Ricky Dyson and Brent Stanton’s future at Banyule has been settled
Banyule coach Paul Harris reveals former AFL stars Ricky Dyson and Brent Stanton’s availability for 2020. Plus, why the Bears hope they won’t see Division 2 best-and-fairest winner Riley Loton this season.
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Banyule’s NFL Division 2 premiership hopes have received a huge boost with Ricky Dyson set to play a full season.
Dyson played just five games for the Bears last season as he juggled assistant coaching duties at Essendon VFL.
The 114-game Bomber has departed Windy Hill and signed on as a playing assistant coach under Paul Harris for 2020.
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“He’ll actually be a bit of a new recruit for us because he’s no longer involved with Essendon VFL,” Harris confirmed.
“He’ll be a playing assistant for us, so we’ve got him for a whole season compared to five games last year.
“He’s at all the training sessions, he’s part of the coaching staff – which is a great help for me – and he’s available to play each week.”
While Dyson returns full-time to Beverley Road, fellow former Essendon star Brent Stanton will be limited to 10 or 11 games due to AFL coaching duties.
After holding an assistant coaching role at VFL club Northern Blues last year, Stanton has been promoted to David Teague’s AFL staff at Carlton.
Banyule could also be without Division 2 league best-and-fairest winner Riley Loton during the season as he chases a VFL contract with Richmond.
“Stants’ availability will be about the same as last year … the selfish part of me hopes Carlton don’t make the finals because if we make finals it will mean he’s available for us,” Harris said.
“(But) it’s a positive if we don’t see Riley because it means he’s playing VFL.
“He’s the type of kid who will thrive in that type of environment and last time I saw him he was looking exceptionally fit.”
The Bears have enjoyed another solid recruiting campaign, regaining 2017 premiership player Nick Biscontin after a year away playing cricket in England.
Country trio Liam Jacobs (Lake Boga), Lincoln Sieben (Balranald) and Liam Jacob (Griffith) have all jumped on board for 2020, while Michael Gravina has joined from Division 2 rivals Thomastown.
“We’ve pretty much kept everyone from last season, which is a good sign,” Harris said.
“(Arriving from country clubs) it makes it easier when they’ve got mates at the footy club and they know the club quite well.”
Banyule kicks off its campaign with a trip to Fitzroy Stars on April 4.
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