St Joseph’s start season with a bang without three of its best players from 2024

St Joseph’s has responded emphatically to its straight sets exit. including a statement win over the reigning premier. And one factor makes their strong start particularly ominous.

Lewis Antonac goal celebrates and Alex Hickey celebrate a goal. Picture: Mark Wilson

St Joseph’s went through the 2024 home-and-away season without dropping a single game.

And on the early evidence, it wouldn’t surprise to see the Joeys produce a similar season in 2025.

St Joseph’s has responded emphatically to its straight-sets finals exit, spoiling Newtown & Chilwell’s party by knocking off the Eagles by 35-points in Steve Johnson’s first game as coach, and then thumping 2024 premiers by 48-points down in Lorne.

Perhaps the most ominous thing about the Joeys’ bumper start to the season is they have done it without three of their best from 2024, a testament to their strong depth and shrewd recruiting.

Geelong VFL addition Paddy De Grandi – who was third in the league goalkicking with 61 majors – and South Adelaide signing Olivier Notham have been shining in the state leagues.

Jack Buckey, fifth in last year’s Mathieson Medal from just 11 games is coming back from a hamstring complaint and has played just one reserves game this season.

Paddy De Grandi hasn’t featured for the Joeys this season. Picture: Mark Wilson

The Joeys have been potent up forward with Joel Edwards (six goals in two games), Oscar Morrison (six) and Jack Mullen (five) all hitting the scoreboard, while Torquay premiership player Ed McCoy has filled Northam’s void in the ruck.

McCoy only joined the Joeys on the eve of the season but assistant coach Paul Hood said his transition has been seamless.

“He only played in his second game (against Leopold) and he’s just slotted in and replaced Oli Northam who was a big loss.

“It feels like he has been around forever.

“Certainly having (De Grandi’s) influence on our team over the last three seasons has been massive, so his loss is certainly noted but we wish him a long and fruitful VFL career.

“We are not planning on Paddy needing to dominate our forward line and it has been great to see Joel and Oscar step up in his absence, and it will just create more opportunity for other guys.

“Having said that, if Paddy finds the time to play footy at St Joeys, I’m sure we’ll be able to fit him in”

Fellow recruits Keelin Betson and Joe Chaplin, a returning Joey who was called up for Geelong VFL on the weekend, have also made them stronger.

“Keelin Betson has been terrific in our midfield. He is a big bodied mid and actually played as second ruck when he wasn’t in the midfield as well – that kind of versatility is fantastic,” Hood said.

Recruit Keelin Betson. Picture: Mark Wilson

Hood said the finals heartbreak of last year hasn’t been discussed but suspects there will be some extra motivation in season 2025.

“It just goes without saying when the previous season doesn’t go the way you’d like it to, there is a bit of fire in the belly for everyone,” Hood said.

“But at the moment we are just concentrating on playing our best footy, finding out what our best team looks like and making sure the new players in our team integrate really well.”

St Joseph’s will face the side that knocked it out of the finals last year when it hosts South Barwon on Friday afternoon in the annual Geelong league Anzac Day blockbuster.

Hood said his team will be raring to go despite a six-day break, compared to South Barwon’s two weeks.

“Anzac Day is such a special occasion that I’m sure the fatigue goes pretty quickly because it’s replaced by adrenaline and pride for the players,” Hood said.

“So can’t wait for Friday to come along, and can’t come quick enough.”

Originally published as St Joseph’s start season with a bang without three of its best players from 2024