Every NFNL Division 3 club’s ins and outs, star players and season prediction

There’s two new clubs and plenty of new faces in NFNL Division 3 this season. Check out every club’s ins and outs, star player and our season predictions.

NFNL Division 3 club-by-club season preview.

It’s been a big summer in NFNL Division 3.

We’ve welcomed a new club to the league in Kinglake.

Fitzroy Stars have come down from Division 2.

There’s been some impressive recruiting across the competition.

It all adds up to what should be one of the best season’s in recent memory.

Laurimar will be keen to go one further this season after grand final heartbreak and Old Eltham Collegians and Kilmore will be looking to build on their finals appearances.

Heidelberg West and Mernda are knocking on the door of the top-four and Kinglake are in the mix after a grand final appearance of their own in Outer East Division 2.

Check out every club’s ins and outs, star player and our season predictions below and tell us who you think will win the flag.

Taj Proctor in action for Fitzroy Stars. Picture: Andy Brownbill

FITZROY STARS

Last season: 10th in Division 2 (0-0-18, 28.39%, relegated)

Captain: James Dau Coach: Lionel Proctor & David Nelson

Ins: Gordon Bamblett (Northcote Park), Max Braybrook (Uni Blues), Kaelun Brown (Northcote Park), Kayan Bundle (Richmond Central), Jai Burns (Bundoora), Jason Cousins (Lalor), Jaryd Day (Moama, Murray), Eric Edwards (Rumbalara, Murray), Jungala Ellis (Ardmona, Kyabram District), Djarran Graham (West Preston-Lakeside), Michael Grahram (Sandgate, Qld), Peter Hood (Bundoora), Luke McKeown (Northcote Park), Allan Norris (Yallorn, North Gippsland), Tom Paterson (Westmeadows), Tyson Pickett (Metro, WA), Keadin Ronnan (Rumbalara, Murray), Hedley Smith (Perth, WAFL), William Stow (Uni Blues), Rex Taylor (Girgarre, Murray), Anthony Walker (Tallygaroopna, Kyabram District), Corey Wanganeen (Girgarre, Murray), Josh Wanganeen (Rumbalara, Murray), Raman Winmar (Rumbalara, Murray)

Outs: Hotak Akram (Panton Hill), Poshang Akram (Panton Hill), Josh Faasoo (Newport), Ash Hood (Thomastown), Jamaica Ilsey (Maribyrnong Park), Riley Livingstone (Panton Hill), Aaron Lynn (KDFNL), Djaran Murray-Jackson (Parkside), David Smith (KDFNL)

Big in: Hedley Smith

What a get for the relegated Stars. Smith brings VFL experience with Coburg and Sandringham and played a couple of WAFL reserves games for Perth last season. He’ll be one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition.

Key player: Brandon Rich

One of four Stars players to play all 18 games last season and earned a mention in the best seven times. Impressed in his second season at the club, playing in a variety of roles. Will be asked to step up again if the club is to win promotion straight back to Division 2.

Verdict: Barring a disaster Fitzroy will sing the song for the first time in more than 12 months when they host Lalor in Round 1. Coach Lionel Proctor said momentum would be critical to the Stars premiership hopes and a first up win will do wonders. A Friday night clash against Heidelberg West, trip to Old Eltham and home game against Laurimar follow, which will give the Stars a better indication of where they sit. There’s plenty of talent at Sir Doug Nicholls Oval with the likes of Headley Smith, Gordon Bamblett, Jai Burns, Peter Hood, Michael Graham, Allan Norris and Tyson Pickett arriving over summer. Losing best-and-fairest Riley Livingstone and runner-up Hotak Akram is a blow however. The 2023 season will be a good opportunity for the Stars to reset and it would surprise no one if they’re on their way back up to Division 2 at the first chance. Finish: Third

HEIDELBERG WEST

Last season: Fifth (10-0-8, 166.82%)

Captain: Nick Paton Coach: Michael Missen

Ins: Leigh Bulman (North Heidelberg), Daniel Cookson (Old Ivanhoe), Dane Dmitrovic (Macleod), Daniel Kelly (Banyule), Jamie Ozimek (Watsonia), Max Post (Ivanhoe), Dhylan Rago (Watsonia), Jayden Ryan (Reservoir), Dylan Scott (Gembrook Cockatoo)

Outs: Connor Camilieri (Banyule), Hayden Chapman (Lalor), Jake Chiminello (Macleod)

Big in: Daniel Kelly

A bit of a coup landing the former Banyule midfielder. Kelly played 20 of 21 matches last season but was dropped for the Bears’ premiership win. He arrives at Heidelberg Park with good mate Daniel Cookson with the pair sure to boost the Hawks finals chances this season.

