How Berwick Springs plans to attack its debut season in the Southern league

Berwick Springs will enter Division 3 of the Southern league with bold ambitions in 2025. Co-coach Hayden Stagg discusses the Titans’ list, expectations and adjustments.

Berwick Springs coach Hayden Stagg.

Berwick Springs co-coach Hayden Stagg says the Titans are “doing everything we possibly can” to make their introduction into Division 3 of the Southern league brief.

The Titans hoped to join Division 2 when they left the Outer East alongside Narre Warren but were sent to the third tier of the expanding competition.

Stagg, who coaches the Titans with Chris Johnson, said landing in Division 3 was an opportunity for the club to push for its maiden premiership.

“That’s the goal every year but it’s really important for us to try and win it next year, we’re doing everything we possibly can,” he said.

“All the boys want to be playing their best footy, we feel like we’re able to compete in Division 2, so that’s our aim this year.

“It gives us a good chance to start again in Southern, reset, and go again.

“A lot of sacrifices have to be made (to win a premiership), there’s a whole variety of things that need to be done – if there was an easy formula, I would love to know it.

“There’s a good feeling around the club and I think that makes a huge difference towards success.”

Luke Morrell. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Titans have lost Jett Kearney and Riley Hillman but have added Mitch Latimer and Jack Roberts from Catani.

Stagg said the Titans would use the change of scenery and new faces as a chance to “hit the reset button”.

“The boys have bought in, obviously there’s been a few guys who have wanted to play higher than Div 3, that’s fine, we all want to play our best footy,” he said.

“That’s just the nature of the beast when you go down, but that’s alright, it’s good for the club to hit the reset button after a tough year.”

There will be significant change to the look of Division 3 next year.

Frankston Dolphins and Narre South Saints depart while Berwick Springs, Skye, St Kilda City and Hampton join.

Stagg thinks the competition will be “one of those unknown things” for Berwick Springs.

Connor Carlyon.

“It’s a bit different from what I have watched,” he said in comparison to Outer East.

“It’s quite skillful so we’ll have to give everyone the respect they deserve, we’ve got to win the contested ball first and beat teams on the outside.

“I am sure other teams are recruiting, it’s one of those unknown things for us, so we’ll have to take every game as it comes.”

Stagg himself missed the 2024 season through an ACL injury but is on track to return early next year.

“I am hoping to push for round 1, that’s the plan at the moment,” he said.