outs and our predictions.

NFNL Division 2 club-by-club season preview.

As the famous saying goes, harder to pick than a broken nose.

NFNL Division 2 should be a cracking season of football in 2023 with a number of teams fighting for finals and premiership glory.

The summer recruiting arms race has arguably out-stripped the top flight in terms of big moves.

Tom Keys joining Panton Hill, Jesse Donaldson crossing to Eltham, Gary Moorcroft coming out of retirement at South Morang and Billy Bedford returning to Diamond Creek are just an example.

There’s new coaches too as Tim Bongetti takes the reins at Eltham and Peter Bugden arriving at Thomastown – both have premiership pedigree.

The new clubs … Northcote Park and South Morang will be looking to make an instant impact after relegation and promotion respectively

Check out every ins and out, key players and our season predictions below.

Ryan Pingree celebrates a goal for Diamond Creek. Picture: George Sal

DIAMOND CREEK

Last season: Fourth (13-0-5, 167.83%, preliminary final)

Captain: TBA Coach: Andrew Tranquilli

Ins: Tom Atwell (Lancefield), Billy Bedford (Greensborough), Brenton Keating (Bundoora), Dale Marshall (East Keilor), Jacob Maynes (Bundoora), Tarwan Rennie (Mont), Josh Sims (Epping), Mitch Tobin (Avenel, Kyabram District), Andrew White (Lower Plenty)

Outs: Tom Bennett (Benalla Saints), Sam Gleeson (Merrivale, Warrnambool District), Hugh Kavanagh (Old Eltham Collegians), David Mennen (Benalla Saints)

Big in: Billy Bedford

A star in defence for Greensborough, Bedford’s arrival is perfect timing with the loss of Hugh Kavanagh, Sam Gleeson and potentially Josh Marchbank. Arguably most importantly, Bedford is a Creek junior and will only be a one-pointer.

Key player: Ryan Pingree

Topped the Creekers’ goalkicking for the second year in a row with 39 majors from 15 appearances. Had far more support last season from Jai Norman (37 goals) and Sage Dicello (36) but will be looking to return to his 2021 output when he was the league’s joint top goalkicker and earned Team of the Year honours.

Verdict: Diamond Creek have balanced out, if not come in a little ahead, over the summer, losing four key players but with the arrival of Bedford, Keatings, Marshall, Maynes and Tobin has strengthened a group that reached the preliminary final last season. The Creekers have a strong defence and attack and if there’s any question mark, it might be over the midfield. Finish: Third

ELTHAM

Last season: First (17-0-1, 222.34%, grand final)

Captain: Darcy Vallance & Jackson Weatherald Coach: Tim Bongetti (new)

Ins: Tim Bongetti (East Keilor), Colm Culligan (AFL Sydney), Jesse Donaldson (Montmorency), Liam Frazer (Sorrento), Tom Goodwin (Corowa-Rutherglen), Corey Middleton (Craigieburn), Nathan Perrone (Craigieburn), Sam Warren (Old Eltham Collegians)

Outs: Alex Bellchambers (Banyule), Riley Byrne (Heidelberg), Jaden Collins (Montmorency), Luke De Goldi (Hurstbridge), James Taglieri (Westmeadows), Luke Verde (Eltham), Matthew Williamson (Old Eltham Collegians), Liam Rushton-McCoach (Panton Hill)

Big in: Jesse Donaldson

What can you say about a Northern league representative captain, Montmorency captain, Division 1 Coaches’ MVP, five-time Division 1 Team of the Year midfielder and Vic Metro representative. The Panthers have an outstanding acquisition.

Key player: Darcy Vallance

Eltham’s co-captain and general in defence, Vallance controls the backline and will be asked to step up again if the Panthers are to go one better in 2023. Vallance played all but one game last season, underlining his reliability.

