SFNL 2025: Division 4 club-by-club season guide

Southern league Division 4 footy is here. Catch up on the player movement, read our verdict on every club and more in our season preview.

The Southern league Division 4 season is here.

See how every club is shaping up below.

Clayton

Coach: Jackson Maloney

Last year: 5-13 (6th)

In: Jason Lang (Scoresby), Luke Pappon (Oakleigh Amateur), Zak Knight (Albert Park), Jack Paola (Oakleigh Amatuer), Daniel Di Fede (Oakleigh District), Sam Lunn (Bundoora), Jack Pasara (Doveton Doves), Tom Delaney (Dingley), Thomas Crameri (East Brighton)

Out: Baileigh Mills (Cairns)

Verdict: Clayton is hopeful of closing the gap on the top four after bringing in what coach Jackson Maloney described as some “high quality” players. Thomas Crameri, who played two senior Division 1 games for East Brighton last season, and Zak Knight are expected to bolster Clayton’s midfield, while key Josh Paolo will also be a handy addition.

Luke Pappon. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dandenong West

Last year: 7-11 (5th)

In: Coby Podd (Foster), Mitch Gregson (Foster), Bailey Kanapathipillai (Fountain Gate), Keanu Thomas (Narre North), Hayden Thomas (Narre North), Tom Howe, Andrew Jones (Caulfield)

Out: Matija Sigeti (Narre South Saints)

Verdict: Dandenong West has recruited strongly with a focus on youth over the off-season as they look to improve on last season’s seven wins and crack into the top four. The club is in a good position to improve and is well in the mix for finals at the very least.

Doveton Eagles

Coach: Cam Coupar

Last year: 5-13 (7th)

In: Hayden Laszlo (Highett), Jack Salan (Garfield), Shelton Nosario (Kilcunda Bass), Chris Sharp (Ballan), Michael Modaffari (Garfield), Josh Johns (returning), John Vongphone (returning), Corey Tucker

Out: Kobi Marks (Edenhope-Aspley), Mitchell Marks (Edenhope-Aspley), Ricci Marks (Edenhope-Aspley)

Verdict: The mood is positive at the Doveton Eagles ahead of the season, with – like most Division 4 clubs – a focus on adding plenty of youth over the off-season. Could improve on last season’s seventh-placed finish but may struggle to make the finals.

Hallam

Coach: Tom Dalton

Last year: 15-2 (runners up)

In: Adam Nekic (returning), AJ McCrae (Narre South Saints), Anthony Bernardo (Seville), Nathan Kannemeyer (Pakenham), Jed Dexter (St John’s), Josh Furborough (Lyndale), Jimmy Sarinn (Wantirna South)

Out: Bailey Mayne

Verdict: Having fallen short in last year’s decider after a strong season, more of the same is the aim and Hallam should be in a position to contend again Division 4 after retaining the bulk of its list. Seville’s Anthony Bernado has won a league best and fairest in Division 1 of the Outer East FN and shapes as a welcome addition. Will certainly be in the premiership hunt.

Lyndale

Coach: Brendon Groenendyk

Last year: 13-5 (3rd)

In: Mark Stevens (Oakleigh District), Connor Jester (Nyora), Simranjit Hothi (UTS Bats), Mandeep Gill (Blackburn), Kyle Bird (South Mornington), Pete Cassidy (Chirnside Park), Jacob Herra (Narre South Saints), Josh Phillips (Frankston Bombers), Jarryd Attard (Endeavour Hills), Jarryd Balfour (Endeavour Hills), Chanel Lalotoa (Black Rock), Brad Little (Ferntree Gully), Gach Chuol (Nunawading)

Out: Stu Johnson (Bunyip), Anthony Craddock

Verdict: Lyndale is another Division 4 premiership fancy ahead of the 2025 season. After reaching the preliminary final last year the club has recruited strongly and nine new players will take to the field in round one. Everyone in the club’s forward line can kick goals and ensuring they all play their required roles will be key. In another positive sign, the club has also added a second open grade team.

Forward Mark Stevens has crossed from Oakleigh District. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Moorabbin Kangaroos

Coach: Richard Houston

Last year: 10-8 (4th)

In: Daniel Otto (Langwarrin), Spencer Forbes (Tyabb), Tom Marrom (returning)

Out: Josh Whelan (Mordialloc), Mason Bailey (Mordialloc), Ahmed El Chakik (St Albans), Luke Shannon (Mordialloc)

Verdict: The off-season focus has been retention for the Kangaroos, who weren’t far off the pace last season, suffering an agonising three-point loss in the elimination final. Coach Richard Houston is confident he has the pieces to push the top teams and reach the latter stages of the finals if not contend for the flag.

Narre South Saints

Last year: 0-18 (8th in Division 3)

In: Matija Sigeti (Dandenong West)

Out: AJ McCrae (Hallam), Jacob Herra (Lyndale)

Verdict: It is tough to know what to expect from the Saints in 2025 after a winless Division 3 campaign saw them relegated. They will boast a very young group and the focus is on rebuilding but they will no doubt pick up some wins along the way and could be near the finals hunt.

South Yarra

Coach: George Koumantatakis

Last year: 0-18 (8th)

In: Will Burchill (Gembrook), Thomas Gill, Ryan Twycross, Josh Hanratty, Cam Walkinshaw, Harry Dobson, Lachie King

Out: Troy Lang

Verdict: South Yarra’s rebound from brink in 2022 continues, and coach George Koumantatakis believes the club is back to “square one” now after some tough years. It is now in a position to field two “strong” teams across the seniors and reserves which is a great sign. Have retained the bulk of last year’s playing group despite the challenges of lasts season. Koumantatakis doesn’t want to put a ceiling on how much his side could improve but they should be a far more competitive outfit regardless.