Outer East league: Mt Evelyn sets sights on success in Premier Division in 2025
After securing a spot in the OEFN finals last year, Mt Evelyn is setting ambitious goals for 2025, strengthened by key recruits and dynamic young players.
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Mt Evelyn is gearing up for a promising 2025 season in the Outer East league’s Premier division, following their finals appearance last year.
With a blend of valuable recruits and promising young talent, the Rovers are aiming high.
The off-season has been productive, but as coach Connor O’Sullivan notes, the true test will come in round one — against Wandin.
“We’ll get some really good feedback from our competitors and we’ll go from there,” he said.
O’Sullivan believes the Rovers are set to make strides in the ultra-competitive league but, despite other coaches viewing Mt Evelyn as a contender, he remains grounded.
“As a bare minimum I would expect us to improve,’’ he said.
“The reality is we haven’t won a final in Premier Division for…I don’t know the exact dates.”
Key additions to the team include Lucas O’Neill and Jason Want from South Croydon, who have already made a positive impact in training.
“They’ve been fantastic in their training standards and their ways to connect with our group really early on,’’ O’Sullivan said.
“They’ve been super valuable already without even playing a game for us.’’
Tommy Burkitt, from Mitcham, is another key addition. He’s returning from a long-term injury.
“He’s someone we are really looking forward to seeing play,’’ O’Sullivan said.
Daniel Chamberlin, from Montrose, a young forward, is another promising recruit. “He’s a really exciting young forward with huge wraps on him,’’ O’Sullivan said.
Ryley McKernan, who led the goalkicking (45 goals) in the reserves competition in Eastern league Division 2 last season, joins from Montrose, and has had a strong pre-season.
Additionally, youngsters Cooper Beckwith and Jaymin Townsley, from Lilydale, add depth to the squad.
Despite losing Cooper Colee to Seville, Max Kleverkamp to Old Peninsula in the VAFA, and Lachlan Sinnott moving overseas, O’Sullivan is optimistic.
He highlights the character and quality of the new additions, believing they will contribute to the team’s success.
Daimon Kift will continue as captain for a fourth year.
“He’s an outstanding leader,’’ O’Sullivan said.
O’Sullivan is also excited about the potential of young players ready to make their mark, including the Cherry twins, Blake and Dane, who have already played senior footy, and Brodie Hood, who has had a solid pre-season.
“Asher Inaps has also been really solid as well,’’ O’Sullivan said.
“Jasper Barry is also a name to look out for.’’
The Rovers face last season’s runners-up Wandin in their opening match, a formidable opponent.
“They’re the benchmark,’’ O’Sullivan said.
“With Narre going out I think they are the clear team to beat. They’ve recruited well and they have a brilliant coach and a brilliant assistant coach. They’re always well prepared and well planned. It’s great to play them in round one and work out exactly we you are at.’’
With a focus on translating training into match success, Mt Evelyn is poised for an exciting season, driven by a blend of experience and youthful energy.
MT EVELYN
IN: Tommy Burkitt (Mitcham), Daniel Chamberlin (Montrose), Jason Want (South Croydon), Lucas O’Neill (South Croydon), Ryley Mckernan (Montrose), Cooper Beckwith (Lillydale), Jaymin Townsley (Lilydale), Nathan Arena
OUT: Cooper Colee (Seville), Max Kleverkamp (Old Peninsula), Lachlan Sinnott (moving overseas)
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