New Kinglake coach David Florance discusses Lakers’ list, recruiting

After an impressive return to the NFNL in 2023, new Kinglake coach David Florance is confident the club will remain strong in a red-hot Division 3 in 2024.

Rohan King in action for Kinglake. Picture: Hamish Blair

Kinglake believes a blend of experience and youth will keep it in NFNL Division 3 premiership contention in 2024.

In their return to the league this year, the Lakers stunned the competition by winning nine of their first 10 games and finishing third before bowing out in an elimination final.

The Lakers will be under new management next season with David Florance taking the reins at Memorial Oval from Andrew Fairchild.

The North Heidelberg premiership player and Diamond Creek grand final assistant coach was under no illusion as to the challenge with a Division 3 arms race this off-season.

However, Florance was confident with the talent at his disposal and some soon-to-be announced recruits, Kinglake would remain a force.

“The list is very exciting, it’s a good mixture of older, more experienced players who have played a high standard of football and some younger kids coming through,” he said.

“We’ve got a couple of irons in the fire and we’ve picked up a couple already.

“There’s a few that we’re giving a chance to talk to the people they need to and a couple that have signed already that we’ll announce in the next week or so.

“It’s a good mix of experience and talent as well as some younger players coming through that will bolster the club moving forward.

“Hopefully that will create some excitement and buzz around the club which will get some others that were umming and ahhing to bite the bullet and drag a few others through the door.

“There’s a lot of clubs that have recruited well.

“Last year was pretty tight at the top so it’s going to be an exciting year with some big names coming into the competition.”

Kinglake has retained the bulk of its list.

Matt Coen and Matt Langford have returned to Division 2 club Whittlesea.

Elliot Kynaston is the only confirmed recruit at this stage, arriving from Kyabram District club Avenal.

Florance said there was a strong group of young players coming up to help an establish core of veterans.

“One of the first questions I asked Clint (president Clint Robinson) was what’s it like with player retention,” he said.

“If you take the top-end out in terms of age, a half a dozen there, the average age would be 21-22, which is exciting for the club given there’s no under-19s there at the moment.

“It gives me a lot to work with and as you know coming in as a new coach there’s no preconceptions about anyone.

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“While I’ve got a good handle and understanding, it gives people a fresh chance to show their wares at other positions and get opportunities.”

Kinglake’s impressive return to the Northern league saw skipper Bailey Robinson, Damian Pywell and Leigh Gilbert recognised with Team of the Year honours.

Robinson and Gilbert finished fourth and sixth respectively in the league best-and-fairest, while Robinson also placed seventh in the Coaches’ MVP.

Kinglake will kick off 2023 at home against Fitzroy Stars on Saturday, April 6.