Complete SFL season preview: Everything you need to know ahead of the 2022 SFL season
Ahead of round one of the SFL kicking off on Saturday we list all the key personnel changes at all clubs and what you can expect from each team >>
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THE SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE will kick off on Saturday with reigning premier Cygnet once again the team to beat as it chases elusive back to back flags for the first time since The Port’s three peat from 2002-2004.
New Port captain Lachy Watt said his side were ready to live up to its high expectations in what was set to be one of the most even competitions in recent memory.
“I think after winning last year we’ve sort of became the hunted which sort of means everyone has put a target on our backs which is good to see and from all reports the competition is going be a lot stronger than what it was last season and the games will be a lot more even which is great for footy,” Watt said.
“No matter how good we are we won’t win it just based on ability so we have to work hard and do the things we speak about and continue to have that hunger and drive throughout the season,” he said.
“We are confident we can do it, obviously there’ll be teams that will challenge us and not saying we should win it but we are confident we have the ability to go all the way again.”
The Port will kickstart its 2022 campaign against a youthful yet confident Brighton who after years as competition easy beats will be hoping an influx of young talent and the addition of new senior coach Paul Kennedy can help turn the club’s fortunes around.
Robins captain Sam Lewis- Johnson said Kennedy had already had a profound impact on the club in his short time since coming across from Glenorchy.
“He’s brought a little bit of professionalism back to the club which I think was needed and the way he’s been able to communicate with the boys has been unreal,” Lewis- Johnson said.
“I think last year and the year before the training standards probably weren’t up to what you’d expect and him coming from higher rankings he’s brought the training up and game plans and things like that.
“The way he can communicate to the group and instil that confidence in the boys is a huge factor and hopefully that can come out in our football this year.
“We have Cygnet this week and hopefully we can come out and show the rest of the comp we are on the up and we are improving.”
Meanwhile last year’s losing grand finalist Huonville will open its campaign against a Claremont side coached by returning son Nathan Brown and possessing a number of former star Pies.
Ahead of the clash Lions captain James McIndoe said his side were refreshed and ready to roar after a changing of the guard with new coach Brady Jones and his assistant Michael Paul now at the helm.
“We haven’t talked about last year much at all with a new coach and new beginning so really we’re just looking forward to this season,” McIndoe said.
“Our focus has been really letting the handbrake off and really enjoying our footy a lot more.
“He (Brady Jones) just wants us to take the game on a lot more and it’s definitely revitalised the group and there’s a sense of freedom with the playing group and we are a lot more relaxed.”
McIndoe declared Cygnet as still the team to beat but was confident his side still had the talent to go all the way.
Down at Boyer a youthful and energetic Eagles outfit will get its season under way when it hosts the perennial powerhouse Lindisfarne.
Despite losing a number of key players the Two Blues have gained a host of talented recruits- highlighted by former Brisbane and Essendon player Josh Green who is sure to provide plenty of headaches for opposition defenders.
In the final clash of the round Dodges Ferry will host Hobart at Shark Park.
The Sharks will be hoping its young exciting list can help it improve on last season’s fourth placed finish while the Tigers will also look to its youth in order to make a jump up the SFL ladder this season.
Round 1- Saturday April 2, 2022.
- New Norfolk vs Lindisfarne at Boyer Oval (Streamed live at themercury.com.au)
- Cygnet vs Brighton at Cygnet Oval
- Huonville vs Claremont at Huonville Oval
- Dodges Ferry vs Hobart at Shark Park
- All games start at 2pm.
- Sorell has the bye
Key ins, outs and player movements for 2022
Brighton
Coach: Paul Kennedy
Captain: Sam Lewis-Johnson
Last year: 8th (2 wins, 14 losses)
2021 B & F Winner: Ryan Bailey
Gains: Dylan Backhouse, Riley Best, Jack Clark, Darcy Gardner, Max Lamb, Brandon Oates, Aiden Waller, Jacob Whitney, Adam Wilson, Jacob Young, Mark Alberry, Kevin Toman
Losses: Joel Millhouse, Connor Salter, Sam Thomas
Coach’s comments:
“The Men are looking strong on the track for numbers this year with the arrival of our colts. They will be looking to gain respect on the field and build on last year’s results.”
Prediction: It will take an almighty effort for the Robins to push for finals in 2022 after just two wins last year but with a host of young new talent- including TSL trio Darcy Gardner, Jacob Young, and Riley Best- the Robins are well placed under the guidance of Paul Kennedy to be the big improver in the SFL this season. The young side will get its toughest test in round one against Cygnet and despite a possible early wakeup call I see the Robins vastly improving to just miss finals with a sixth-place finish.
