Why Division 1 will be so even, the pressure on one Division 2 club

If last year’s Western Football Netball League season taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. And 2025 is set to be no different. Here’s why it could be so even.

The Western Rams were one of the feel good stories of last season. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The winds of change have once again swept through the Western Football Netball League ahead of the 2025 season.

After a restructure at the start of last year, there has been big changes to the order of the divisions. The top tier will now be made up of 12 teams after Albion, Newport and Sunshine were all promoted after dominant seasons with the Roos lifting the premiership cup.

If there’s any theme you want to follow in the competition this season it’s to expect the unexpected.

Hoppers Crossing did what many thought wasn’t possible last season in winning the Division 1 premiership having finished with the wooden spoon a year earlier.

The Warriors came from fifth to win the premiership in an indication just how close this competition is.

“I don’t think anyone thought we would go from zero to 100 this quickly,” president John Semertzidis declared after the win.

Coach Jared Polec has already been locked in until the end of 2027 which means the Warriors might just be eyeing a dynasty. They’ve strengthened with the arrivals of Arkii Van Wills and Klyde Milroy from Yarraville Seddon, which will add depth to the midfield.

Parkside will be looking to go to the next level. Photo: Andrew Batsch

Last season’s runner-up, Chris Gilham’s Werribee Districts, have quietly been going about their work and with key forward Daniel Nielson returning to the club, there’s every possibility they could go one step better.

The Brian Lake coached Caroline Springs will be desperate to atone for a straight sets final exit in 2024 and with their quality signings including Cooper Bond and Ben Caluzzi, there’s every possibility they reach the final game of the year.

Yarraville Seddon and Altona have welcomed some impressive recruits of their own including former AFL key forward Emerson Jeka who has signed with the latter, his junior club.

Spotswood landed arguably the biggest recruit of the off-season in Lachie Hunter and should improve after a 6-10 finish last season. Parkside have been arguably the busiest local club in Melbourne and should be right in the mix for the top-five.

Point Cook and Point Cook Centrals finished in the bottom-two last season and should be more competitive.

Albion is stepping up to the top tier. Photo: Andrew Batsch

Newport is the most intriguing of the newly promoted sides after a busy off-season where they welcomed a string of signings including three-time Richmond premiership hero Bachar Houli.

Expect the Panthers to be right in the mix to surprise a few in their first season at this level.

“Our aim is to have 22 guys on the same page in the seniors and reserves. We want to play an exciting brand of football,” coach Ali Hamad said.

Ten teams remain in Division 2 with Wyndhamvale the red hot favourite for this season’s flag after finishing the highest of any team last season which is still in the competition.

North Sunshine and Glen Orden both withdrew from the original 12-team fixture.

The Falcons have a new coach in Daniel Smith and he will be determined to lead the Falcons to a premiership. The winner of this year’s grand final is not expected to be promoted.

Their biggest challengers, based on last year’s results, appear to be Albanvale and the Suns. Both clubs have new coaching setups and just how quickly they adapt to the changes could help set up their premiership bids.

Keep an eye on West Footscray. Injuries hurt their finals chances last season and with some impressive signings and more young kids on the rise, the Roosters are a smoky.

As are North Footscray, who have welcomed back a host of players as the Devils seek to improve on an eighth place finish.

Sunshine Heights have made no secret of their recruiting drive and should continue to push up the ladder.

Braybrook has been aggressive late in the movement market while Laverton are on the right trajectory.

It’s year two for the Western Rams in the WFNL and after winning two games last season, we’re excited about their potential.

Tarneit have been hit hard in the off-season and will be seeking to be competitive every week.