Former AFL big man joins Southern league contender
An ex-AFL ruckman has decided to link up with a former teammate at a Southern league contender just days out from the season opener. Here are the details.
NFL
Be better: North Heidelberg’s ‘simple reality’
North Heidelberg knows it must improve if it is to challenge for a first NFNL Division 1 premiership since 2005. So how will the Bulldogs do it?
Kilmore puts trust in young talent
31 for 31: After falling out of finals contention last season, Kilmore is confident its young talent mixed with experience can lift the club back up the ladder.
Runner, runner: Hurstbridge eyeing next step
After a history-making finals appearance last season, Hurstbridge has made big strides in one key area, while several Bridges are already celebrating a flag.
Flag foundations in place at Northcote Park
31 for 31: Despite missing finals, Northcote Park owned the third best defence in NFNL Division 2, and coach Anthony Palmer is confident the foundations are in place for a strong 2024.
‘Very different’ Reservoir ready to compete
31 for 31: Reservoir coach Rohan Davies is adamant the Mustangs won’t be the easybeat they have been in the past with several new recruits arriving.
Opportunity knocks at Watsonia
31 for 31: The need to replace key players has opened up several opportunities at Watsonia with existing and new players ready to step up this season.
‘No ceiling’ but Banyule remains realistic
31 for 31: Banyule was one of the most active clubs in local footy this off-season but the Bears remain realistic about their chances in NFNL Division 1.
Where you can watch local footy this weekend
Dust off the boots and pump up the Sherrins, local footy clubs hit the park for practice matches this weekend. Here’s where you can get your fix.
Loaded Fitzroy Stars fill leadership void
31 for 31: After a difficult NFNL Division 3 debut, Fitzroy Stars has loaded up on experienced talent as it looks to end a seven-year finals drought.
Promising start boosts hope at Lower Plenty
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Lower Plenty is confident its young talent and core stars can lift the club back up the NFNL Division 2 ladder.
West Preston-Lakeside to usher in new generation
31 for 31: After missing finals for the first time since 2016, West Preston-Lakeside will give its promising youngsters more opportunity to excel in 2024.
Paradians prepare for Northern learning curve
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?
Struggles toughen Ivanhoe for Northern return
A difficult final VAFA season will hold Ivanhoe in good stead for its return to the Northern league, with a star forward set to play a handful of games.
Closing the gap key to Panton Hill’s finals aim
Panton Hill had wins over Diamond Creek, St Mary’s and South Morang but finished eighth. Coach Simon Amore reveals the key to the Redbacks’ improvement.
Eltham’s goals for Division 1 return
Eltham returns to NFNL Division 1 for the first time in 2017 with some simple goals, while a returning young gun has caught the eye on the training track.
Dane Swan to kick off Northern league club’s season
Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan will make his first foray into the Northern Football Netball League, helping a Division 3 club kick off its season with a guest appearance.
Epping ‘on track’ for success after drop
31 for 31: After suffering relegation last season, Epping has been busy in the off-season, bringing in new talent, and a pre-season win has expectations high.
Are young and gun Borough ready to play finals?
31 for 31: After missing finals for the first time in a decade, Greensborough is looking to its developing young talent to lift the club back into the NFNL Division 1 top-five.
Finals taste has St Mary’s hungry for more
31 for 31: After playing NFNL Division 2 finals for the first time in club history, St Mary’s is eyeing a bigger slice in 2024.
Recruits ‘rejuvenating’ Heidelberg West
31 for 31: As Heidelberg West’s finals drought nears 30 years, the club is looking to build long-term success with new recruits and a fresh look in 2024.
‘No excuses’: South Morang primed for big year
31 for 31: An eye-catching recruiting campaign and a strong pre-season has South Morang primed to build on last season’s semi-final appearance in NFNL Division 2.
AFL reveals tackle ban amid major rule changes for junior footy
Juniors will be forced to not tackle in certain age groups this year after the AFL announced shock new new rule changes for underage footy.
Younger, quicker Macleod ready to surprise
Macleod has had arguably the biggest turnover of any NFNL Division 1 club but coach Craig Hayes sees plenty of positives in the new-look Kangas line-up.
Adaptable Kinglake ready for flag run
New Kinglake coach Dave Florance is confident his new gameplan is versatile enough to succeed anywhere, while the club’s boom recruit is having a big impact.
