WRFL: Point Cook Centrals prepare for Division 1 challenge

Point Cook Centrals will be bolstered by several recruits for its maiden Division 1 campaign as the Sharks prepare to go from the hunted to the hunter.

Point Cook Centrals are set for a different kind of challenge in 2023.

After going undefeated last season on their way to the Western Region league Division 2 premiership, the Sharks have earned promotion to a new look eight-team top tier.

Now after being the hunted, they’re ready to be the hunter.

“We’ve got a free hit at it,” coach Dean Chambers said.

“We’re going to give it our best. There’s going to be games where we’re right it in the contest for four quarters and there’s probably going to be moments where the better sides get on top of us.

“The challenge for us now is to keep developing the players we’ve got. We’re going to learn a lot over the next several months which is really exciting.

Josh Gerolemou returns to Shark Park. Photo: Facebook.

“The boys are really excited about the challenge ahead of them. We gave them about five weeks off over Christmas but they’re refreshed and ready to hit the ground running.

“Round 1 can’t come around quick enough.”

In a big boost for the Sharks, they’ve managed to keep the majority of last year’s playing group together.

Daniel Mutton has retired, but he’ll “help out in the 2s” if the Sharks need it according to Chambers.

They’ve also welcomed several new faces including Harrison Minnett who tried to join the club in the middle of last season but his clearance from Sunshine was knocked back.

Keanu Lee-Feeney will also wear Point Cook Centrals colours after crossing from Lara.

Campbell Young is returning to the Sharks.

“He’s done a fairly big pre-season, he’s been training with us since mid last year,” Chambers said of Minnett.

“He’ll probably play as an inside midfielder and give us another big body around the footy.”

One of the biggest themes of the club’s off-season was to attract former players back to the club.

Since then, Campbell Young, Dean Henderson, Josh Gerolemou and Josh Grech have all jumped on board.

“Gerolemou went away from the club for the year because we didn’t have an under-18s side and had a really good year finishing second in the league best-and-fairest,” Chambers said.

“These one-pointers are critical in today’s footy and we’re glad to have the guys back.”

Chambers said the club had also introduced several important figures off the field since their second premiership.

Former Westbourne coach Roger Hand has joined as the club’s football manager while assistant coach Gary Buckley will also take on the role of a wellbeing co-ordinator.

“One area we wanted to strengthen was our access to wellbeing services and what we can do for the players away from the field,” Chambers said.

Point Cook Centrals’ women’s side have also been moved into Division 1 for next season.

The Sharks will host Point Cook in the opening round of the WRFL season.