Key player: Brad Moore

A four-time Team of the Year defender and former club captain, Moore is the general of the West backline and will continue to be a key player as the club looks to break into the Division 3 top-four.

Verdict: Is this the Hawks’ year? We’ve been asking that for a while and competition for the Division 3 top-four has never been stronger with Fitzroy Stars coming down, encumbent finalists Laurimar, Old Eltham and Kilmore remaining strong, Mernda expected to improve and Kinglake entering the competition. That said, Heidelberg West is arguably a better list than 2022 with Kelly, Cookson, Dane Dmitrovic and Dylan Scott coming on board. Michael Missen’s men beat Old Eltham twice and Kilmore once and challenged South Morang and Laurimar last season but also lost to Mernda. As with a lot of teams, health and luck will be crucial. Finish: Fourth

Daniel Offer celebrates a goal for Heidelberg West. Picture: Hamish Blair

KILMORE

Last season: Fourth (11-0-7, 209.18%, elimination final)

Captain: Leigh Irons & Michael Marrett Coach: Paul Derrick (new)

Ins: Riley McLaughlin (Hillside), Mitch Portoglou (Western Rams), Ben Schraven (Wallan), Aaron Speak (Melton)

Outs: Luke Chapman (Longwood, Kyabram District), Ryan Eyre (Seymour), Jaxson Kinnear (Romsey), Chris Ryall (West Preston-Lakeside), Matthew Swindells (Chiltern, Tallangatta)

Big in: Ben Schraven

The former Wallan man was a reliable forward for the Magpies but could see more midfield time with Kilmore. Schraven played 17 of 19 games last season, including his 150th senior game, and kicked 10 goals and will be a strong addition to the Blues line-up.

Key player: Bailey Taylor-Egan

The Division 3 Team of the Year centre half-forward flirted with a move to a higher division but decided to return to Clancy Reserve for 2023 in a massive boost to Kilmore’s finals ambitions. Kicked 34 goals in 15 games last season and will be asked to improve on that if the Blues are to feature in September.

Verdict: Kilmore has been a consistent Division 3 finals team for the past three seasons and should remain so in 2023. The Blues have lost some talent, most notably back-to-back league best-and-fairest Chris Ryall, but have added some solid recruits such as Ben Schraven, Mitch Portoglou and Aaron Speak. Injuries took a toll last season but if fully fit, Kilmore is capable of beating anyone on their day and has one of the best home-ground advantages in the competition. How the backline holds up will decide the club’s season. Finish: Fifth

KINGLAKE

Last season: First in Outer East Division 2 (12-0-3, grand final)

Captain: Bailey Robinson Coach: Andrew Fairchild

Ins: Joe Slattery (Lancefield), Rye Johnson (Whittlesea), Rory McIntyre (Mernda), Jayden Petrucelle (Bundoora), Shane Little (Stony Creek, Mid Gippsland), Koebe Pfeiffer (Northcote Park)

Outs: –

Big in: Rye Johnson

Played all 18 games in Division 1 reserves for Whittlesea last season and will provide much-needed experience as Kinglake returns to the Northern league. Will bolster the Lakers defence nicely.

Key player: Bailey Robinson

The Lakers best-and-fairest and best finals player from last season will lead the club back to the Northern league. The star midfielder is capable of racking up plenty of touches and hits the scoreboard. Will be a key player if the Lakers are to push for finals in their first season.

Verdict: Kinglake were a big fish in a small pond in Outer East Division 2 so it will be interesting to see how they fare in their return to the Northern league. The club hasn’t lost any key players from their grand final team last season and have a strong bond as a team, which will hold them in good stead. There’s plenty of names familiar to NFNL watchers, such as coach Andrew Fairchild, Matthew Coen and Leigh Gilbert. Keep an eye out for leading goalkicker Damian Pywell, Jack Crowe and Mason McAlister as well. We’ve been conservative in our prediction but wouldn’t be surprised if Kinglake was challenging for the top-four. Finish: Sixth

William Graf in the ruck for Kinglake. Picture: Stuart Milligan

LALOR

Last season: Ninth (0-0-18, 12.72%)

