WFNL: Inside North Sunshine’s refresh in 2025

Before Christmas in 2024, North Sunshine was faced with a tough decision about where it would play in 2025. But taking a step back from senior footy may have a positive impact in the long-term. Here’s why.

North Sunshine opened its season on Anzac Day.

North Sunshine isn’t afraid to say its decision to play thirds footy may have been club saving.

After several years of toiling away at the bottom of the Western league’s bottom divisions, the Roadrunners were faced with another brutal season of heavy losses.

With player numbers low, North Sunshine elected to take a step away from the commitment of senior and reserves footy in Division 2.

It’s a move already paying dividends with the two wins from two games to start the season.

Coach Paul Rossiter took on the role last year and was in for the long haul – whatever format of footy the Roadrunners wanted to be involved in.

Rossiter’s commitment to the club is already on show. He travels from Geelong several times a week for training and games.

“What we’re doing is for the long-term of the club’s future,” he said.

“If we can be in this competition and be competitive for two or three years, it gives us an opportunity to build towards a return to senior and reserves footy.

“When we started pre-season, there were sessions we had 10-12 guys when the plan was to still play in Division 2 and now we’re at about 28-30 and we’ve got one side.

“Guys can come to footy and know they’re going to be competitive and not going to get smacked every week.”

The move has allowed the experienced heads to continue their playing careers including Mark Stewart who kicked 7.5 in last week’s win against Glen Orden.

At 52 and with over 600 games of experience, the 6’8 big man is presenting an imposing figure for opponents.

“What he brings to the side is one thing but it’s what he’s doing for the rest of the group as well,” Rossiter said.

“He’s teaching so many of our young guys, some who have only played a handful of games and this is only going to help us in the long-term.”

With a 2-0 record after the opening fortnight, the Roadrunners now turn their attention two clashes against Braybrook and Sunshine.

Rossiter said the “sky is the limit” for his side.

“At the start of the season I would have said I want us to be competitive in every game and that hasn’t changed,” he said.

“I want to see the group continuing to develop and develop our system. We pride ourselves on our contested footy and it’s something we’re aiming to bring every week.

“We played our season opener on Anzac Day at night with a double header between the men’s and women’s and we had a strong crowd. Hopefully those numbers continue to build throughout the year.”

What has pleased Werribee Districts coach most in 2025

The last three games have seen Werribee Districts face big tests and the Western league premiership contender has passed each with flying colours.

For the quality in the Division 1 club’s line-up, one factor from the midfield is impressing coach Chris Gilham.

“Our midfielders are kicking goals and helping to relieve pressure on the forwards,” he said.

Harrison White was among those leading the way in the weekend’s 15-point win over Caroline Springs as the ex-VFL listed player booted three goals.

He’s enjoying a brilliant start to the season after committing to playing local full time in 2025.

“A really good start to the year,” Gilham said.

“Playing as a midfielder, he’s got a fantastic ball carrying ability. He’s getting forward and kicking goals as well which has made him a really damaging player.

“Josh Mould and Lucas Rocci are kicking goals consistently as well. Dillon Viojo-Rainbow has the capacity to do some real damage inside forward 50.

“In tight games, against high quality opposition, having goals out of the midfield can be a real difference.”

Harrison White in action. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Districts have beaten Yarraville-Seddon, Hoppers Crossing and the Lakers in their last three outings, sides who have all been touted as contenders this season.

What’s pleased Gilham about the result is the fact his side is winning in different ways.

“We had a real shootout against Yarraville, then it was a scrap against Hoppers,” he said.

“We started strongly on the weekend and then Caro managed to work their way back into it. There was a real grind to get the game back on our terms.

“Three good wins but there’s still a lot of improvement left in our group.

“These are the types of game which will shape the season when you play other premiership fancies twice.”

Districts handed a senior debut to Brodie Gallop on Saturday with Gilham determined to see more young stars earn their way into the senior side this season.

“He’s been a good player in the under-18s last season, come through the Western Jets, and had a big pre-season,” Gilham said.

BRAZEL WITH A HANDFUL

Off-season Yarraville Seddon recruit Tyson Brazel produced his best performance of the season so far after booting five goals in the Eagles’ 41-point win over Spotswood. Wil Kliszewski was best afield in the win which was built on a strong first half.

GOOD SIGNS FOR VIKINGS RECRUIT

New Altona utility Kai Coghlan produced the best performance of his season with a best on ground display in a 46-point win over Point Cook Centrals. Coghlan, a 193cm prospect, joined the club from Darley in the off-season.

SAAD’S BEST OUTING YET

Newport picked up a 46-point win over Sunshine and new forward Omar Saad showed off his talents with five goals. It was his best output of the season so far. Mustafa Mesto was best on ground.