From the Leader Group Papers / www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Paul Amy
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PAUL AMY rounds up the ins and outs from each club and gives a guide to their 2014 prospects.
LIGHTS, camera, action … the VFL season kicks off this Saturday when Williamstown, celebrating its 150th year, hosts reigning premier Box Hill Hawks in an ABC TV clash.
Bendigo hopes Perth recruit Jackson Sketcher will help it enjoy a Gold rush of wins after
Bendigo hopes Perth recruit Jackson Sketcher will help it enjoy a Gold rush of wins after a winless 2013. Source: News Limited
BENDIGO
Coach: Aussie Jones (second year)
Last year: 0-18
In: Jackson Sketcher (WAFL), Joe Redfern (Greater Western Sydney), Angus Watts (Labrador), Jesse Wallin (Morningside), Devin McFarlane (Peel Thunder), Sam Heavyside, Liam Byrne (Bendigo Pioneers), Tyson Biffin (Northern Blues), Tyrone Downie (Kangaroo Flat), Mitch Hough (Kangaroo Flat).
Out: Dean Putt, Nathan Beck, Pat Flynn, Troy Kelm.
The skinny: Shorn of its Essendon alignment, Bendigo went winless in 2013 and suffered a handful of fearful beatings. But it did have a major victory a few weeks after the season, gaining enough new sponsors and members to go on in the VFL. Some handy inclusions have increased depth — last year the bottom few players were below VFL standard — and the Gold should improve enough to win three or four games and be in a few more others. Jones would put his head in a lion’s jaw if it meant gaining a seasoned, 200cm ruckman.
Fresh off a TAC Cup grand final appearance with Eastern Ranges, Aaron Bond will join Box
Fresh off a TAC Cup grand final appearance with Eastern Ranges, Aaron Bond will join Box Hill. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Limited
BOX HILL HAWKS
Coach: Marco Bello (first year, replacing Damian Carroll)
Last year: 13-5, premier
In: Ayden Kennedy (North Melbourne), Aaron Bond, Nick Evans, Joseph Fisher, Sam Gibson, Ryley Monkhorst, Jordan Walker (Eastern Ranges), Mitch Donoghue, Aidan Franetic (Oakleigh Chargers), Peter McEvoy (North Hobart), Zach Monkhorst (Woori Yallock), Julian Soccio (Northern Knights).
Out: Daniel Pratt, Bryce Retzlaff, Dalton Graham, Brad Harvey, Will Johnson, Ben Monkhorst.
The skinny: Geelong was the minor premier last season, but the Hawks were the major finals players, saving their best for last to take the premiership. Damian Carroll was rewarded with a development role at Hawthorn and was replaced by former Box Hill player Marco Bello, who steered the Northern Knights in 2013. Aside from bringing in ex-Kangaroo Ayden Kennedy as a replacement for departing captain Daniel Pratt, the recruiting focus was on TAC Cup graduates and the Hawks gained five Eastern Ranges premiership players. They’ll also see 2012 JJ Liston Trophy winner Ben Ross, who was added to Hawthorn’s rookie list. With an established group of senior players and more young talent coming in at AFL and VFL level, expect the Hawks to remain the standard-setter.
BOX HILL HAWKS 2013 VFL PREMIERS
Delisted Demon Troy Davis will ply his trade full-time for the Scorpions.
Delisted Demon Troy Davis will ply his trade full-time for the Scorpions. Source: News Limited
CASEY SCORPIONS
Coach: Rohan Welsh (second year)
Last year: 12-6, semi-final
In: Troy Davis (Melbourne), Ricky Ferraro (Bonbeach), Ed Morris, Nathan Paredes, Jake Thomas (Gippsland Power), Matt Rennie, Joseph West, Angus Scott, Dale Gawley (Dandenong Stingrays), Daniel Welsh (Eastern Ranges), Ryan Morrison (Narre Warren), Joseph Fisscher (Old Haileybury), James Davidson (Warragul), Luke Thwaites (Tarwin), David Delpapa (Scoresby), Gavin Pears (Rowville), Andrew Murray (Wonthaggi), Luke Collins (Montmorency), Kelsey Currie (Upper Ferntree Gully), Joel Winderlich (Meeniyan Dumbalk United), Tom Wyatt (Korumburra-Bena), Callum Sheils (Warragul), Jordan Symons (Traralgon), Kayan Bundle (Traralgon), Jackson McDonald (Box Hill Hawks).