Captain: Matt Baker Coach: Angelo Lammana

Ins: Adam Konnar (Old Eltham Collegians), Moussa Ali (North Heidelberg), Abudin Awo (Therry Penola), Jai Bennett (Macleod), Jacob Bonacci (Mernda), Tom Burn (Banyule, YJFL), Terry Chalvadakis (VAFA), Hayden Chapman (Heidelberg West), Scott Dickson (South Morang), Jake Dimech (Longwood, Kyabram District), Jacob Houston (Westmeadows), Tim Hung Do (North Heidelberg), Connor Fitzgerald (Old Paradians), Lucas Giacchi (Craigieburn), Jacob Houston (Westmeadows), Luke O’Keefe (Old Paradians), Zac Orr (Wallan), Josh Plummer (Bundoora), Jake Wheeldon (West Preston-Lakeside)

Outs: Dylan Cawsey (Yarra Junction), Jake Cawsey (Yarra Junction), Jason Cousins (Fitzroy Stars), Nathan Haynes (Melton), Jhdara Jones (Yarra Junction), Augustus Polidano (Oak Park), Blake Polidano (Oak Park)

Big in: Hayden Chapman

A regular for Heidelberg West, Chapman is a strong addition for a struggling club such as Lalor. He will add some skill and pace to the Bloods line-up and an experienced head to strengthen the club against collapses.

Key player: Ned Hawkins

Finished runner-up to Dylan Cawsey in the club best-and-fairest last season after playing 14 matches, underlining his importance to the team. With Cawsey departing in the off-season Hawkins becomes even more important to the Bloods as a leader.

Verdict: After struggling for numbers before the 2021 season, Lalor are in a far stronger position this season with a full squad and complete pre-season under their belts. It will still be a difficult season for the club but it will be looking to end it’s current losing streak and be more competitive against the bigger teams. If it can reduce the losing margins on a weekly basis and even jag a win against fellow struggler Reservoir then it will be a successful campaign. Finish: Ninth

Luke Wilson gets a kick away for Laurimar. Picture: Andy Brownbill

LAURIMAR

Last season: Second (14-0-4, 238.02%, grand final)

Captain: Luke Wilson & Mitch Thompson Coach: Jimmy Atkins

Ins: Aiden Clark (Hurstbridge), Josh Walker (Bundoora), Nick White (Old Ivanhoe)

Outs: Jake Richards (Hurstbridge), Ben Tripodi (North Heidelberg)

Big in: Aiden Clark

Adds to the Power’s strong group of talls, joining Ethan Bateman and Josh Leather. Clark will give coach Jimmy Atkins plenty of flexibility when it comes to how he rotates his big men.

Key player: Kaiden Arthur

Burst onto the scene last year with a blistering second half of the season and snatched a spot on the interchange in the Team of the Year. Was named in the best and kicked 16 goals in the last 11 games of the season. Reliable too as one of only two Power players to play all 20 games. Will be asked to step up again in 2023.

Verdict: A pretty quiet off-season for last season’s grand finalists. With a couple of top-ups, we would suggest that’s strong evidence of confidence in the club’s list to go one better in 2023. The loss of Team of the Year defender Jake Richards is a blow but Laurimar has talent across the park, led by Division 3 leading goalkicker Jacson Cecil, league best-and-fairest runner-up Luke Wilson, Nathan Andrews, Jacob Lawson, Al Jackson and Ethan Bateman. No doubt the club will be a force to be reckoned with in the Division 3 premiership race. Finish: First

Riley Vincent in action for Mernda. Picture: Hamish Blair

MERNDA

Last season: Sixth (7-0-11, 128.18%)

Captain: Angus Mills Coach: Rob Fletcher

Ins: Shannon Bennett (Tullamarine), Liam Contarin (South Morang), Bailey Dalgleish (time off), Neeson Cook (Broadford), Micheal Evans (time off), Luke Furci (Keilor Park), Zane Gibson (Old Paradians), Zac Hill (Broadford), Ryan Lovergrove-Hudson (Moama, Murray), Billy Morrison (Craigieburn), Liam Plunkett (Old Paradians), Craig Poynter (Craigieburn), Zach Racovolis (Airport West), Ethan Ross (West Coburg), Mathew Sicillano (Craigieburn), Josh Young (Craigieburn)

Outs: Anthony Bradford (Thomastown), Josh Delaney (Broadford), Nathan Fitzpatrick (Watsonia), Josh Mazzarella (Thomastown), Rory McIntyre (Kinglake), Riley Prestigiacomo (Panton Hill), Marcus Sindrivanis (Watsonia), Lucas Vasilevski (Watsonia), Ethan Wild (Ivanhoe)

Big in: Billy Morrison

Morrison is a big game player, he’s won two grand final medals, and the Demons will be hoping he can deliver that quality on a regular basis this season as they look to jump up the Division 3 ladder and begin to compete for a top-four spot again.