Verdict: It wasn’t to be for Rob Hyde in his farewell season but Tim Bongetti takes the reins from his Greensborough premiership coach, so don’t expect too much change. The Panthers have gone all in this season, adding the likes of Donaldson, Frazer, Goodwin and Middleton and keep an eye out for Colm Culligan too. Team of the Year young guns Daniel Owen and Finnbar Maley earnt VFL contracts on the back of their breakout 2022 campaigns and might not be seen as often but there’s too much talent at Central Park for this club not to at least be there on the final day of the season. Finish: First

Cameron Sullivan in action for Eltham. Picture: Hamish Blair

EPPING

Last season: Ninth (2-0-16, 35.60%)

Captain: Leigh Judd Coach: Aaron Newport and Glen Lehner

Ins: Bailey Jackson (AFL Sydney), Ryan Bailey (Heathcote, Heathcote District), Clayton Campbell (Westmeadows), Andrew Denoon (AFL Sydney), Reece Desira (Avondale Heights), Isaac Fleming (Heathcote, Heathcote District), Frankie Furlano (Old Paradians), Harley Gleeson (Westmeadows), Ethan Gorski (Panton Hill), Jordan Hollow (time off), Brad Hollow (Westmeadows), Kane Jarram (Westmeadows), Francis Keenan (Westmeadows), Luke Lirosi (West Preston-Lakeside), Matthew Mikic (Heathcote, Heathcote District), David Paolino (VAFA), Josh Pryor (Mirboo North, Mid Gippsland), Matt Nusev (time off)

Outs: Matthew Centofani (West Preston-Lakeside), Adrian Cirianni (Northcote Park), Jake Cullen (Old Eltham Collegians), Jackson Dines (Wodonga), Jackson Freebairn (Old Eltham Collegians), Jude Georgievski (Thomastown), Dylan Hoystead (Avenel, Kyabram District), Michael Jacobson (Old Eltham Collegians), Jaedyn Kearney (Old Eltham Collegians), Elliott Kynaston (Avenel, Kyabram District), Kyle Lamprey (Craigieburn), Damon Marcon (Northcote Park), Massimo Nardo (Thomastown), Josh Sims (Diamond Creek), James Tadd (Northcote Park), Jake Tyson (Old Eltham Collegians)

Big in: Luke Lirosi

A two-time Division 1 premiership player at West Preston-Lakeside, Lirosi returns to the club where he won his first flag – in 2012. It’s a strong acquisition for the Pingers who have seen a massive list overhaul over the summer and experienced leadership will be critical to their survival hopes.

Key player: Finnen Hoare

We don’t want to put too much pressure on the kid but Hoare was clearly one of Epping’s best players in his first full season of senior football. If Epping are to survive in 2023, it will be the improvement in young players like him that does the job.

Verdict: There’s no doubting the Pingers are up against it. Epping won just two games last season, both against relegated Fitzroy Stars. It will face stiffer competition again in 2023 with South Morang stepping up from Division 3 and the likes of Panton Hill and Watsonia improving. With 16 players departing over the summer it’s hard to see a fresh group gelling to the level required. Finish: 10th

Jonathon Zapantis celebrates a goal for Lower Plenty. Picture: George Sal

LOWER PLENTY

Last season: Third (13-1-4, 180.54%, semi-final)

Captain: Jordan Sacco & Josh Turner Coach: Phil Plunkett

Ins: Riley Alexander (LaTrobe), Alex Copeland (Old Paradians), Patrick Flynn (Macleod), Sebastian Lay (Marcellin), Cooper Rogers (Marcellin), Matthew Ryan (Whittlesea), Kyle Sharp (Greens), Luke Verde (Eltham), Jude Walsh (Marcellin), Sebastian Warrillow (Marcellin)

Outs: Darcy Barden (Macleod), Billy Barden (Macleod), Tom Blake (Panton Hill), Mitch Clamp (Karingal), Matthew Duckworth (Panton Hill), James Elliott (Blackburn), Zak Goodwin (St Mary’s), Tom Keys (Panton Hill), Ben Paterson (Montmorency), Billy Reardon (Woori Yallock), Corey Sleep (Montmorency), Andrew White (Diamond Creek)

Big in: Patrick Flynn

It had been a lean summer for the Bears but they’ve made a strong finish, luring 2018 Division 2 premiership captain, league best-and-fairest and grand final medallist Flynn back to Montmorency Park. Flynn remained one of the top big men in Division 1 last season at Macleod and his experience alone will be a massive boost to Lower Plenty.

