How will a new-look Bundoora shape up under Heath Scotland?

31 for 31: Bundoora’s off-season changes are well documented, so who are the next generation of leaders to keep the Bulls in the finals hunt?

Jesse King in action for Bundoora. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Bundoora is a “clean slate” heading into the 2024 NFNL Division 1 season.

The Bulls, under new coach Heath Scotland, will have a different look to previous years but still expect to be challenging for finals.

A significant turnover in personnel over the off-season has provided plenty of opportunity for young players to step up and take ownership.

The likes of Jesse King, Jackson Davies, Joel Lamotte, James Sekulovski and Nathan Phillips all played 19 games or more last year and will be asked to step up again this season.

Youngsters such as Zane Barker, Harry Butterworth, Liam Mallia and Hayden Bolzon will be given more responsibility.

Jackson Davies in action for Bundoora. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Club captain Luke Collins, Lachie East, Danny Younan and Peter McEvoy remain key players and provide much-needed experience.

Scotland said there would be some surprises when the team ran out for Round 1.

“There’s a couple of boys that have stood up for me and will get an opportunity early,” Scotland said.

“I’ve really been impressed with Liam Mallia, a young kid with a big body.

“I think he’ll see some midfield minutes for sure, I know there’s a pull to get him forward but I’m really liking how he’s training.

“Jesse King has probably been our best pre-season trainer.

“A number of boys have an opportunity to step up, you look at (James) Mefflin and (Brandon) Compt, who haven’t played a lot of senior football.

“I’ve seen young guys step up to take strong leadership and raise training standards that are going to earn opportunities.”

Daniel Younan in action for Bundoora.

After farewelling several senior players, Bundoora received a late boost with VFL-listed forward John Jorgensen recommitting.

After being announced by Ovens and Murray club Wangaratta Rovers, Jorgensen decided to return to Yulong Reserve and has also switched from Essendon VFL to the Northern Bullants.

“He’s focusing on VFL, clearly, but it’s good to secure him and he’ll be pivotal piece to our team and shape of our side,” Scotland said.

“At the end of the day, he was debating leaving, but was at training last week and has signed on the dotted line.”

The Bulls secured one of the most prized off-season recruits with delisted Carlton midfielder Sam Philp signing on for when he’s not on Port Melbourne VFL duties.

Jack Briskey and Tasmania State League Team of the Year big man Sam Green will also split their time between Port Melbourne and Bundoora.

Brayden King (Old Ivanhoe), Matt Morison (Thomastown) and Michael Fitz-Gerald (Montmorency) are also on board.

The Bulls will head to Tatura for a weekend training camp and match simulation against the Goulburn Valley club.

Practice matches against Essendon District clubs East Keilor and Greenvale will follow before the Division 1 season begins with a trip to old rival Montmorency.

Scotland was pleased with how the players were tracking a month out.

“It’s coming along nicely, the boys have put a good block of work in,” he said.

“We’ve just finished a month of education, game-method training, so implementing how we want to play with ball in hand and how we want to defend the ground.

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“We’ll be strong in our defensive principles but that won’t be a negative game style, I’m all about taking the game on and we’ve got attacking flair.

“I think we’ve got some quality players that can challenge with ball in hand.

“Our team probably won’t be settled and have a clear identity until the middle of the year because we’re working through a new gameplan with new players.

“There will be some ups and downs but I’m confident we can start the year with a bang and get our game going by half way.”