VAFA 2021: Ormond makes bolting start to the season

Ruckman Joe Nowell and sharpshooter Callum Cathcart have helped Greg Hoskin’s team win its first two games in good style.

Callum Cathcart marks strongly for Ormond against the Bullants. Pic: Ormond AFC.

Matt Suckling is kicking the ball a long way.

Callum Cathcart is kicking goals.

Joe Nowell is kicking on as a ruckman.

And Ormond has kicked away to two good wins to open the VAFA Premier C season under new coach Greg “Reggie’’ Hoskin.

The Monders were too strong for Old Mentonians in Round 1 and on Saturday they had a thumping win over Preston Bullants at EE Gunn Reserve, 17.23 (125) to 6.7 (43).

The experienced Steve Tolongs slotted four goals, as did Cathcart, who booted eight in the first game.

Matt Suckling takes a kick for Ormond. Pic: Ormond AFC

Hoskin said Cathcart – had who stints with the Sandringham Dragons and Sandringham VFL – was an exciting player and had quickly become a favourite with the supporters.

“In the crowd, they already love him,’’ he said.

“Everyone is sort of just laughing every time he kicks a goal. He just knows where to be at the right time.’’

Nowell is on the Sandringham Dragons’ books, one of five 200cm players with the NAB League Boys club this year.

He played in the forward line in Round 1 but rucked on Saturday.

“Played a really good game,’’ Hoskin said.

“He’s got a bit of X factor about him, there’s no doubt about it. He picks it up off the ground really well. Last week he kicked a goal like Eddie Betts, sort of a dribbling banana snap. He’s got a bit about him.’’

With the Dragons taking a breather after the first block of games, Nowell will stay with the Monders for the next few weeks.

As for former Hawthorn premiership player and Western Bulldog Suckling, Hoskin said he had settled in to the club well.

Young Joe Nowell wins a tap for Ormond. Pic: Ormond AFC

He said he had wondered if Suckling would have an appetite for training after so long in league football. The left-footer with the long-range kick has answered that.

“He’s been good. He’s a nice fella, a good country boy,’’ Hoskin said.

“I was interested to see what he was like. And now I know he’s a ripper. He mingles with the juniors and he’s good with his teammates, a role model. He’s done everything. Been great.’’

The Monders have captain Tom Buckley (hamstring) and former AFL player Simon Buckley (suspended) to return to the team, as well as Sam Mason and 2019 best and fairest Ethan Hanley

Hoskin enjoyed premiership success with Fish Creek but he said Premier C was “a rung above’’ the Alberton league.

“It’s not bad footy, that’s for sure,’’ he said.

“It’s certainly different, a bit more open, a bit more free-flowing than country footy and even Eastern footy or Southern footy.

“Yeah, different style.’’

Hoskin is feeling at home at The Gunn, calling Ormond a “true community club’’.