Key player: Ryan Bongetti

A remarkable season from the evergreen star. Bongetti finished fifth in Division 3 league best-and-fairest voting, fourth in Coaches’ MVP voting and earned Team of the Year honours but got pipped to the club B&F by Angus Mills. Remains a key player in the Demons’ line-up.

Verdict: Coach Rob Fletcher said the club was too young last year and couldn’t quite finish off games. Mernda has looked to correct that this off-season with the likes of Morrison, Shannon Bennett and Michael Evans signing on. They’ll mentor the likes of Mills, Chris Roussos, Riley Edwards, Riley Vincent and Kyle Yankos. The Demons should have a better balance of youth and experience and will be far more competitive in 2023. Several rival coaches have mentioned them as finals darkhorses. Finish: Seventh

Matthew Keys and Nick Snowdon celebrate a goal for Old Eltham Collegians. Picture: Andy Brownbill

OLD ELTHAM COLLEGIANS

Last season: Third (12-0-6, 173.92%, preliminary final)

Captain: Eden Simpson Coach: Matthew Sleeman

Ins: Luke Crowley (Dunolly, Maryborough Castlemaine), Jake Cullen (Epping), Jackson Freebairn (Epping), Michael Howden (Epping), Michael Jacobson (Epping), Hugh Kavanagh (Diamond Creek), Jaedyn Kearney (Epping), Tyler McNamara (Preston Bullants), Matthew Radziejewski (Parkside), Mitch Rodda (West Preston-Lakeside), Liam Rushton-McCoach (Eltham), Jake Tyson (Epping), Ross Virgona (Epping), Matthew Williamson (Eltham)

Outs: Adam Konnar (Lalor), Matthew Crooks (Maiden Gully, Loddon Valley), Luke Booth (injury)

Big in: Jackson Freebairn

The former Lalor captain and Epping midfielder moves to Old Eltham and will provide plenty of experience and leadership and a harder edge in the Turtles midfield. No doubt he’ll enjoy a few more wins than the previous few seasons too.

Key player: Tim Ellis

A measure of Ellis’ importance to Collegians. He played just 11 games but still managed to finish second in the club best-and-fairest. The Division 3 Team of the Year full-back in 2021, he’ll be critical to the club’s premiership aspirations in 2023.

Verdict: The Turtles are coming with a bullet in just their fourth season in the Northern league. After six wins on debut in 2019 they claimed seven (in 12 games) in 2021 and 12 in 2022. After playing finals for the first time and reaching the preliminary final the club now has eyes on a grand final or even more. Collegians have recruited strongly over the summer, adding some experience in Freebairn, Michael Jacobson, Hugh Kavanagh, Jaedyn Kearney and Matthew Williamson and some young talent such as Liam Rushton-McCoach and Mitch Rodda. The Turtles beat Laurimar twice last season, both times by a point, underlining their premiership credentials. Finish: Second

RESERVOIR

Last season: Eighth (3-0-15, 14.23%)

Captain: Tom Holloway Coach: Justin George

Ins: Riley Barker (West Preston-Lakeside), Robert Bentley (South Morang), Connor Harris (West Preston-Lakeside), Sam Heurtau (Chelsea), Jesse Inzillo (Hadfield), Josh Inzillo (Hadfield), Dylan Kromek (North Sunshine), Mark McDonald (South Melbourne Districts), Alex Mills (St Kilda City), Kieran Robertson (South Melbourne Districts), Joe Toce (Inner West Magpies, AFL Sydney)

Outs: Liam Morgan (Preston Bullants)

Big in: Connor Harris

Harris could be the trailblazer in a partnership between West Preston and Reservoir. The Mustangs are offering “apprenticeships” to young players looking for senior opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise be afforded at clubs like the Roosters. Harris played under-19s last season and will step up to senior level this season.

Key player: Robert Holland

Became the first Reservoir player named in the Team of the Year since 2015 and finished 13th in the Division 3 Coaches’ MVP after a stellar campaign through midfield. Was a shining light in a tough season for the Mustangs and will again be a critical player as they look to build in 2023.

Verdict: Last year was a watershed season for Reservoir, it scored its first win since 2017 and claimed three wins in a season for the first time since going into recess in 2015. The challenge for the club now is to build on that and improve again in 2023. That begins with reducing its losing margins against the competition’s heavyweights. While it might not sound much, that will be as significant as beating Lalor. Finish: Eighth