Old Ivanhoe sits on top of the ladder after the first month

Old Ivanhoe is sitting on top of the VAFA Premier B ladder after the opening month. Coach Jarrod Gieschen speaks on his side’s form, maintaining the premiership list and the two AFL recruits.

Old Ivanhoe’s Nicholas Vacirca. Picture: Valeriu campan

Old Ivanhoe is flying to start the VAFA Premier B season.

After an opening round loss to Old Camberwell in a Premier C grand final rematch, the Hoers have gone onto win three straight games.

Now they sit on top of the ladder by percentage to prove they’re not in the VAFA’s second tier to simply make up the numbers.

But coach Jarrod Gieschen isn’t getting too far ahead of himself.

“It’s a really even competition,” he said.

“We might be on top now but there’s only one game between first and eighth, it’s shaping up to be a really exciting season.

“Going up a grade, we knew we were going to be faced with fresh challenges and we’re learning every week at the moment.”

Wins in the last three games have come against Old Geelong by 30 points, St Bedes-Mentone by 62 points and a four-point thriller against Old Trinity.

“We survived a shot on the siren against Old Trinity,” Gieschen said.

“It was an important lesson for our side, a really hard fought contest.”

While the Hoers might be thriving on the field, Gieschen puts as much emphasis on the off the field aspect at Old Ivanhoe.

He said the playing group’s “strong connection” had played a key role in the 3-1 start.

“A big element of success is obviously winning games of footy but it’s the connection the players have with each other and the club,” he said.

“We have guys who want to be here. There’s a really strong culture in place and everyone is driven to keep improving it all the time.”

Old Ivanhoe coach Jarrod Gieschen. Picture: Valeriu campan

MAINTAINING THE LIST

The Old Ivanhoe premiership side was stacked with talent and in winning promotion, Gieschen was able to keep most of the list together, only losing one piece of the puzzle.

It was a move which saw 2023 best-and-fairest Pat Naish make the move to Wangaratta in the Ovens and Murray league.

There was no hard feelings between the parties. The ex-AFL player had originally signed with the Magpies before his move fell through on the eve of the season.

“He was pivotal in the success we had last year,” Gieschen said.

“There was an understanding Pat would only be with us for last year and we’re extremely grateful for what he added to our club during that time.”

With the quality of the list it put together last year, Gieschen was always quietly confident his side would be more than competitive a tier up.

“When you win a premiership it can go one of two ways,” he said.

“Guys can either say ‘I’ve got my premiership, I’m not interested in going up a grade, I’m moving on’ or it can revitalise some. We’re very fortunate we’ve experienced the ladder.

“Players including Billy Murphy and Nick Riddle, who played in the premiership last year, spent time in other leagues testing themselves. Now they’re helping the club continue to climb the mountain.”

Gieschen was able to bolster his playing list with the arrival of Western Bulldog premiership player Toby McLean and Richmond category B rookie Oliver Hayes-Brown.

Meanwhile, Archie Franklin and Rohan McKenzie, who is playing VFL footy with the Northern Bullants, linked up after First XVIII premiership success with Ivanhoe Grammar.

Toby Mclean in action. Picture: Valeriu campan

TOBY MCLEAN’S IMPACT

McLean’s impact early in the season can’t be undersold.

In four games, he’s booted four goals and been named in the best every game.

He came to the club Nick Gieschen, Jarrod’s brother.

“He’s an aspiring coach and he’s brought in a lot of fresh ideas from the top level,” Gieschen said.

“He’s working closely with our midfield group at the moment and having a big impact on how they’re developing.”

OLIVER HAYES-BROWN

Hayes-Brown made his way to the Tigers last year as a category B rookie after previously playing in the NBL with the Perth Wildcats.

And the Gieschen family connection to Richmond played a big part in getting the 208cm prospect to Chelsworth Park.

Jarrod’s father, Jeff, coached the Tigers for 49 games between 1997 and 1999 while his brother works in the recruiting department.

“Physically he’s got all the attributes,” Jarrod said. “He’s 208cm and can jump. Our goal is week by week improvement.

“That’s the responsibility of our club to help Oli keep improving.”