VAFA: Package of recruits has Ormond poised to challenge
Ormond coach Kyle Pinto says the Monders are doing “a hell of a lot right” as they look to continue their rise in the VAFA — and a package of recruits will help their cause.
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There’s a buzz at EE Gunn Reserve.
Ormond coach Kyle Pinto says the Monders are doing “a hell of a lot right” as they look to continue their rise in the VAFA in 2025.
Relegated from Premier C in 2023, Ormond’s new wave of youngsters made an impact last year as all of the club’s four teams made finals (the Monders’ senior side had 12 wins).
The fact that no Ormond team won a final stung — but has only added fuel to the Monders’ fire ahead of the new season.
Pinto, heading into his second season as senior coach, is excited by the possibilities that lay ahead for Ormond.
“After couple of lean years in C grade it was really nice to be able to come down a division (last year) and get a winning culture and set those habits and reinforce we’re doing a hell of a lot right,” he said.
“We were a very young team last year.
“I like the numbers. Our average age in the seniors was between 21 and 23 each game. So we were extremely young.”
In another boost for Ormond, it has added a women’s team for the 2025 season. The side will be coached by Oscar Persson, with Shelley Gwynne as assistant coach.
Recruiting was a key focus for Ormond over the off-season as the club looked to add experience and maturity to its dynamic youngsters.
And it did.
Flyn O’Toole, a ruckman from Morningside in the QAFL, will give the Monders’ midfielders first use of the ball.
“In the VAFA if you can get a ruckman, especially a quality one, it goes a long way,” Pinto said.
Tom Stait has come across from Caulfield Bears in Southern league to join his brother, Sam.
Will Simon, a big centre half-back, has returned to play with his two brothers, Henry and Jeremy.
Tom Nicholls, a key forward from St Paul’s McKinnon, will give Ormond a target near goals.
Old Brighton’s Jack Toouli is another addition sure to strengthen the Monders.
Midfielder Sean Gunning has also returned to the club.
“All these guys we have picked up are in that 26 and above age bracket which is exactly what we need,” Pinto said.
“If we could trade players these are the exact type of players we would want. We’re very hopeful going forward.”
Ormond was the highest scoring team in Division 1 last season and Pinto wants more of the same in 2025.
“That was generated off fast ball movement,’’ he said.
“We don’t want to go away from how we play the game. We’re quite young but we’re quick and agile. We’ll still look to score heavily.
“With a ruckman and big full forward we will hopefully continue that.’’
Pinto said Ormond’s new women’s side had further stregthened the club’s culture.
“It adds another dynamic,’’ he said.
“From a club perspective it’s fantastic.
“For these things to be a success you have to integrate from day one. We’ve done a whole heap of stuff together, they are doing our fitness block.’’
Pinto said Ormond’s new committee was pro-active and supportive.
Former Hampton Rovers coach Anthony Quon is again assisting Pinto.
Ormond will go into 2025 with five sides — seniors, reserves, thirds, under 19s and women’s. The Monders are moving up again.
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