VAFA Premier B Men’s preview: List changes, players to watch, coaches comments and more

The VAFA Premier B season is just around the corner. See the ins and outs, coaches comments and more in the ultimate club-by-club preview.

The VAFA Premier B season is here.

It is set to be an intriguing campaign with a number of clubs looming as contenders for the premiership.

Beaumaris has strengthened its list as well as Old Geelong.

Monash Blues and Old Geelong join the competition after being promoted from C-grade last season.

Old Trinity and St Bernards come down from A-grade.

See the club-by-club preview to get a sneak peak in how each team is shaping up for 2023.

AJAX ruck Jake Wrobel in action against Uni Blacks at Gary Smorgon Oval last year. Picture: Stuart Milligan

AJAX

Last season: Seventh (6-1-9, 82.19%)

Captain: Nicholas Lewis

Ins: Nil.

Outs: Nil.

Coaches comments: Andrew Jago

First-year AJAX coach Andrew Jago was looking for improvement in his side following last year’s seventh place finish.

“Huge respect for the competition,” he said.

“We know we were a bit off it last year so we have worked relatively hard.

“Our first expectation is to try and be competitive in all games and be difficult to play against.

“That's what we have set ourselves as an aim to start with.”

Players to watch: Noah Spitz. A player that has come up through the junior ranks and will be an eye catcher on the wing. Spits is a tall footballer who moves well through traffic and can mark above his head.

Noah Webb. A backman who has swung forward and is starting to find his groove in the front half. He is quick off the mark and marks the ball well on the lead.

Matthew Petering in action for Beaumaris against Parkdale Vultures last season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

BEAUMARIS

Last season: Second (13-0-3, 150.62%, preliminary final)

Captain: Joel Di Natale

Ins: Ben Andrews (Old Xaverians), Brandon young (West Coast WAFL), Harry Houlahan (returning player), Ben Hempel (Sandringham Dragons), Tommo Owen (returning player), Max williams (returning player), Kai Owens (returning player), Joe Nowell (Ormond), Josh Gorman (Old Mentonians), Sammy Roberts (Old Mentonians).

Outs: Sam Gibbins (travelling), Lewis Diggins (travelling).

Coaches comments: Josh Bourke

First-year Beaumaris coach, Josh Burke, who takes over from Guy McKenna, said it could take a few games before his side find their mojo.

“We’re really fortunate,” he said.

“I couldn’t have a better coaching panel.

“Pre-season has been really good, when you got guys like Micky Lovejoy and Nick Moodie running around coaching.

“And Milney has been absolutely fantastic, we’re thriller with him, he is offering a lot to the group.

“We’re optimistic but I’ve reminded the group that we haven’t done anything yet, we haven’t won any points.

“It’s a really different looking side and I reckon we are going to take some time to be honest.

“That’s my gut feel, I reckon we are going to take some time but once we get going, we’re really optimistic that we can play some good footy.”

The Sharks have 14 VFL listed players on its list and will make use of them depending on their state league selection.

Burke also said he was pleased with how his side were able to take feedback on board and adapt.

Players to watch: Harry Houlahan. The half back turned inside midfielder is returning to the club after a year off. His creativity and class is set to shine in the midfield.

Nathaniel Dear. The key forward will throw his body around and be a presence in the front half. The youngster is still under-19 but is set to make his senior debut this week against Old Geelong.

DE LA SALLE

Last season: Fifth (7-0-9, 96.73%)

Captain: Adrian Indovino and Sean Fisher

Ins: Liam Murphy (Blackburn), Lachie Gawel (Park Orchards)

Outs: Hugh Nicholson (retired), Ant Forato (interstate)

Coach: Nick Hyland

Donovan Toohey of Fitzroy celebrates his goal in the VAFA Premier B elimination final at Piranha Park, Coburg. Picture: George Salpigtidis

FITZROY

Last season: Fourth (9-0-7, 103.88%, semi-final)

Captain: Julian Turnerand Ted Clayton

Ins: Charles Roberts (Old Trinity), Caleb Harward (Maribyrnong Park), Jordan Jobling (West Footscray), Charlie Gill (University Blues), Samuel Gill (University Blues)

Outs: Tom O‘Donnell (retired), Matthew Kyroussis (retired), Toby Hudson-Bevege (retired)

Coaches comments: Luke Mahoney

“That will be the expectation, that we get back into the finals,” he said.

“It was a great experience for our young group last year, we went down by a kick to Haileybury who obviously went on and won the grand final.

“While it was pretty disappointing at the time, there was certainly a lot to be taken out of our finish to the season and getting that experience in the finals.

“So the guys are pretty hungry to get back there and play some more finals.”

Mahoney said the there was an area they wanted to improve on.

“So definitely our forward line is something we have been working on a fair bit in the off-season,” he said.

“I think we have got one of the better backlines and midfield’s in the comp but it’s just the finishing side of things which is the most important.

“So we have done a few things in our forward line in the off-season to try and improve in that aspect.

“So that’s been one of the key focuses, the mid-forward connection that were looking for like every other club.”

