SFNL: What South Mornington learned in first Division 3 season and how it will change in 2025

South Mornington has pinpointed its shortcomings in last year’s Southern league decider and vowed to “put in the work” in its pursuit for another crack at the flag.

South Mornington coach Chris Baker. Picture: Valeriu Campan

South Mornington coach Chris Baker insists the Tigers are willing to “get the work done” after a sluggish pre-season dented their chances at a successive flag last year.

The Tigers roared into the Southern league’s third division with a clinical 2023, winning both the senior and the reserves premierships.

While they reached another grand final, Baker believes the Tigers’ reserved approach to promotion slowed their premiership push before it even began.

“I think as a whole we just weren’t fit enough,” he said.

“We won the premiership in 2023 and going up a division, we didn’t think we were going to be one of the better teams.

“I think everyone had a bit of an easier and lazier pre-season and then halfway through the year we realised talent wise we were good enough but weren’t as fit as the Frankstons, the Carrum Pats.

“The talent is not going to do it for us, so we’ve been putting in the work and got a few guys in who are a bit faster and experienced.”

Travis French. Picture: Andrew Batsch

The Tigers have added former junior Broden Bird, who once kicked 120 goals in a season, as well as Paul Dadds, Jackson Weyne, Kieran Taig, Ollie Walsh and Josh Brown.

Baker said recruiting and pre-season had been impacted “a fair bit” by the need for fitness.

“I know it’s not Division 1 footy and a lot of guys play for fun but after talking to the leadership group, they all agreed we need to put in the work,” he said.

“They’ve all bought in and everyone has committed to doing the work on the track.

“(Bird) has bought in, he sends runs in all the time, Josh Brown is another one from Mornington who is super fit.

“When you bring two or three guys in like that, it brings everyone else up.”

Baker expects the competition to improve with the addition of Hampton, Berwick Springs, Skye and St Kilda City but thinks the Tigers will “push for the flag” if they can get their fitness right.

Jack Knox. Picture: Andrew Batsch

“If we buy in and get the work done, I really think we can be thereabouts and push for the flag,” he said.

“I understand every other team is going to get better as well so it’ll be a tough comp, I think Berwick Springs will be a strong side.

“I feel like it will be a very even top-end of the comp but we will be just as good as anyone else.

“That’s the big thing, once you win one you celebrate (a premiership), relax you can take the foot off the pedal a little bit.

“But once you lose one you’re pretty pissed and motivated so that foot is back down on the throttle and the boys are keen to redeem that loss.”

South Mornington travels to the Peanut Farm to take on St Kilda City in round 1.