North Heidelberg not shying away from high expectations this season

North Heidelberg isn’t shying away from high expectations ahead of the NFNL Division 1 season after some strong recruiting over summer.

Billy Hogan in action for North Heidelberg. Picture: Hamish Blair

North Heidelberg president Warren Haysom has declared it’s finals or failure this season.

The Bulldogs finished sixth last season but are confident of returning to the NFNL Division 1 top-five in 2023 under re-signed coach Jason Heatley.

“We’re confident we can play finals and from my point of view as president of the club, if we don’t play a final this year it’s a failure,” Haysom said.

“With everything that is at our disposal – and within our control – we mean business.

“We think we’ve got the list to play a prominent role and I think around the traps most people would agree with that.

Jason Heatley coaches North Heidelberg for a third season. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“However, there’s no mug sides, it’s actually a privilege to be in the comp, running around in this division.

“I’m very optimistic that we’ll have improved depth which should filter down into our seconds, which will be far more competitive, and our 19s I think will meet the standards they set last year.”

Boosting the club’s confidence, last season’s mid-year recruit Majak Daw will be available for the majority of the season, while gun midfielder Liam Hunt will be full-time after three seasons at Williamstown.

Former Dogs Michael Florance (Hurstbridge) and Curtis Brown (Whittlesea) have returned to Shelley Reserve.

Brody Bell, Zane Anderson (both Whittlesea), Dane Whitnall, Brodie White (both Craigieburn) and Hamish Murphy (Avondale Heights) are other new arrivals.

Jackson Starcevich (Newlyn, Central Highlands), Nick O’Neill (Nyah Nyah West United, Central Murray), Ryan McGhie (Boort, North Central), Jack Mapleson (Aberfeldie), Adam Braendler, Brandon Bailey (both Morwell, Gippsland), Moussa Ali (Lalor) and Corey McKay (Parkside) are the main departures.

Hunt in particular will help free up midfield star Jesse Tardio, while Florance, Daw and Whitnall will provide much-needed height.

“Liam is going to be an integral part of it and he’s been burning,” Haysom said.

Parker Heatley flies high for North Heidelberg. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Jhye Baddeley-Kelly in action for North Heidelberg. Picture: Hamish Blair

“My own belief is Jesse Tardio becomes an even more dangerous player with Liam there. He hasn’t missed a beat, looks after himself very well, and sets the tone.

“We’ll have a number of players that can rotate through the midfield, there’s a little bit more depth there.

“I think we’ve addressed the tall issue, or lack of, that we had in 2022.

“We’ll see Majak for most of the season, which will certainly re-shape our structure and Flo is a good get, he’s a North player and it’s great to have him back.

“They’re a couple of key talls that will add stability around the ground and we’re hopeful we have a few talls that can catch a few sides off guard.”

Northern league legend Shane and VFL/AFL games record holder Brent Harvey will again pull the boots on.

Shane is within reach of 250 senior games for the Bulldogs after kicking his 1000th goal for the club last season, while Brent is hoping to feature more regularly.

“Shane has trimmed down and looking in pretty good nick,” Haysom said.

“He’s still got a few tricks so he’ll certainly be vying for a spot in Round 1.

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“We expect we may see more of Boomer this season as well, which would make a massive difference.”

North Heidelberg had a strong win over Gippsland league team Morwell in its first practice match and will finalise Round 1 preparations against WRFL club Spotswood.

The Bulldogs face a tough opening fortnight as reigning premier Heidelberg travels to Shelley Reserve for a Round 1 derby before grand finalist Bundoora visits in Round 2.

The Bulldogs will also field a women’s team for the first time, one of two new women’s teams this season along with Heidelberg West.