SFNL: How recruits, new-look forwardline will ignite East Malvern in 2025

East Malvern captain Isaac Morrisby is confident the Panthers’ bolstered forwardline will spark significant improvement in 2025. Here’s why.

Isaac Morrisby. Picture: Ash Hill

East Malvern captain Isaac Morrisby expects the Panthers’ bolstered forward half to be their biggest area of improvement in 2025.

Morrisby has led East Malvern’s goal kicking for the past two seasons, highlighted by an 83-goal campaign last year.

Despite his potency Morrisby was short of a partner in crime, with his side’s next best goal kicker firing off just 18 goals.

The Panthers have since filled up on recruits, adding Lachie Stephens, Lachie Harris, Angus Cameron, Jesse Smith, Charlie Ingham, Jack Waldron and Charlie McGaw.

With most of them strong forward of centre, Morrisby thinks the grand finalists will have more options in front of goal.

“The names we’ve added there will be our biggest improvement, we should have some different options going forward,” Morrisby said.

“As much as you like getting on the end of a few it’s not the best way to win games of footy, so we’ve picked up a tall forward in Charlie McGaw, Aussie Hogan finished the year in form and is in ripping nick.

“Then we’ve added some smalls who will be at the feet of those guys.”

Ben Salmon. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Panthers shot out of the box to make the Southern league Division 2 decider but fell short to an all-conquering Murrumbeena.

Morrisby says the grand final heartbreak is “absolutely” fuelling the Panthers but they remain aware of the work required to redeem that defeat.

“It was disappointing but we were also pretty proud to say we got to the grand final,” he said.

“Yes it will fuel us but we are pretty aware that there are two sides coming down from Division 1 so we’re under no illusions that it will just happen for us.

“We have an uphill battle ahead of us because we fully respect Div 2 – I know others have picked up and then those two (Mordialloc and Chelsea Heights), it’ll make for an even competition.

“Obviously East Brighton and then Murrumbeena were the two outstanding sides (the last two years) but this year we expect there to be four or five sides who can be right up the top.”

Rob Amendola is East Malvern’s only major departure. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Panthers will have a new coach at the helm after Josh Brown replaced the retiring Mick Rossborough.

Morrisby said Brown has already had an impact on the group.

“Browny has been outstanding, we’ve only had six to eight sessions but his voice and ability to articulate his footy IQ have been first class,” he said.

“It’s great to have him on board, his commitment and fresh voice have really impressed me and I know the boys have enjoyed it thoroughly.”

East Malvern starts its season against Keysborough at home on April 5.