Key player: Jonathon Zapantis

With leading goalkickers Billy Barden and Tom Keys departing the responsibility up forward will fall largely to Zapantis. The Bears forward booted 38 majors in 20 appearances last season, stepping up from under-19s. If was an impressive season but if his club are to remain finals contenders in 2023 he will have to take another big step.

Verdict: Take out the top three to five players of any club and they’re going to struggle, it’s the same for anyone from Geelong down. That’s the task facing Lower Plenty coach Phil Plunkett after the departures of Tom Keys, the Barden brothers, Corey Sleep, Tom Blake, Matt Duckworth, James Elliott and Ben Paterson. The Bears remain bullish about their 2023 chances and Riley Alexander looks a handy type and Flynn’s reputation precedes him but with the likes of St Mary’s, Panton Hill and even Watsonia mounting challenges it’s tough to see him making the five. Finish: Seventh

Alex Boyse flies for a mark for Northcote Park. Picture: Andy Brownbill

NORTHCOTE PARK

Last season: 10th Division 1 (3-0-14, 17.65%, relegated)

Captain: Matt Perry Coach: Steve Saddington

Ins: Jake Battye (Heathcote, Heathcote District), Callum Chilcott (West Coburg), Adrian Cirianni (Epping), Chris Clark (Greensborough), Chris Hallal (West Preston-Lakeside), Damon Marcon (Epping), Tyson Old (Hurstbridge), Rory Patterson (St Bernard’s), Matt Perazzola (Preston Bullants), James Tadd (Epping), Nick Balderanos (Surrey Park), Brock McLennan (time off)

Outs: Gordon Bamblett (Fitzroy Stars), Lachlan Boscarini (KDFNL), Ricky Fandrich (Wantirna South), Kyle Galloway (Point Cook Centrals), Reed Jepson (Old Ivanhoe), Mitch Jones (Taylors Lakes), Ali Khalil (North Heidelberg), Brayden King (Old Ivanhoe), Lachlan King (Banyule), Ayui Makiemg (Uni Blacks), Ben McNiece (Bundoora), Koebe Pfeiffer (Kinglake), Reuben Rode (Kyabram), Tom Hallebone (Banyule), Jack Sammartino (Banyule)

Big in: Tyson Old

Returning to Bill Lawry Oval, Old will provide plenty of experience and dash from defence. The former Essendon and Coburg VFL star is a welcome addition to the Cougars looking to bounce back in 2023.

Key player: Alex Boyse

Despite relegation, Boyse had a terrific season individually after joining the Cougars from Essendon Doutta Stars. Expected to play mainly as a key forward he should be a leading player in Division 2, barring injury.

Verdict: Northcote Park coach Steve Saddington said his club had to “find the fun” again after a torrid couple of years post-COVID in Division 1. A tough opening month will either make or break the club with Diamond Creek, Lower Plenty, Panton Hill and St Mary’s first up. While there have been significant departures, headlined by McNiece, Boscarini, Fandrich, Jepson, and the King brothers, the club has restocked over summer. Clark, Old, Marcon, McLennan, Tadd and Patterson are all quality players and they’ve retained the likes of the Perry brothers and Daniel Tallariti. We’re backing a Cougars revival. Finish: Second

PANTON HILL

Last season: Eighth (5-0-13, 60.19%)

Captain: Sam Parks & John Pritchard Coach: Simon Amore

Ins: Hotak Akram (Fitzroy Stars), Poshang Akram (Fitzroy Stars), Tom Blake (Lower Plenty), Lachlan Buckley (Warrandyte), Brayden Callaway (Bundoora), Josh Callaway (Greensborough), Kyle Crosby (Mooroolbark), Matt Duckworth (Lower Plenty), Michael Glouftis (Old Eltham Collegians), Tom Keys (Lower Plenty), Riley Livingstone (Fitzroy Stars), Logan Plant (Montmorency), Riley Prestigiacomo (Mernda), Jake Rowe (Greensborough), Hayden Wall (Diamond Creek), Connor Lidgerwood (Diamond Creek), Liam Rushton-McCoach (Eltham)