Out: Kyle Matthews, Danny Nicholls, Luke Tynan, Michael Riseley, as well as Ben Hughes, Jordan Pollard, Brayden Fowler, Luke Hill, Aidan Lindsay, Chris Clay, Dylan Troutman.
The skinny: The Scorpions, coming off another straight-sets finals exit that extended their run of finals losses to 10, have shed some of their more familiar players in the off-season, notably brave former captain Kyle Matthews. And they’ll be without delisted Demons James Magner and Tom Couch, prolific ball winners at VFL level. Aside from delisted Demon Troy Davis and ex-Zebra and Magpie Ricky Ferraro, the signings are unproven at VFL level. But whispers suggest Casey has uncovered a smoky or two among its 23 newcomers. Welsh will lean on Evan Panozza, Mitch Gent, Jake Best, Will Petropoulos, Ricky Plummer, Tim Smith and Nathan Page to show the way and another strong hand from the Melbourne contingent. It should be enough for another finals appearance. But top four again? That looks a stretch.
Coburg will look to experienced Lions like Nick Carnell to lead the charge in 2014.
Coburg will look to experienced Lions like Nick Carnell to lead the charge in 2014. Source: News Limited
COBURG
Coach: Peter German (first year, replaces Tim Clarke)
Last year: 6-12
In: Michael Hartley (Collingwood), Daniel Cooper, Guy Phelps, Paul Johnson, Tyssen Morrow (Frankston), Lech Featherstone (Pascoe Vale), Chas Bromley (Northern Knights), Errol McConnell, Nathan Blair (Calder Cannons), Jake Allan (Port Melbourne), Andrew Sturgess (Eltham).
Out: Nick Maric, Glen Grgic, Zac Keogh, Tom Groves, Brenton Egglestone, Jordan Iudica, Dylan Murphy.
The skinny: No longer aligned with Richmond, the proud Lions are going it alone for the first time since 1999. It presents the challenge of turning out a competitive team and bringing in enough revenue to create what AFL Victoria officials call a “sustainable business model’’. Without the money to buy established senior players, Coburg has signed mainly young hopefuls to work under the experienced Peter German. Nick Carnell, Daniel Vinditti and Ben Clifton will supply the experience. German appeals as the right man for a difficult job: he’s had much success in state leagues, is a strong character who rarely dilutes his words and he grew up a Lions supporter. Forget about finals: Coburg’s 2014 is all about developing what it has and identifying what it needs. Wish this fine old club well.
Thomas Couch has swapped his Demons jersey for a ‘Pies one.
Thomas Couch has swapped his Demons jersey for a ‘Pies one. Source: News Limited
COLLINGWOOD
Coach: Dale Tapping (second year)
Last year: 10-8, beaten in elimination final
In: Thomas Couch (Melbourne), Matthew Suckling (Norwood SANFL), Lachie Howe (Geelong VFL), Jake Williams (De La Salle), Dylan Orval (Adelaide), Trent Cody (Eastern Ranges), Ben Kearns (Gippsland Power), Callum Matheson (St Kevins OB), Ryan Pendlebury (Bendigo Gold), Josh Turner (Northern Knights).
Out: Matthew Boland, Tom Sundberg, Sam Williams, Matt Hine, Jordan Collopy, Scott Greenhough (development squad), Chris Mangoni (development squad), Tyson Mitchem, Billy Barden, Brendan Rinaldi.
The skinny: After three years distant from the top eight, the Magpies rose to the finals under the astute coaching of Dale Tapping in 2013. And everything suggests they’ll be there again this season. They’ve retained their leading players and most have two or three seasons behind them and are ready to take the rewards of stronger bodies and minds. The group of “ins’’ is impressive, particularly delisted Demon Thomas Couch, Norwood premiership player Matt Suckling and ex-Crow Dylan Orval (son of ex-Pie Mark). Couch was on the fringes at AFL level, scrounging two AFL matches. But he’s a mighty state league player and will give the JJ Liston Trophy a nudge. The Magpies appear to have become a more professional VFL operation in the past year or two. Standards have been raised and are expected to be met. They appeal as a climber.
Former Fremantle Docker Josh Mellington will don a Bombers kit this season.