Predicted finish: 6th
Claremont
Coach: Nathan Brown
Captain: Jake Williams
Last year: 9th (0 wins, 16 losses)
2021 B & F Winner: Jake Williams
Gains: Jack Crossin, Luke Adams, Jack Adams, Todd Kelly, Brandon Lockley, Blake Lockley, Zac Evans- Fenton, L Plummer, Ryan Bosworth, Bayley Bester, Brodie Fewkse, Lucas Green, Brodie Lang, Marty Allison, Jake Harris, Angus Fisher, Clinton Curtain, Hade Bielkman
Losses: Nil
Coach’s comments:
“We got back some experienced players to try and build back the club’s respect.
“We’re coming from a long way back but our goal is to be competitive and give the supporters something to cheer about.”
Prediction: Claremont are coming from a long way behind the Eight ball after failing to register a win last season. While the Pies will be a far better side than last season thanks to some returning stars- namely Marty Allison and Jack Crossin- it wont be enough to see the side return to finals actions in what appears to be a strengthened competition this season. While they’ll improve from last season’s regular 150 point losses it’ll be another down year for the Pies with another wooden spoon likely.
Predicted finish: Wooden spoon
Cygnet
Coach: Thor Boscott
Captain: Lachy Watt
Last year: Premiers (14 wins, 2 losses)
2021 B & F Winner: Lachy Watt
Gains: Patrick Kelly, James Webb, Jacob Brereton, Ben Halton, Jedd Behrens, Brodie Penney
Losses: Jackson Gordon, Bailey Gordon, Jordan Lane, Adam Duggan, Will Ford, Mitch Lister, Sam Dean
Coach’s comments:
“After a great season last year I’m very excited to see where the group is at this season, with some key out’s and very experience footballers this will leave great opportunity for our next generation of leaders to take this role head on. Having a fresh look with captains in Lachlan Watt and Joe Direen will be pivotal part in the way these two lead the team during the 2022 season.
“Having such a successful juniors I’m looking forward to see how they step up to the next level and develop their footy. With a few returning from interstate and local football, the leadership and experience they will pass on to the group will be great for the development of the team. Very keen for this group to implement”
Prediction: There’s no doubting the boys from the Huon Valley are the clear-cut favourites to go back to back this season and despite a host of injuries its hard to see them being dethroned as SFL kings. Despite losing some key personnel in the off-season the Port have recruited well to fill the gaps left and should again be the dominant force of the competition.
Buoyed by the plethora of talent coming up from the club’s 2021 premiership winning Colts side expect the Port to be too strong and to once again hold the cup at season’s end.
Predicted finish: Flag winners
Dodges Ferry
Coach: Brent Dolliver and David Hunt
Captain: Jono Bullock and Cambell Hooker
Last year: 4th (12 wins, 4 losses)
2021 B & F Winner: Robbie McManus
Gains: Ben Richmond, Matthew Young, Jayde Young, Ashraf Addicott, Kurt Styles
Losses: Robbie McManus, Fletcher Hooker
Coach’s comments:
“We look forward to season 2022 watching the growth of our exciting young talent get more senior opportunities after impressing in the off season to complement our experienced senior players” Ben Richmond is one to watch after ripping apart shark park this pre season.”
Prediction: Just like every season for the past five or six years the Sharks are a dark horse who have the potential to beat any side on its day. Expect the boys from Shark Park to once again contend for a top four spot but ultimately fall short against the top handful who are just that one step above.
Predicted finish: 4th.
Hobart
Coach: Alex Gilmour
Captain: Brad Joseph
Last year: 6th (7 wins, 9 losses)
2021 B & F Winner: Brock Daniels
Gains: Ryan Stocks, Lewis Freeman, Charlie Meadows, Brayden Dart, Ryan Fehlberg
Losses: Ashton Arnold, Jack Adams, Sam Reeves, Jayden Charlton
Coach’s comments:
“We’ve got a new energy and vibe around the place with all our youth from the under 19’s coming through plus the addition of half a dozen other recruits who have fitted in perfectly since they’ve arrived. This is the most coachable group I’ve had since arriving at Hobart and we’ll continue to grow and develop throughout the season.”
Prediction: Like the Sharks, the Tigers have often been a side capable of taking down any side on its day. After finishing sixth last season it appears a similar result is on the horizon with the club set to give a host of opportunities to its youngsters as it unearths its next generation of talent.
Predicted finish: 8th
Huonville
Coach: Brady Jones
Captain: James McIndoe
Last year: Runners up (12 wins, 4 losses)
2021 B & F Winner: Jack Philp
Gains: Lucas Griggs, Piripi Reihana, Caleb Burgess, Matthew Coulson, Jack McQueen, Jeremy Pavletich
Losses: Tristan Barnett, Julian Parker, Brody Rundell, Brody Penney, Aaron Grubb, Jack Howarth, Adam Golding, Thomas Keegan, Nicholai Huizing
Coach’s comments:
“As a club, we are looking forward to a year of blooding your local men from the Huon area and watching them integrate with our seasoned campaigners.
