Thomastown looking to bounce back to NFNL Division 2 finals in 2024

31 for 31: A batch of strong recruits and new game plan has Thomastown confident of making a run to a top-five finish after missing out last year.

Lawrence Lopiccolo in action for Thomastown. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Thomastown believes it has “the talent to compete” in what looms as a stacked NFNL Division 2.

After three straight finals appearances, the Bears dropped out of the top-five last season and parted ways with coach Peter Bugden.

Premiership players David Folino and Sash Spiroski have taken the reins for 2024.

While Division 2 Coaches’ MVP Tyrone Leonardis has left the club, it has been a successful summer with reigning league-leading goalkicker James Lucente coming on board, along with Julian Janev, Youseph Dib and Kyle Green.

Folino expects to play finals but knows his team will have to be at its best every week.

Panton Hill’s Oliver Parks battles Jarryd Coulson of Thomastown in the ruck. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We want to make sure it’s a good place to be around and let the boys go out and play and show what they’ve got,” Folino said.

“We’re just looking to be more competitive and more consistent and improve every week.

“Every team wants to play finals so that’s something we’re trying to do.

“It’s hard to know because there’s a lot of strong teams already, you expect Diamond Creek and Whittlesea (to be up there) and St Mary’s and South Morang to carry on from last year.

“We feel like we’ve got enough talent to compete, it just depends on the day I guess.”

The co-coaches have implemented a game plan they hope can let players showcase their talent.

A premium will be placed on defending and winning the ball back before launching into attack.

“We’re not doing anything outrageous but the things we want to focus on the boys are picking up,” Folino said.

“Sash and I have been lucky enough to be a part of some good teams over our time and we’re picking and choosing things that work.

James Rizzolio in action for Thomastown. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“You have to be strong defensively and strong at the contest and then allow the guys to attack in different ways.

“We’ve got some players that are good with ball in hand and attacking, so we’ll encourage them to do that, try and defend first and then attack when we get the footy.”

Leonardis claimed the Coaches’ MVP, the first Bear to win the award, and led the club in league best-and-fairest voting, jointly with Lawrence Lopiccolo.

Leonardis has joined divisional rival South Morang, while Ben Nesci (East Keilor) and Josh Mazzarella (Mernda) have also departed.

Lucente, Janev and Charlie Khoury all arrive from Watsonia, Dib from East Malvern and Green from Bundoora, while Nick Jolly (Ballina, QAFL) and Anthony O’Sullivan (time off) are also on board.

Lucente booted 61 goals last season, while Anthony Capeci was Thomastown’s best with 30.

“They (new recruits) fit in quite well, they knew a couple of guys already, and are driving the standards already.

“We want James to fit into the forward six, he’ll find the goals because he’s a really talented player, a smart forward.

“We’re not going to put all the pressure on him and rely on him, we’ve got a few other guys and we want everyone to play their part.

“James, Julian and CK (Khoury) who have all come across from Watsonia, those boys are flying.

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“Kyle Green from Bundoora, it’s no surprise he’s setting the standard on the track.”

Thomastown faced a big test in its final pre-season practice match taking on EDFL Division 1 premier Deer Park.

Folino said he was pleased with how his players fared against a club preparing to step up into its league’s top-flight.

The Bears will kick off the season with a night clash against Northcote Park at Bill Lawry Oval on April 6.