Season in review: Panton Hill’s big off-season plans to build on 2021

SEASON REVIEW: Panton Hill cemented itself in NFL Division 2 this season and has big off-season plans as it looks to jump up the ladder next season.

Tait Forster in action for Panton Hill. Picture: Hamish Blair

Panton Hill is chasing a key forward and ruckman this off-season as it builds on a strong return to NFL Division 2.

After a 12-month wait, the Redbacks finally got the opportunity to step up, snaring three wins to secure eighth and safety for 2022.

A 14-point win over St Mary’s was the highlight but the Hillmen’s inability to win a game at Cracknell Reserve was a major disappointment.

“Achieving that goal (of staying up) and having some quality wins throughout the year, that was really pleasing, and gives us a platform for next year,” coach Simon Amore said.

“We probably left a few wins on the table and we could have finished a little stronger than we did.

Tim Duckworth in action for Panton Hill. Picture: David Crosling

“(Not winning at home) was the elephant in the room for us for the whole season.

“We had a really good performance against Diamond Creek in Round 1 there and thought it was going to be a bit of a fortress for us but for whatever reason we didn’t seem to play our best football at home.

“It wasn’t ideal and it’s something we’re mindful of and something we’ll be doing everything we can to rectify it for next year.”

Panton Hill’s attention now turns to improving for next season with key talls at the top of the shopping list.

The club lost spearheads Rhys Boyden after the 2019 premiership and Matt Byron to concussion earlier this season before bringing in Mitch Merkel from Greensborough mid-season.

“We were able to bring Mitch in mid-year, who did a fantastic job holding down a key post,” Amore said.

“I don’t think it’s fair to continue to put that expectation on him, in an ideal world he’s more of a second or third option, so if we can find some help for him that would make us a lot better side.

“We need another ruck as well, Nathan Parks did a wonderful job shouldering a lot of that responsibility, so we’re looking for a few talls.

“We’ll get Brent Ryan back in, he went down with an Achillies mid-year, and I think our back six will be pretty settled with him back there.”

Merkel finished with an impressive 16 goals in five games, finishing just behind Jake Maher (18) as the club’s leading goalkicker.

Nick Parks in action for Panton Hill. Picture: David Crosling

Scott Conte in action for Panton Hill. Picture: Hamish Blair

Sam and Nick Parks both enjoyed stellar seasons in midfield, while Scott Conte, skipper Tim Duckworth and recruit Jesse Owens-Draper also had strong campaigns.

Amore felt the club had the talent to compete with the competition’s heavyweights, the club just needed to improve its depth.

“Sam Parks was outstanding from start to finish, his ball-winning ability was off the charts,” Amore said.

“Scott Conte was really consistent, John Pritchard was fantastic on the wing, Nick Parks was really solid in the ruck and Tim Duckworth was fantastic across half-back.

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“Nick is still only young, Alex Hughan came across from Greensborough and by the end of the year was really important to us, Riley Cousins was other one.

“We’re really hopeful of bringing in an under-19s side for next season, our president and vice-president are doing a lot of work in the background.

“That’s a real priority for us, if anyone is looking for a game it doesn’t matter what level they’re at there’ll be an opportunity for them.”

Amore is expected to be confirmed as senior coach for 2022 shortly and the Redbacks have secured AFLW star Deanna Berry as an assistant coach for next year as well.