See all the key ins and outs and ladder prediction for NFL Division 3 2021
The big-name recruits, star players, controversial predictions and analysis of every NFL Division 3 club’s premiership hopes for 2021. EVERY CLUB ANALYSED
Northern
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It’s been a long wait for Northern Football League Division 3 clubs.
At 581 days, it’s arguably the longest wait of any suburban or country football league in the country.
SEE CLUB-BY-CLUB ANALYSIS AND LADDER PREDICTION BELOW
However, absence makes the heart grow fonder as they say and there’s eight teams champing at the bit to get back to action.
The new season promises plenty of drama and quality footy.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Harder to pick than a broken nose.
As no club was relegated from Division 2 the premiership race is wide open.
With all respect the Lalor and Reservoir, there’s six legitimate finals contenders vying for four spots in 2021.
Laurimar and Kilmore are early-season premiership favourites.
The Power were undefeated for the first 13 games in 2019 before collapsing, while the Blues have arguably the biggest home ground advantage in the competition.
It’s the next tier of teams that will likely battle it out for a top-four finish.
South Morang, Mernda, Heidelberg West and Old Eltham Collegians all have an eye on the top four for differing reasons.
All are more than capable and quite possibly percentage will play a critical factor.
Finally, Lalor and Reservoir are both tipped to improve this season.
The Mustangs in particular, under new coach Jason Hamilton, have recruited some experienced players hoping to snap a winning drought that dates back to mid-2018.
SOUTH MORANG
Last season: Grand Finalist
Captain: Matthew Robinson Coach: Gary Hall (fourth season)
Key Player: Mitch Kalpakis
One of the Lions rising stars, Kalpakis was named best on in the club’s losing senior grand final and played in a under-19 premiership the following week. Another year of development will have him and the club’s next generation primed for a big 2021.
Big In: Tye Hall Big Out: Luke Shelton
Hall isn’t so much a new recruit as a welcome return. The midfielder ruptured his ACL in the 2019 preliminary final, missing the grand final, and was set to sit out 2020 but then the COVID-19 pandemic happened. He’ll be fit and firing for Round 1. However, Shelton will be hard to replace. The former captain has crossed to EFL club Warrandyte, which is closer to home. Another who didn’t play in the grand final is junior talent and one-time AFL hopeful Lachie Potter who has crossed to Watsonia.
Preview: South Morang are difficult to predict. The club will rely on its deep youth program, which could mean a rebuilding year. However, Gary Hall knows exactly how to get the best out of his players and it would be no surprise to see them play finals. A good chance this so called “expert” will have egg on his face.
LAURIMAR
Last season: Minor premier, third
Captain: Mitch Thompson and Luke Wilson Coach: Jimmy Atkins (first season)
Key Player: Josh Williamson
Williamson booted an incredible 34 goals in just nine games in 2019 to finish third in the club best-and-fairest. Match-winning forwards are worth their weight in gold at the level and if Williamson is able to repeat his output for an entire season Laurimar will have one of the best.
Big In: Daniel Francis Big Out: Justin Sherman
Laurimar lost Sherman and Jack Stewart from the team that enjoyed so much success in 2019. Playing coach Sherman was a threat through midfield or up forward and his experience in big moments will be hard to replace. The Power already had a strong attack but adding former Division 2 goalkicking winner Daniel Francis only makes them more dangerous.
Preview: While 18 months have passed, the 2019 collapse and preliminary final defeat is still keenly felt at Laurimar. New coach Jimmy Atkins comes from the Garry Ramsay school of coaching so expect his team to be ready when it matters most.
KILMORE
Last season: Fourth
Captain: Adam Milne and Leigh Irons Coach: Nathan Phillips (fourth season)
Key Player: Chris Ryall
Shared the club best-and-fairest and finish equal fourth in the league count with Leigh Irons in 2019 but had the better of his teammate with 13 goals to three and his ability to hit the scoreboard will make him an invaluable asset in 2021. Was also named as rover in the Division 3 Team of the Year.