Players to watch: Ted Clayton. The club’s best and fairest winner in the last two years. The midfielder is a clearance king and will be a star in the stoppages.

Darcy Lowrie. The 21-year-old key defender is getting better every year and has the ability to continue stepping up his development this season.

MONASH BLUES

Last season: First in Premier C (18-0-2, 208.84%, premiers)

Captain: TBC

Ins: Mitch White (Geelong West), Cooper Angus (Swan Hill), Raage Noor (Ormond)

Outs: Mac Cameron (South Bendigo), Zac Ledin (Warrnambool), Joe Cosgriff (retired), Matt Davidson, Jimmy Baring

Coach: Dylan Cousins

Nicholas Lucena of Old Geelong takes a mark against Mazenod in Premier C last season. Photo: Hamish Blair

OLD GEELONG

Last season: Fourth in Premier C (12-0-8, 142.49%, grand final)

Captain: Will Horsfall

Ins: Nick Dixon (North Shore GFL), Tim Jones (Northern Bullants VFL), Harrison Kol (St Mary’s GFL), Sam Barnett (St Kevin’s), Michael Nicolls (returning player), Jordan Frew (Echuca), Luke Morfoot (Aberfeldie).

Outs: John Simson (Clunes), Will Sloss (retired).

Coaches comments: Nick Dixon

“We have had a really good pre-season,” he said.

“We have almost got a full squad to choose from for Round 1 and we have had two really good practice games.

“So we are coming in with a lot of confidence but knowing that coming up a level, we have got to prove ourselves against Premier B teams.

“Every round is a chance to do that and to prove that we deserve to be at this level.

“We have got long term goals of where we want to take the club but we know that this is our first year up and we really think we’re a good chance to be really competitive and hopefully have a really competitive season.”

Nathan Brown is also a co-coach of the senior side alongside Dixon.

Co-coach of Old Geelong Nathan Brown. Photo: Hamish Blair

Players to watch: Tim Jones. The former VFL footballer is to be a leading player in the competition this season. He was unstoppable against Old Melburnians in a practice game in which Old Geelong won.

Jorden Fru. The small forward from Echuca kicked five goals against Old Melburnians in a practice game last week. He will be a dangerous small forward this campaign.

Harrison Kol. A lightning quick footballer who will be a strong inclusion to the Old Geelong side after a premiership-winning season with St Mary’s in the GFL.

OLD TRINITY

Last season: Ninth in Premier A (3-0-15, 56.82%)

Captain: Harry Thompson and Edward Weatherson

Ins: Nil.

Outs: Harris Mastras (travelling)

Coach comments: Donald McDonald

With Hugo McGlashan, George Belcher, Samuel Mason and Jack Lefroy joining VFL lists over the pre-season but still associating with Old Trinity, the side will look different as they head in Premier B this season.

“What it does it just gives other guys the opportunity,” McDonald said about his top players joining VFL lists.

“I think the good thing we have done is retain a lot of players.

“We have got three fellas in the side this week that all started in the 19s last season and played a few senior sides in the back end.

“So they have experienced A-Grade football so hopefully they will be better for the experience last year.”

McDonald said he was pleased with the way his side have remained connected.

“The good thing about us is that we have had a few tough years but I think the great thing is the stability of our playing group,” he said.

“It has been terrific, they have stayed together, they have been exposed to A-Grade so they know what it’s all about.

“So I think they are all looking forward to coming and playing B-Grade and being super competitive and seeing what unfolds.”

Player to watch: Harry Thompson. The Old Trinity ruckman holds the key to his side’s midfield success and will be vital again in 2023 after earning Team of the Year honours last season in the premier competition.

ST BEDES/MENTONE TIGERS

Last season: Sixth (6-1-9, 88.65%)

Captain: Michael Barnes and Chris Mangoni

Ins: Kye Beveridge (interstate), Ales Cross (Old Mentonians), Dan Garside (returning player), Tom Garside (returning player), Alex Smout (interstate)

Outs: Tom Tyquin (interstate)

Coach: Steve D’Andrea

ST BERNARDS

Last season: Tenth in Premier A (2-0-16, 59.61%)

Captain: Not Supplied.

Ins: Luca Allesio

Outs: Jarrod Walters (Colac)

Coach: Steve Alessio

WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS

Last season: Eighth (3-0-13, 65.60%)

Captain: Rob Chan

Ins: Jack Briskey (Port Melbourne), Max Hell (Werribee Districts), Mason Jacob (Point Cook Centrals) Mitch Zadel (returning player), Archie Kirkland (returning player), Tom Warner (returning player), Jack Harrison (returning player)

Outs: Nil.

Coach comments: Con Terzoglou

“A young group brings excitement and we are looking forward to representing the club by constantly putting our best effort in week to week,” coach Con Terzoglou told Williamstown CYMS media.

Players to watch: Will Bokma, Jai Haines, Dylan Cutajar, and Hamish Tambourine. The youngsters are all set to step up for Williamstown CYMS this season.