Former Fremantle Docker Josh Mellington will don a Bombers kit this season. Source: News Limited
ESSENDON
Coach: Hayden Skipworth (third year)
Last year: 9-9, elimination final
In: Josh Mellington (Fremantle), Alex Hickey (Geelong Falcons), Aaron Heppell (Gippsland Power), Angus Milham (Oakleigh Chargers), Wayne Schultz (Strathfieldsaye), Sam Lowrie (South Fremantle), Alex McLeod (Coburg/Williamstown), Brad Leggett (Macleod).
Out: Matthew Bate, Matt Firman, Trent Shinners, Michael Sikora, Tim Knowles.
The skinny: Standing alone last season after cutting ties with Bendigo, the Dons made the top eight with a 9-9 record (and before the elimination final were backed off the map to win the premiership by punters blithely unaware that player-qualifications rules were in place). They’ve lost some experience but ex-Docker Josh Mellington is an ace inclusion, 2013 Geelong Falcons best and fairest Alex Hickey should make an impact and more can be expected from former Gold Coast Sun Josh Toy, who played only nine matches last year, owing to a selection squeeze. Expect the Dons to be in finals contention come the late rounds.
The Dogs welcome former AFL star and Williamstown wingman Brent Prismall.
The Dogs welcome former AFL star and Williamstown wingman Brent Prismall. Source: News Limited
FOOTSCRAY
Coach: Chris Maple (first year)
Last year: aligned with Williamstown
In: Brent Prismall (Williamstown), Jordan Russell (Collingwood), Nick Lower (Western Bulldogs), Lukas Markovic (Western Bulldogs), Will Sullivan (Werribee), Darcy Fort (Werribee), Jordan Keras (Werribee), Will Hayes (Sandringham Dragons), JD Hayes (Melbourne Grammar), David Iaccarino (Western Jets), Mitch Jensen (Calder Cannons), Michael Fogarty (Spotswood), Jase Perkins (Port Melbourne Colts), Todd Finco (Albion), Christian Elliott (Spotswood), Hayden Walters (East Ballarat), Nick Jamieson, Jordan Clarke (Old Scotch).
Out: —
The skinny: Footscray’s inclusion in the fixtures comes almost 90 years since it left the VFL’s antecedent, the VFA. The Bulldogs won nine flags in the association. And their recruiting and coaching structure indicate they’re not back merely to make up the numbers. Despite being delisted, Nick Lower and Lukas Markovic have stayed around to become co-captains, and Brent Prismall and Jordan Russell also provide leadership to the first and second-year pups. Emerging ruckman Darcy Fort is a nice pick-up from Werribee, Nick Jamieson built a glowing reputation in the VAFA, and there will be interest in twins Will and JD Hayes: they are sons of champion horse trainer David. There ought be a bark about the Bulldogs.
WHAT MAKES LUKAS MARKOVIC TICK
Former Scorpion and Melbourne Demon Josh Tynan has landed at Frankston.
Former Scorpion and Melbourne Demon Josh Tynan has landed at Frankston. Source: News Limited
FRANKSTON
Coach: Simon Goosey (fifth year)
Last year: 6-12
In: Josh Tynan (Melbourne), Ben Cavarra (Eastern Ranges), Wade Lees, Jordan Pollard (Casey Scorpions), Josh Helliwell (Gippsland), Shannon Taylor (WAFL), Jordan Scanlon (NT), James Cameron (Mornington), Vergim Faik, Tim Harper (Noble Park), Brayden Irving (Seaford), Jake Greely (Queensland), Michael Bussey (Rowville), Ryan Kitchin (Skye Bomber), Jack Williams (Sandringham), Josh Newman, Jordan Bastinac, Josh Pickess, Tray Tohiariki, Brady Egan, Nathan Foote, Jack Soroczynski, Ryan Marks-Logan, James Hammond (Dandenong Stingrays), Lachie Mirams (Sandringham Dragons), Harry Whitty (Peninsula Old Boys).
Out: Lachie Delahunty, Sam Lloyd, Joel Miller, Mitch Bosward.
