Reservoir coach Rohan Davies discusses the Mustangs’ expectations, preparations

31 for 31: Reservoir made a recruiting splash as it looks to end its easybeat status in NFNL Division 3, brining in several high-profile names. So what do the Mustangs expect of themselves?

Reservoir players celebrate a goal. Picture: Josh Chadwick

Has any Northern club caught the imagination with its recruiting more than Reservoir this off-season?

Looking to break the mould of NFNL Division 3 easybeats, the Mustangs have brought in a host of high-profile recruits, all with premiership-winning experience.

None more high profile than ex-AFL talents Levi Greenwood and Aaron Edwards, who both played in an Outer East Division 1 premiership at Healesville last season.

Bundoora Division 1 flag-winners Josh Grabowski and Joe Palazzolo are on board, Footscray VFL winner Andrew Tashevski-Beckwith was one of the club’s first signings and Lower Plenty premiership captain Billy Barden is the club’s latest signing.

Evergreen local footy legend Paul Scanlon will pull the boots on once more, former Coburg VFL defender Jack Sandric, Jaise Coleman, Josh Mascara, Steve Schwarzer and Marcus Cantwell have also committed.

Oliver Capaldo in action for Reservoir. Picture: Josh Chadwick

It’s made for an exciting pre-season, says coach Rohan Davies – the club has also introduced women’s football and is eyeing a return to netball.

However, he’s not getting ahead of himself, knowing the club is coming off a one-win wooden spoon season in 2024.

“We just want to get competitive, we said that last year and we improved a bit,” Davies said.

“We were competitive in games but not for long enough, so the aim this year is to not be an easy beat for any side.

“From a club point of view we want to be pushing up the ladder for sure, otherwise we’re wasting our time.

“That’s why we’ve brought in guys that have been in good environments, winning environments and they’ve set a good example of how you train and how to prepare for gameday.”

After its Round 11 bye last year, Reservoir had a three-week purple patch, pushing Ivanhoe to seven points, defeating Lalor to break its season duck and then coming up 16 points short at Heidelberg West.

Nathan King, Rob Holland, Tom Holloway and Mark Ferraro played all 16 games last season, while James El Moussalli was the club’s leading goalkicker with 37 majors in 13 appearances.

Reservoir defender Steven Smith. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Captain and Team of the Year star Zech Cuppins and Anthony Koutoufides have departed.

Davies has been impressed with his new and old charges commitment to pre-season.

Palazzolo has been leading the way, while Steve Smith has dropped a significant amount of weight.

“Joe has been phenomenal, I don’t think he’s missed a session and dominated both practice games,” Davies said.

“Paul Scanlon defies logic with what he’s able to do, against Keilor Park I don’t think he came to the bench.

“Steve Smith, who played last year, he’s probably 15kg lighter and he’ll hold down the backline for us, he’s had a great pre-season.

“Billy Barden came on board late in the piece and played up forward in the praccy and looks really good alongside Aaron Edwards and James El Moussalli.”

There’s been plenty of interest in Greenwood and Edwards since it was announced they would be joining.

Davies said getting a player the calibre of Josh Grabowski has also caused quite a stir.

“I get asked a lot about Levi, obviously, which makes sense and Aaron,” he said.

“Josh Grabowski is just a superstar, his speed and decision-making is really high level for Division 3.

“He’s living in Geelong but committed to us, he gets to training when he can and played both praccies, he’s a great example for the guys.

“When I talk to mates, there’s a bit of disbelief that he’s playing for us.”

Reservoir has had two difficult pre-season hitouts, first against Riddell District power Diggers Rest, then on Saturday Essendon District club Keilor Park.

Davies wasn’t too phased by the results, putting more focus on Round 1 preparation.

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The Mustangs kick off their 2025 campaign when they host Ivanhoe at Crispe Park on April 5, followed by Old Eltham, Lalor and Heidelberg West in an opening month that will certainly show where the club is at.

The coach said the work being down behind the scenes would hopefully set the club up for a brighter future.

“The committee, under president Nick Kosmas, they work they’ve done – I’m not sure how they have jobs outside footy,” he said.

“It’s no secret the club was battling on and off-field but the committee, all volunteers, are doing a lot of work and I think the club is going to be in a very good place in the coming years.”