Young guns to lead Laurimar challenge
The continued development of Laurimar’s clutch of young guns will be key to the club’s hopes of success as it steps up to NFNL Division 2 for the first time.
‘Harshly judged’ Montmorency aims to end curse
31 for 31: Montmorency coach Nick Rutley has a simple expectation for 2024 and has been pleased with the Magpies’ DNA as he implements a new gameplan.
‘Fire in the belly’ fuelling Mernda redemption
31 for 31: Mernda is ready to become the hunted in 2024, strengthening its side with some strong talent, as it aims to erase last year’s heartbreak.
Can Whittlesea continue bounce-back flag tradition?
31 for 31: It happened in 2013, 2015 and 2019. Can Whittlesea do it again in 2024? New coach Garry Ramsay reveals his expectations for the Eagles.
New leaders ready to step up at Bundoora
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?
Bridges chasing top-end premiership glory
Five Hurstbridge players are chasing premiership glory before a ball has been kicked in the NFNL, starring for NTFL club Tracy Village.
Locked in: every Northern club’s practice matches
The 2024 season is just around the corner and Northern league clubs are ramping up preparations, locking in practice matches. See the schedule here.
Rumour mill: Rising star’s setback
A VFL-bound local footy gun has reportedly suffered an injury setback after lighting it up this pre-season. All and more revealed here.
‘Super Saturday’: Cobras to host festival of practice matches
As the search for grounds for practice matches becomes growingly difficult, Cora Lynn is pioneering a local footy extravaganza, featuring four leagues, on the eve of the 2024 season.
Suburban footy star mourned after horror car crash
Several football clubs in Melbourne’s northern suburbs are mourning the death of a teenager killed in a horror crash in Upper Plenty this week.
Big shoes to fill for new leader of the pack
Heidelberg has a new captain and respected defender Keenan Posar has some big shoes to fill and tricky start to the season to lead the Tigers through.
The local footy teams to keep an eye on in 2024
From clubs with massive off-season recruiting drives to those who need to live up to the pressure, these are the local footy teams you need to keep an eye on in 2024.
From near-death to coaching triumph
In an incredible tale of resilience, Wayne Pavitt, a local footy star in both Cairns and Melbourne, has survived a horror crash to make a miracle return to a club he loves.
New Reservoir coach’s expectations for 2024
Coming off back-to-back country premierships, Rohan Davies is under no illusions as to the task of making Reservoir competitive but he’s made a strong start with an ex-AFL listed recruit.
Revealed: All of metro Melbourne’s local footy coaching changes
Ex-AFL guns, VFL stars and community legends are among the local footy’s new coaches in 2024. Here we track each new coaching appointment in the off-season.
Christmas Kings: top Northern off-season recruiters
Nearly 130 players have moved clubs in the NFNL. So which clubs should be giving its recruiters a Christmas bonus? We name the best off-season clubs.
Goalkicking legend coming out of retirement
The Northern league’s all-time leading-goalkicking Shane Harvey will put his retirement on the backburner and suit up for Kinglake in 2024.
Named: Local footy’s best recruits of the off-season
Ex-AFL guns, state league stars and local heroes have been among the signings at clubs throughout the off-season. We name those who have stood out.
How Heidelberg West fills league B&F’s boots
With NFNL Division 3 league best-and-fairest winner Lachie Evans departing, Heidelberg West has some big boots to fill. New coach Dale Mayne discusses his strategy.
Kinglake brewing strong blend for 2024
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.
Rivals to renew hostilities in Good Friday blockbuster
Newly promoted Eltham will renew its rivalry with Greensborough in a Good Friday blockbuster to kick off the NFNL Division 1 season.
No ‘easy tickets’ for relegated Epping
NFNL Division 3 looks stacked in 2024 and Epping coach Brad Hollow believes it will be an opportunity for the relegated club to earn some respect back.
Disrespect fuelling Lower Plenty pre-season
New Lower Plenty coach Travis Stephens has heard the rumours but is confident his squad will “surprise a couple” next season.
Revealed: Local footy’s salary caps for 2024
Country footy’s premier competitions will be able to spend more than their metro counterparts in 2024. Here’s the salary cap for every league.
Bitter end to Reservoir, George partnership
Justin George accuses Reservoir of not paying him for the 2023 season amid a bitter end to his two-season tenure as coach of the Mustangs.
Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/nfl/page/3