Outs: Ethan Gorski (Epping), David Simpson (Avondale Heights), Brody Tickell (WA)

Big in: Tom Keys

Arguably the biggest recruiting coup of the Northern league summer. The 2021 Division 2 league best-and-fairest and perennial Team of the Year star is one of the best players in the competition.

Key player: Nick Parks

The Redbacks have a strong midfield group and it’s now up to Parks to provide it silver service. The reliable big man played all 18 games last season and earned a mention in the best eight times but could elevate his game with more support around him.

Verdict: As we said in our club preview, with big recruits come big expectations and no club has recruited bigger than Panton Hill. Keys, Callaway, Duckworth, Livingstone and – when fit – Tom Blake are all high-end players. Panton Hill already possessed one of the best midfielders in the comp in Sam Parks, while 2019 grand final medallist Daniel Freeman is back full-time. From the outside looking in, finals is a minimum expectation, and the battle for the top-five this season is going to be fierce. Finish: Fifth

Alex Colaidis celebrates a goal for South Morang. Picture: Hamish Blair

SOUTH MORANG

Last season: First Division 3 (15-0-3, 222.59%, premier)

Captain: James Hewson, Tye Hall & Bailey Brown Coach: Gary Hall

Ins: Josh D’Intinosante (West Preston-Lakeside), Koby Davies (Montmorency), Beau Moorcroft (Bundoora), Gary Moorcroft (Bundoora), Lachlan Potter (Watsonia), James Traianou (Macleod)

Outs: –

Big in: Gary Moorcroft

You might suggest Coburg VFL-listed Josh D’Intinosante but his appearances for the Lions will be limited. No, at 46 – turning 47 the day after Round 1 – Moorcroft is a massive addition for the promotion-winners. Even if he only plays a handful of games, Moorcroft’s experience around the young South Morang group will be invaluable. We certainly wouldn’t want to be one-out in the goalsquare with him.

Key player: Aaron Lazaric

The Division 3 Team of the Year ruckman will miss Round 1 through suspension and has been battling sciatica over the summer but when he returns will be critical to South Morang’s ambitions this season. A mobile ruckman that can push forward or back and take important marks and his influence saw him finish third in the league medal last season. Just needs to keep his cool.

Verdict: It’s been a while since South Morang was in Division 2, a decade in fact, but we’re comfortable saying the club is far better positioned for long-term sustainability this time around. The return of D’Intinosante and Potter highlights the fact and Koby Davies played seniors at Montmorency before taking a year off. The Lions are a young, tight-knit group that have played together for several seasons and have dominated at Division 3 level. In fact, no Division 3 premier has ever suffered relegation this following year, so no pressure Lions but history is one your side. Finish: Ninth

Mitchell Hocking in action for St Mary’s. Picture: Andy Brownbill

ST MARY’S

Last season: Sixth (8-0-10, 107.35%)

Captain: Nick Gedge and Nick Dean Coach: Fabian Carelli

Ins: Jeremiah Antypas (Marcellin), Jack Bianchin (Macleod), Adrian Bonato (Marcellin), Zak Goodwin (Lower Plenty)

Outs: Zach Hudson (Macleod), Chris Petroro (Romsey)

Big in: Jack Bianchin

A 2015 Division 1 premiership player with Macleod who has only missed a handful of games in his seven years at DeWinton Park. Is a welcome injection of experience into the young and developing St Mary’s squad.

Key player: Tane Cotter

Only played 10 games and kicked 16 goals but still managed to poll nine votes in the league medal. If he can return to his 2021 Team of the Year levels, when he kicked 28 goals in 11 appearances, the Burras will no doubt be back in finals contention again this season.