Big In: Chris Jackson Big Out: Riley O’Loughlin
Jackson is a big boost to the Blues midfield after spending the past few seasons at GVFL power Seymour. Fellow 2020 recruit Michael Marrett will also return, while Chris and Ciaran Barton have crossed from Wallan. Meanwhile, O’Loughlin has departed after moving to Melbourne and has joined EDFL Division 1 club Hillside but didn’t feature on Good Friday.
Preview: Kilmore are genuine promotion contenders in their fifth season since crossing from the RDFL and making finals for the first time in 2019. A big home-ground advantage, a kind fixture and a stronger playing list all point in the right direction for Nathan Phillip’s men. Winning a final will be the club’s first goal but it is capable of more.
MERNDA
Last season: Fifth
Captain: Josh Delaney and Angus Mills Coach: Rob Fletcher (first season)
Key Player: Shannon Smith
Linking up with Fletcher, his premiership coach, Smith will serve as an assistant coach and will also be critical if the Demons are going to kick a winning score each week. Smith kicked 41 goals as Craigieburn won the EDFL Division 1 premiership in 2019 and could have a field day with the Demons.
Big In: Josh Mazzarella Big Out: Brad Dimech
There’s been a big turnover of personnel at Mernda with best-and-fairest winner Brad Dimech, Nick Aleksovski, Matthew Dean, Tyson Sparkes and James Duclos all gone, while 2020 recruit Lane Tucker will not return. Mazzarella might not have the profile of some of his new teammates but having playing NAB League football for the Northern Knights his signing is critical for the Demons on-field hopes and proves the club is capable of luring young talent. Craigieburn premiership players Smith, Bryce Kimuliatis, Jacob Austin and Bundoora assistant coach Jarrod King bring the experience.
Preview: There are high expectations at Waterview Reserve with Fletcher stating its finals or bust in 2021. After being relegated in 2015, the Demons haven’t played finals so it would be a big monkey off the club’s back if it were to make the top-four. The club has always had some exciting young players and with the addition of some premiership-winning experience, this might just be Mernda’s year. Finals is one thing – and while the list looks capable on paper – winning a premiership is another.
WEST HEIDELBERG
Last season: Sixth
Captain: Ben Kennan and Dan Offer Coach: Michael Missen (first season)
Key Player: Jarryd Coulson
Pretty obviously really. The three-time reigning Division 3 league best-and-fairest is the best ruckman in the competition and is determined to help the club end its finals exile. His season will dictate where the Hawks end up.
Big In: Allan Young Big Out: Ben Fogarty
Such was Young’s – and fellow 2020 recruit Lloyd Toffolon’s – impact on the Hawks group they were voted into the leadership group last season. Young retains his place for 2021 and will provide an important avenue to goal. Toffolon, Alex Hywood and reigning Reservoir best-and-fairest Sam McDowell are back, while 2017 Division 1 reserves league B&F winner Jake Chiminello, Ayman O’Dowd, Dave Di Carlo and Daniel Walters are new faces.
Preview: There’s only one question this season for Heidelberg West and that’s finals. Michael Missen takes over the senior team having led the Hawks reserves to the premiership in 2019 – the club’s first flag since 1966. It could be said his appointment kept star big man Coulson at the club and his ability to band the club together will be critical if it is to achieve its goal. A top-four finish is most definitely on the cards.
OLD ELTHAM COLLEGIANS
Last season: Seventh
Captain: Luke Bower Coach: Matthew Sleeman (first season)
Key Player: Jack Fitzgerald
The youngster finished fourth in the Turtles best-and-fairest in 2019 playing mainly across half-back but with a bigger body and improved fitness base will push into the midfield this season. Impressed in the club’s practice matches and will be one to watch.
Big In: Niall McDonagh Big Out: Kieran Malone
There’s no doubting it, losing best-and-fairest winner and Team of the Year forward Kieran Malone is a massive blow. However, Collegians have recruited well in the past 18 months and having McDonagh walk in just days before Round 1 is a massive boost. The former Irish international and Division 1 premiership player will be joined by Matthew Whittaker, Matthew Dean and Clay Crimmins.
Preview: Old Eltham Collegians were a surprise-packet in 2019, winning six games after crossing from the VAFA, and are more than capable of pushing for the top four this year. However, it’s a tough task with several quality sides all battling for the same goal and it might take another season or two for the club to fully establish itself.
