Old Paradians ready for learning curve in Northern league debut

Old Paradians expects to be competitive in its NFNL Division 3 debut but the Raiders know it will be a massive learning curve at the same time. Plus, how many games will Sam Gilmore play?

Kyle Mahony in action for Old Paradians. Picture: Josie Hayden

Old Paradians aren’t here to make up the numbers but the club knows 2024 will be a massive learning curve.

The Raiders enter the Northern Football Netball League after more than 90 years in the VAFA, starting out in Division 3.

The club finished seventh in VAFA Division 2 last season, the association’s fifth tier, but expect to be competitive in the NFNL.

A strong recruiting crop, headlined by two-time Heidelberg premiership captain Sam Gilmore, has added invaluable experience and class.

Paradians coach Ben Turner said the club would take time to find its place at the start of the season.

“It’s one where we’re going to learn a lot I think,” Turner said.

“It’s one where we’re prepared to find out more about ourselves and our football club.

“It’s not necessarily a free-hit but certainly one where we’re going to learn heaps and whatever happens in terms of finish will be.

“They knew where they stood in the amateur comp, so coming across to the Northern league, the air of anticipation is something we’re all experiencing.

“Guys that have come across from Northern clubs are providing some insights but the boys that have been at the club previously are really excited about the challenge ahead.”

A first practice match against Division 3 premier Laurimar gave Turner and his players a taste of what to expect from the top teams.

“We came up against one of the yard-sticks, certainly in recent times, of third division,” Turner said.

“It certainly provided us information as to where we might need to get to eventually.

“You can never read enormous amounts into practice matches because both sides have players that weren’t playing and were trying a few things.

“The biggest challenge for us is we’ve got for upwards of 10 or 12 new players that are going to be playing in our senior team, which will take a bit of time.”

The Raiders will complete preparations with hitouts against Geelong league club Grovedale and Eastern outfit East Burwood.

A Round 1 clash against finals contender Heidelberg West at Garvey Oval awaits on April 6.

Gilmore, one of the premier ruckmen in metropolitan football, is one of the biggest recruiting coups of the off-season.

Gilmore’s brother Will – a Paradians best-and-fairest winner – has returned to the club, while former Eltham vice-captain Kyle O’Sullivan and fellow former Panthers Mitch Merkel, Joel Tolli and Sean Desmond are also on board.

Turner himself brings experience from top-flight clubs Greensborough and Lower Plenty and was an assistant as Banyule for the past two years, including a Division 2 premiership.

While Gilmore will not play every game this season, his influence in pre-season training has already been felt.

“He’s obviously got some commitments but optimistically, with a healthy body, we’re hoping he plays a fair portion of the season,” Turner said.

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“He’s getting married and he’ll take some time around that but we’re anticipating he’ll play a fair bit of the season.

“For us (coming from Division 1) it’s about trying to impart as much of what we’ve learned at other clubs and that goes for anyone.

“We’ve got guys that have spent time at Eltham, spent time at Banyule, other clubs within the league that they’ve gained certain aspects from and we want to build on that.

“Sam’s experiences are well-known to everybody and we’re benefiting from the views and experiences he shares, likewise with our other new players.”