The skinny: The Dolphins showed steady improvement in 2013 and produced yet another draftee in jack-in-the-box forward Sam Lloyd. Aside from Lachie Delahunty, they’ve retained their top-bracket players and gained another group of potential-heavy players, including 2013 Morrish Medal star Ben Cavarra, former WAFL top-10 draft hopeful Shannon Taylor, ex-AIS AFL Academy tall Michael Bussey and exciting Seaford centre half forward Brayden Irving. Throw in delisted Demon Josh Tynan and NT forward Jordan Scanlon, a fever of Stingrays and it’s the best they’ve recruited in Goosey’s time at the club. Damian Garner and Jackson Coleman, both returning from injuries that wrecked their 2013 seasons, can also be considered as arrivals. Michael Lourey, Luke Potts, Scott Simpson, Leigh Kitchin, Riley Heddles, Zig Alwan, Khan Haretuku, Chris Irving, Russ Gabriel, Shane Hockey, Jason Pongracic and Jarrod Irving make up a good core group. Frankston can make the eight.
Troy Selwood has retired, but Cats VFL coach Matthew Knights will be hoping they can go o
Troy Selwood has retired, but Cats VFL coach Matthew Knights will be hoping they can go one better in 2014. Source: News Limited
GEELONG
Coach: Matthew Knights (third year)
Last year: 16-2, runner-up
In: James Linton (Colac), Kane Leersen (Colac), Luke Bath (St Mary’s), Chris Lynch (Bell Park), Cameron Tudor (Werribee Tigers), Fraser Fort (Geelong Falcons), Jay Lever (St Kilda), Kieren Paliouras (St Joseph’s), Jordan Duncan (South Barwon).
Out: Troy Selwood, Jaxson Barham, Robert Condy, Piers Flanagan, Tom Gribble, Lachlan Howe, Dyson Bell-Warren, Ben Capra, Jai Sheahan, Ryley Hall.
The skinny: It must still sting the Cats that they stumbled in last season’s grand final after such a dominant home-and-away effort, when they routinely thrashed rivals. “Buggered up on the biggest day of the year,’’ was how general manager Benny Waller put it. Geelong has lost doughty on-baller and captain Troy Selwood to retirement and Ben Raidme suffered a knee injury in a practice match, ruling him out for the season. They count as big blows but between the VFL and AFL lists the Cats have enough talent to make a push for the premiership.
North Ballarat won’t be able to rely on dual Liston Trophy winner Stevie Clifton in 2014.
North Ballarat won’t be able to rely on dual Liston Trophy winner Stevie Clifton in 2014. Source: News Limited
NORTH BALLARAT
Coach: Gerard FitzGerald (seventh year)
Last year: 8-10
In: Lucas Anderson (Donald), Andrew Boseley (Hawthorn), Angus Grigg (Cohuna), Nick Peters (Kalgoorlie), Jordan Staley (St Kilda), James Tsitas (Geelong Falcons), Chris Baxter (Terang-Mortlake), Mitch Rodd (Ballarat), Ned Gilbert (Buninyong), Jackson Bowen (Carisbrook).
Out: Myles Sewell, Steve Clifton, Bill Driscoll, Dan Feery, Marcus Darmody, Pat Nicholls.
The skinny: Seasoned Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald was only half-joking when he said he’d be rolling up to Tullamarine and trying to confiscate a couple of passports. The overseas travel bug has claimed his two best players, both on-ballers: 2010 and ’13 JJ Liston Trophy champion Stevie Clifton and 2009 winner Myles Sewell. Crafty little forward and triple premiership player Billy Driscoll has also said his farewells. But if the returning Nicky Peters can put together a full season he’ll shoulder some of the midfield load. Look for ex-AFL pair Andrew Boseley and Jordan Staley to bolster a defence that was a little ragged last season, and for well-regarded TAC Cup graduate James Tsitas to get a good look at senior football. The Roosters finished 8-10 last season, coming in 10th. They’ll do well to turn it into 10-8.
Gold Coast youngster Joel Wilkinson has gone south to join the Northern Blues.
Gold Coast youngster Joel Wilkinson has gone south to join the Northern Blues. Source: News Limited
NORTHERN BLUES
Coach: Luke Webster (second year)
Last year: 8-10
In: Jack Anthony (Maribyrnong Park), Joel Wilkinson (Gold Coast Suns), Liam Bowcott, Xavier Cahill, Hugh Curnow, Eamon Gilbert, Tom Grimes, Kyle McDonald, Matthew Haynes, Jesse Tardio (Northern Knights) Steve Murray (Wodonga), Kyle Emley (Vermont), Will Couch (Geelong Falcons), Ben Walton (Montmorency), Mitch Dowse.
