Outer East league: SANFL recruit sparks Healesville’s perfect start in Premier Division
A one-time AFL draft prospect is among seven recruits fuelling Healesville’s 2-0 start to the Outer East league’s Premier Division season.
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Healesville has hit Premier Division of OEFN like a summer storm, aided by a bunch of recruits and a core group of dedicated locals.
So far, the Bloods — last season’s Division 1 premiers — have unveiled seven recruits as they’ve swept to wins over Upwey Tecoma and Emerald...and to top spot.
Among the newcomers is Central Districts SANFL signing Hugo Munn, who was considered one of the 2018 AFL draft’s top key forward prospects.
Munn (199cm) kicked two goals in Healesville’s 11.28 (94) to 4.9 (33) win over Emerald on Saturday.
Doncaster recruit Callum Bradley was named the Bloods’ best player in Rd 2, impressing coach Ryan Webster with his attack on the footy.
“He’s a good in and under, hard running midfielder,’’ Webster said.
“He very rarely loses a contest, he loves a contest and just wills himself.’’
Ed Bourke (Old Xaverians), Ashton Dobbin (Lilydale), Tristan Van Driel (Doncaster), Aidan Rouse (Mulgrave) and Rodney Van Riet (Newport) are other additions to the Healesville side this season.
Van Driel faces a stint ol the sidelines after breaking his jaw in the opening round.
Webster said Van Riet, who was among the Bloods’ best on Saturday, is a former senior coach who has brought knowledge and experience.
“He’s very experienced...it’s good to bounce some ideas off another coach and get that feedback as well,’’ he said.
Healesville has also unearthed some terrific young talent in the first two weeks, including teenager Tony Biddiscombe, who impressed off half back on Saturday.
“He’s a very promising young player,’’ Webster said.
“He’s a really clean, grab ball player and stands up under the pressure, very calm and collected which is a great attribute to have at a young age.’’
Healesville lost experienced trio Levi Greenwood, Aaron Edwards and Luke Potts from its 2024 premiership side but Webster said the Bloods had good depth at the club.
He said rising to Premier Division was a challenge the club embraced.
“That was our plan when I came in a couple of years ago, to get the club back into Premier Division,’’ he said.
“We planned for it.
“It’s been a really good start, we’ve been able to execute how we wanted to. We lost a bit of experience but we kept all our local crew. They’re the core nucleus of our footy club, the local guys who live in Healesville and have played for the club, and are dedicated to the cause.’’
BLOODS EDGE MONBULK
Olinda Ferny Creek continued its unbeaten start to the season with a hard-fought win over Monbulk, 9.18 (72) to 8.12 (60). The Bloods led by five points at halftime and kicked four goals in the third term.
“It was a gritty game,’’ Olinda Ferny Creek coach Dylan Wilson said.
“We came out well after halftime. We knew it was going to be a full four quarter game against Monnie, they like to work hard and they’re well coached. They’re one to look out for this year for sure.’’
Former Collingwood defender Matthew Scharenberg was named the Bloods’ best player, while Blair Wilson, Patrick Rosier, Pete Lucas and skipper Lachlan Taylor impressed. Taylor rolled his ankle in the last 30 seconds of the game.
“Patty Rosier was at his best, pressuring in the forward line,’’ Wilson said.
“Pete Lucas was a bull in the middle. He’s got supreme fitness and you always see him popping up late in the game where as everyone else is needing a breather and he’s still going full steam. His conditioning is elite.’’
For Monbulk, Joel Wensley slotted three goals and Lochlan Beecroft did well.
Wilson said Olinda Ferny Creek, after playing finals last season, was again hunting end of season action. “The group’s super motivated, so it’s very enjoyable and everyone’s keen,’’ he said.
DOGS DOWN TIGERS
Echuca premiership player Daniel Willis was best-afield as Wandin overcame Woori Yallock 16.13 (109) to 14.11 (95). Ex-league man Aaron Mullett booted seven goals for the Bulldogs following his bag of nine last week. Tom Merlino, Damien Furey, Charlie Wood and Patty Bruzzese also impressed for Wandin, while Taylor Gibson kicked four for Woori and teenager Hunter Ryan caught the eye.
RECRUIT KICKS FOUR
South Belgrave recruit Spencer Richards-West slotted four goals as Upwey Tecoma pulled away from Officer, 16.9 (105) to 11.6 (72). Tom Attalla, Ned Park Jenkinson and Sam Murray also ran hot for the Tigers.
ROVERS OPEN ACCOUNT
Callum Urquhart kicked three goals and Jack Hourihan was named best-on-ground as Mt Evelyn overcame Gembrook Cockatoo 11.12 (78) to 7.8 (50). Michael Gibbons, Will Gordon, Jason Want and Kai Heathcote were also influential for the Rovers. Josh Tilly and Konner Allcott were best for the Brookers.
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