Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins discusses grand final pain driving Power

While Laurimar is driven by redemption for last year’s grand final defeat, a premiership is not the be-all and end-all for the Power in 2023.

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

Laurimar isn’t shying away from its premiership ambition but coach Jimmy Atkins denied it was grand final or bust for the Power.

The club came up agonisingly short of a maiden flag last season, going down to South Morang in the NFNL Division 3 decider by 15 points.

Atkins said the defeat was driving the playing group during pre-season but wasn’t the be-all and end-all.

“There’s no reason to shy away from the fact we were disappointed the way the season ended, so we’re pretty driven,” he said.

“It’s not something we bring up all the time but it’s not something we don’t talk about, we talk about the standards we set last year to get there.

Jacob Lawson in action for Laurimar. Picture: Hamish Blair

“We’re definitely in a better place this time of year now than last year, I feel we’re much fitter.

“We’ve played one practice match (against Thomastown), we had a young team that night and I was impressed with how we played – our pressure was really good.”

Laurimar will face stiff competition for the chance to step up to Division 2 in 2024.

Fitzroy Stars will be looking to bounce straight back after relegation and Old Eltham Collegians have recruited strongly on the back of a preliminary final.

Kilmore, Heidelberg West and Mernda are expected to challenge for the top-four, while newcomers Kinglake are an unknown quantity.

“Obviously we want to get there and get redemption for last year, (the expectation) is definitely finals and as the season goes on it’s top-two.

“It’s going to be pretty even, which is great, Heidelberg West has recruited well, Eltham College as well, Kinglake coming in and Mernda have got some experience.”

Laurimar retains the bulk of its grand final squad.

Bailey Macleod keeps his eye on the ball for Laurimar. Picture: Hamish Blair

Luke Wilson finished runner-up in the Division 3 league medal, Jacson Cecil won the league goalkicking award and together with Nathan Andrews, Jake Richards and Kaiden Arthur earned Team of the Year honours.

Richards is the only major departure, trying his hand at Division 1 club Hurstbridge, while Aiden Clarke comes the other way from the Bridges.

Laurimar will look to unleash a three-pronged ruck division on the competition with Clarke joining Josh Leather and Ethan Bateman.

Atkins also revealing he was implementing a quicker gameplan to suit the club’s young talent.

“We’re looking forward to having Aiden’s experience, he’s a great leader on the track and has Div 1 experience,” Atkins said.

“We might be able to throw the magnets around a little bit more, we’re weighing it up in the practice matches because we’ve still got Josh Leather and Ethan Bateman.

“We’ve got more youth, we’re looking to play a couple of different players, so we’re probably going to be quicker on our feet this year.

“Bailey Macleod and Micah Vecchio will be full-time, they were under-17s last year, you might see a bit of Harley Marsh and Noah Mooney played last year but is still under-17s, we’re very excited by those kids.

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“Kaiden Arthur was fantastic last year and he’s flying again, making Team of the Year in his second season of senior footy was amazing.”

After a promising showing against Thomastown, the Power will face EDFL Division 2 club Craigieburn and Northern Division 1 outfit St Mary’s in preparation for Round 1.

Atkins said it was important for his players to get some exposure to the level if they are to step up next season.

The Power kick off their campaign at home against top-four rival Kilmore.