“With our top end talent we are again aiming for top 3 finish.”
Prediction: Huonville have been the most consistent side in the SFL for the past four seasons with the Lions making the grand final each of those years and winning it all in 2020.
With Brady Jones and Micky Paul at the helm in 2022 expect an energetic Lions this season as they look to atone for last year’s grand final loss to Huon Valley rival Cygnet.
Despite losing some key personnel in the off-season- including 2021 best and fairest winner Jack Philp who is yet to recommit to the club this season- the Lions still have the star power to match it with any team in the competition and will once again feature heavily when the whips are cracking.
Predicted finish: 3rd
Lindisfarne
Coach: Michael Cassidy
Captain: Jack Gleeson
Last year: 3rd (12 wins, 4 losses)
2021 B & F Winner: Jack Gleeson and Theo Jaynes
Gains: Josh Green, Trey Westbury, Nick Raglione, Ryan Hapka, Toutai Havea, Mitchell Bird, Ryan Martin, Daniel Blazely, Dom Nash, Eden Bailey, Jack Polanowski, Jordan Ede, Hamish Menzie
Losses: Michael Blackburn, Ryan Edmondson, Will McCullagh, Josh Young, Josh Grant, Daniel Reimers, Zac Mastracola, Tom Roberts, Jordan Roberts
Coach’s comments:
“We have done a very tough pre-season and are looking to finish in the top 3 again, to push into the Grand Final after losing 2 prelims in a row.
“We have lost a few key players to the TSL and retirements which will be difficult to cover, but we wish them well and opportunities open up for other players.
“We are happy with our recruiting and look forward to an exciting season ahead for the 2 Blues.”
Prediction: Last year’s preliminary finalist have not been shy about their eagerness to atone for their poor showing in September and with a host of new players look cherry ripe to return to the grandest of stages. With the addition of star forward-midfielder Josh Green- as well as the return of star duo Ryan Martin and Daniel Blazely- expect the Two-Blues to be the biggest threat to the Port going back to back.
Predicted finish: Flag runners up
New Norfolk
Coach: Tim Butterworth
Captain: Jacob Wigg
Last year: 5th (8 wins, 8 losses)
2021 B & F Winner: Jamie Sokolski
Gains: Riley Higgins, Brayden Butler, Zayden Kelly, Jaythen Poulson, Caleb Triffett, Sam Webb
Losses: Jamie Sokolski, Tyler Ford, Jack Hills, Corey Jetson, Jack Crossin
Coach’s comments:
“As a young group with average age of 20, I think we will be underestimated by our rivals. We will be under dogs against some of the bigger teams in the competition, but we love that title. I am sure we will shock a lot of people and teams within the SFL competition. We still have a variety of size in our side, but our speed is what will shock everyone we play.
“The focus will be to build confidence and experience in our younger group. We are thrilled to welcome some new and exciting young players to the club who will add to our current crop of exciting youngsters.
“We will continue to strive to build a solid foundation for the successful future of the club.”
Prediction: The Eagles are much younger than in year’s past and will hope the development of its youngsters can return the club to its former glory days. With such an inexperienced list compared to most of its counterparts expect the Eagles to push some teams but ultimately fall short of finals actions.
Predicted finish: 7th
Sorell
Coach: Tim Castle and Fabian Ackroyd
Captain: Mark Johnson
Last year: 7th (5 wins, 11 losses)
2021 B & F Winner: Nic Baker
Gains: Tom Bennett, Jason Bailey, Alex Harrison, Trey Ramritu, Chris Harris, Myles Sawford, Josh Handley, Sage Ackroyd, James Foster, Sam Walker, Declan Blazely, Caleb Carr, Jacob Smith, Andrew James
Losses: Jake Cure, Reyne Westbury
Coach’s comments:
“We are happy with our inclusions and the quality of people we have brought into our football program, youth being a focus. We have changed our pre-season significantly with a focus on football education and our list at this point in time is healthy which we are excited about.
“We are aiming to make some solid steps up the ladder and become more rounded and competitive for longer during games.”
Prediction: After finishing seventh last season with five wins the Eagles will be hoping to continue its strong turnaround as it looks to make its way back to finals action after a lean period for the club. While the side is sure to improve after another pre season together and its ability to retain the bulk of its list, the rest of the competition has also gotten stronger so expect the Eagles to be battle it out with Dodges Ferry and Brighton for a spot in the finals.
Predicted finish: 5th
The Mercury will be exclusivly streaming one double-header every weekend of the SFL 2022 season. Stay tuned for our live coverage and match reports
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