LALOR
Last season: Eighth
Captain: Louis Hill and Sam Rexhepi Coach: Gary Cutler (second season)
Key Player: Sam Rexhepi
Arguably the best key forward in the competition, Rexhepi kicked 39 goals in 2019 to finish third in the competition despite the Bloods only winning two games. He’ll add captaincy duties to his resume after a standout pre-season campaign and is primed for a big season.
Big In: Pasquale Saccuzzo Big Out: Jackson Freebairn
Never a good thing when the club captain departs with Freebairn returning to his former club Epping. Demetrios Constantinou, Robert Todd and Josh Novelli have also exited but the club has restocked. Saccuzzo will slot straight into Freebairn’s spot in midfield and together with Hill – both two-time premiership players at North Heidelberg – will give the club a massive boost on field and in leadership. Justin Bentley, Dominic Saccuzzo, Nathan Smith, Taylem Stretton, Dylan Potter, Steven Alabakis and Matthew Cooper are also new faces.
Preview: Lalor hasn’t beaten a side other than Reservoir since it dropped back to Division 3 in 2018. It’s been a hard road for the proud club but it is on the up with off-field stability and an improved playing list. Finals might not be on the table just yet but the Bloods are more than capable of pulling off an upset to two this season. Underestimate Gary Cutler’s men at your peril.
RESERVOIR
Last season: Ninth
Captain: Petar Pavlovic and Sam Edward Coach: Jason Hamilton (first season)
Key Player: Nick Gregson
A ruckman with experience in Northern Tasmania league outfit Devonport and has previously played under Hamilton at Braybrook. He’ll give the Mustangs midfield a strong presence around the ground.
Big In: Petar Pavlovic Big Out: Sam McDowell
Pavlovic and fellow 2020 recruit Sam Edward have had an instant impact at Crispe Park, named captain before they’ve even played a game for the club. Tutoatasi Faleiva, Angus Hunter, Matthew McIntosh and Jonah Taylor are among the other new faces. McDowell, the club’s reigning best-and-fairest, will leave big shoes to fill but Hamilton is confident he’s improved Reservoir’s depth. Zach Cookson, Dylan Potter, Daniel Sebeh, Paul Cluney, Donovan Stuart and Lachlan Walmsley have also departed.
Preview: It’s baby steps for Reservoir. The club hasn’t won a game in 35 attempts, winless in the past two seasons, but 2021 provides a new opportunity. Hamilton is confident his club is ready to snap its drought and will certainly provide stiffer opposition than previous years. Everyone wants to see the Mustangs win a game – except the team playing them – it would certainly be the good news story of the season.
MUST-WATCH GAMES TO START THE SEASON
LAURIMAR v KILMORE, ROUND 1
Some are saying a grand final preview. Obviously, it’s far too early to tell but the Power finished third and Kilmore fourth in 2021 and are certainly pre-season premiership front-runners. The Blues are strong at home but can they travel?
HEIDELBERG WEST v MERNDA, ROUND 2
Both clubs missed finals in 2019. Both clubs are determined to right that wrong in 2021. An early-season “eight pointer” for two finals contenders that has plenty riding on it.
OLD ELTHAM COLLEGIANS v SOUTH MORANG, ROUND 2
How good will Collegians be in 2021? They impressed on debut in 2019 and have added a couple of handy players since and will be looking to shift up the ladder in 2021? On the other side, can South Morang bounce back after a grand final defeat and 18 months off? This will be the Lions first real test.
MERNDA v LAURIMAR, ROUND 3
Mernda have got high hopes in 2021 and they’ll go on the line against Laurimar. The two teams put on a couple of strong showings in 2021 and will renew the rivalry with plenty of new faces but no less desire. Give the Power the edge on reputation but the Demons are hard to beat at home.
RESERVOIR v LALOR, ROUND 4
In the past this rivalry has been both teams’ best chance of claiming a win. Both teams are certainly on the improve but will continue to struggle for consistency and will have circled this clash as a possible win. Want to watch some old-fashioned local footy, this is the game for you.
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