SFNL: Hampton Park has seven new recruits ahead of the 2025 season

Hampton Park has surged to the front of the Southern league Division 2 recruiting race with seven key signings, but new coach Luke Bull insists the Redbacks’ “desperate for success” mindset won’t change.

Mason Hawkins celebrates a goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Hampton Park coach Luke Bull is keeping a lid on it – but he admits “there’s some good signs”.

Bull and his Redbacks have made quick inroads on their push for the Southern league Division 2 premiership with a recruiting extravaganza.

Bull himself is a recruit, while Liam Scott (Noble Park), Lionel Benoit, Mason Hawkins (Vermont), Makaio Haywood (Ellinbank), Tom Jewell (Karingal) and Mitch Woolgar (Noble Park) have also signed.

Hawkins, a star ruckman, is the pick of the bunch.

He played 13 games for Eastern league power Vermont this season and was among the Eagles’ best in their elimination final.

The Redbacks, who won a final this year, have aimed to bring in players who will not only lift the side but allow for more recruits.

“I have only brought in two recruits who aren’t from Hampton Park previously,” Bull explained.

Hampton Park midfielder Jayden Weichard. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“Makaio is a one pointer, which is going to come in handy, Mitch Woolgar is a one pointer, brought back Lionel Benoit and then you have Liam Scott and myself.

“The beauty of it is that we have a bit of wiggle room with points, so we have a couple of big names we’re talking to and trying to get over the line in the next few weeks.

“Being a playing coach, I am still connected to the wider playing group so while I’ve still got that ability to network, I am going to use that.

“My main focus was to do the work early, be settled early so I don’t have anything to worry about during pre-season.”

Division 2 of the Southern league has been an arms race for two successive seasons.

East Brighton and Murrumbeena recruited heavily and it paved the way for their eventual premiership success.

Bull says the goal is to be standing on the premiership dais at season’s end but he isn’t going to revel in the Redbacks’ off-season “until that cup is lifted”.

“We’re very confident but obviously grand finals aren’t won on paper,” he said.

“They’re hard work, we have a lot of bonding to do within the group, there’s a lot of new faces so we’re not getting ahead of ourselves by any stretch.

“We’re desperate for that success and will do everything we can but we’ll stay humble, stay quiet and there will be nothing to celebrate until that cup is lifted.”

Elsewhere in Division 2, Mordialloc has added some experienced heads while Andy Mathers is making a return for Frankston Dolphins.