OEFN 2025: rising contenders, players to watch, bold predictions
New contenders are set to emerge in the Outer East league. Here’s what to expect in 2025, with a look at every club, key players and predictions in Premier and Division One.
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Comings and goings — of clubs and players — has set the scene for an exciting 2025 season in Outer East Football Netball league.
The departure of premiership-winning Narre Warren to neighboring Southern league has opened up Premier Division.
Upwey Tecoma, Olinda Ferny Creek and Mt Evelyn (which has welcomed South Croydon pair Lucas O’Neill and Jason Want) will look to go even deeper in finals, while Healesville rises to the top flight after hoisting the Division One flag last year.
Wandin and Woori Yallock — preliminary final combatants last season — are tipped to be leading contenders in a wide-open flag race.
Wandin’s key recruits are Montrose ruckman Ben Johnson, Echuca premiership defender Daniel Willis and Cayden Black from South Belgrave.
Ryley Monkhorst returns to Woori to play alongside his brothers Zach and Ben (Zach won the league medal in 2024).
Former AFL players Robbie Nahas and Marley Williams whip up interest when they play at Gembrook Cockatoo, coached by ex-AFL Kangaroo Michael Firrito.
“He’s fitted in really well,’’ Firrito said of ex-Pie and Roo Williams.
“He has a strong frame and is an explosive sort of player. He’s just wanting to come back and enjoy his footy and let his footy do the talking.”
Dynamic forward David Johnson takes over as senior coach at Emerald, which has secured Luke Spaulding, a multiple Outer East league team of the year recipient and best and fairest winner at Yarra Junction last year.
Former powerhouse Pakenham drops to the second tier Division One, but with the experienced Justin Stanton taking over as coach and quality players Tanner Stanton and Jake Kidd coming on board, the Lions should be a finals contender.
Seville should have plenty of motivation after a stinging straight-sets exit from the finals last season after finishing on top of the ladder. The Blues add speedy young midfielder Cooper Colee from Mt Evelyn.
Warburton-Millgrove made the grand final last season and, with champion ruckman Nelson Aldridge leading the way, the Burras will be one of the sides to beat in Division One.
Powelltown went from top-to-bottom last season, but with Ryan Handley taking the coaching reins and an influx of recruits, including ex-AFL Giant and Blue Liam Sumner, Powelly are poised to climb the ladder.
Darren Hamilton’s Belgrave made finals last season and has added a bunch of players from Upwey Tecoma’s under-19s, as well as Beaconsfield ruckman Mitch Summers. Jesse Pearce is a strong addition up forward and Aaron Crichton and Luke Bakewell strengthen the midfield.
Gun midfielder Austin Smith returns to Yarra Glen from Mooroolbark, via some summer footy up in Darwin. Look for the River Pigs to improve markedly. Alexandra, Yea and Yarra Junction also go into the season with high hopes.
Season 2025, meanwhile, marks 20 years of netball in OEFN.
PREMIER DIVISION
Emerald, Gembrook Cockatoo, Healesville, Monbulk, Mt Evelyn, Officer, Olinda Ferny Creek, Upwey Tecoma, Wandin, Woori Yallock.
2024 premier: Narre Warren (gone to SFNL)
League B&F: Zach Monkhorst (Woori Yallock)
Leading goal kicker: Taylor Gibson (Woori Yallock)
DIVISION ONE
Alexandra, Belgrave, Pakenham, Powelltown, Seville, Warburton-Millgrove, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction, Yea.
2024 premier: Healesville
League B&F: Ben Wratten (Powelltown)
Leading goal kicker: Corbin Sutherland (Yea)
THE BIG CALLS
*A Premier club to make a big signing before the halfway mark.
*Pakenham to get on a winning run.
*Yarra Glen to emerge as a finals contender.
*The Premier finals series to be one to remember.
*A former star to make a surprise comeback.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
*Aaron Mullett (Wandin)
*Tanner Stanton (Pakenham)
*Austin Smith (Yarra Glen)
*Francis Seal (Olinda Ferny Creek)
*Zach Monkhorst (Woori Yallock)
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