Verdict: It was a tough way to finish 2022, missing out on a maiden Division 2 finals berth at the death. However, the Burras will certainly have learnt something from the experience and be better for it. The club has improved every season, going from six wins in 2019 to seven in a 12-game 2021 season to eight last year. Can they make the jump into the top-five this season? If they do it will be even more impressive with the level of competition. Finish: Sixth

THOMASTOWN

Last season: Fifth (8-1-9, 131.89%, elimination final)

Captain: TBA Coach: Peter Bugden (new)

Ins: Nick Aleksovski (Deer Park), Anthony Bradford (Mernda), Jude Georgievski (Epping), Ash Hood (Fitzroy Stars), Josh Mazzarella (Mernda), Matthew Morison (Bundoora), Massimo Nardo (Epping), Bill Samie (Westmeadows), Will Tang (Pascoe Vale), Khodr Waari (West Preston-Lakeside), Tom Wilson (athletics), Makka Zakkour (West Preston-Lakeside)

Outs: –

Big in: Josh Mazzarella

If Thomastown can help the young gun to find his best football, the sky is the limit. Finished third in the Division 3 league medal and earned Team of the Year honours in 2021 and is still only 22 or so. Will be a nice addition to the Bears half-back line.

Key player: Anthony Capeci

The mercurial Bear can win matches off his own boot and has been recognised with Team of the Year honours four times in the past five seasons. He just needs to stay fit. Played 15 matches and kicked 48 goals last season and was a key factor in Thomastown’s amazing run to the finals.

Verdict: Under new coach Peter Bugden finals would be a minimum expectation this season. Hard to see the Bears repeating last season’s disastrous start and the recovery was a better indication of what the club is capable of this season. Still, they didn’t beat any top-five teams except for St Mary’s in the final round, so that will be the first major box to tick. With the likes of Aleksovski, Mazzarella and Zakkour joining Team of the Year talent such as Capeci, Jarryd Coulson, Josh Beare, Michael Tang, Lawrence LoPiccolo and the evergreen Matthew Vasilevski they should be premiership contenders. Finish: Fourth

Watsonia players listen to coach George Lattouf. Picture: Stuart Milligan

WATSONIA

Last season: Seventh (8-0-10, 100.72%)

Captain: TBA Coach: George Lattouf

Ins: Lachlan Bowden (Montmorency), Mitch Brownhill (Montmorency), Blake Charles (Montmorency), Darcy Charles (Montmorency), Levi Charles (Montmorency), Lachlan Davies (Bundoora), Josh Gazzola (Bundoora), Beau Griffiths (Donald, North Central), Luke Khoury (West Preston-Lakeside), Tony Khoury (West Preston-Lakeside), Lucas Vasilevski (Mernda), Austin Sinclair (North Warrnambool, Hampden), Marcus Sindrivanis (Mernda)

Outs: Ryan Holroyd (University Blues), Lachlan Potter (South Morang), Kyle Wheatley (Bundoora)

Big in: Blake Charles

Made his senior debut for Montmorency back in 2017 but struggled for opportunity behind club and league great Patrick Fitzgerald. That will certainly be different at Watsonia, Charles will be thrown the keys to the goalsquare after kicking 55 goals in 21 appearances to win the Division 1 reserves goalkicking award last season.

Key player: Josh Boulton

One of the unheralded stars of the competition, Boulton will have plenty of work to do marshalling the Saints defence this season. Last season’s vice-captain and club best-and-fairest winner will be asked to step up again in 2023.

Verdict: An impressive season last year saw the Saints in finals contention until the final fortnight, finishing seventh just two points behind Thomastown in fifth, picking up huge wins over Lower Plenty and Thomastown. Team of the Year pair Potter and Wheatley have departed, which is a blow, but Watsonia has restocked with talented young players including Montmorency Division 1 Under-19 premiership players Darcy Charles and Lachlan Bowden, Division 1 reserves leading goalkicker Blake Charles and Austin Sinclair, who was part of North Warrnambool’s Hampden league grand final team last year. Another learning year for the Saints. Finish: Eighth