Out: Andre Gianfagna, Adam Marcon, Kane Lambert, Nick Meese, Tim Currie, Anthony Bonaddio, Jacob Ballard, Tim Lincoln, Luke Visser, Josh Marchbank, Joel McDonald.
The skinny: The Blues almost had to hire security to keep out Williamstown as it launched a ruthless raid on their top-end talent, grabbing best and fairests Adam Marcon and Kane Lambert, big-hearted ruckman Nick Meese and promising tall Tim Currie. Co-captain Andre Gianfagna and handy pair Timmy Lincoln and Luke Visser are also on the list of outs, which ultimately couldn’t be counterbalanced by the signings of ex-Sun Joel Wilkinson and former Magpie and Docker Jack Anthony. Still, eight Northern Knights have come in and suburban recruits Kyle Emley and Ben Walton might surprise. The Blues were unable to make the top eight in 2013. With much of their senior core eroded, it’s hard to imagine them improving enough to get there this season.
Geelong v Melbourne. Simonds Stadium. James Magner marks close to the boundary line with Matthew Scarlett close behind
Former Melbourne tough nut will be a ball magnet for Gary Ayres at Port Melbourne. Source: News Limited
PORT MELBOURNE
Coach: Gary Ayres (seventh season)
Last year: 9-8
In: James Magner (Melbourne), Alex Brown (Sydney), Marcus Davies (Carlton), Marcus Marigliani, Chris Michaliades (Sandringham), Luke Tynan (Casey Scorpions), Sandy Robinson (Port Fairy), Dan Connors (Aberfeldie), David Fanning (Aberfeldie), Shanne Lange (Bendigo), Rob Eddy (Stony Creek), James Wilsen, Will Johnson (Box Hill Hawks), Cade Maskell (Leongatha), Benji Neal, Scott Clarke, Ryan Pantic (QAFL), Billy Hogan, Guy Dickson, Nick Prowse (Oakleigh Chargers), Blake Pearson (Dandenong Stingrays).
Out: Dean Galea, Wayde Skipper, Nathan Batsanis, Ryan Gale, Marc Johnston, Billy Burstin, Heath O’Farrell, Clayton Hinkley, Myles Pitt, Danny Hughes, Michael Dillon.
The skinny: There was much movement at North Port Oval over summer and when he weighed up the ins and outs coach Gary Ayres thought the scales tipped to the positive. James Magner, Marcus Davies and Alex Brown are coming off AFL lists, VFL signings Marcus Marigliani, Chris Michaliades and Luke Tynan are class acts, no one has ever questioned ex-Tiger Dan Connors’ ability, and it was a bit of a coup to gain country big man Sandy Robinson. That said, five 2011 premiership players waved their goodbyes. Ayres will miss them like sleep, particularly Dean Galea’s goalkicking, Wayde Skipper’s ruck work and Nathan Batsanis’s ping off a wing. With Chris Cain, John Baird, Sam Pleming, Shane Valenti and Toby Pinwill setting the example, Port is primed to occupy top-rung territory again.
Port Melbourne’s Nathan Batsanis will try to help Richmond be successful in its first sea
Port Melbourne’s Nathan Batsanis will try to help Richmond be successful in its first season as a VFL entity. Source: News Limited
RICHMOND
Coach: Tim Clarke (first year)
Last year: aligned with Coburg
In: Ross Young (Uni Blues), Ed Barlow (Old Scotch), Ryan Bathie (Geelong), Nathan Batsanis (Port Melbourne), Chris Clay (Casey Scorpions), Luke Collins (Sale), Luke Conca (Surrey Park), Pat Contin (Leongatha), Aaron Davey (Melbourne), Gerrard Gleeson (St Kevins), Mitch Keddell (Mooroopna), Rian McGough (Tatura), Andrew McQualter (Southport), Dan Schibeci (Maribyrnong Park), Ben Waite (Tatura), James Wall (Tatura), Nick Wynne (Old Xaverians), Clay McCartney (Dandenong Stingrays).
Out: —
The skinny: Coaching Coburg last season, there were times when Tim Clarke pined for senior leaders to go with his many young hopefuls. He won’t lack experience this year as the Tigers front up for their first stand-alone year in the VFL. The list is thick with football know-how, from Aaron Davey, Andrew McQualter and captain Ross Young to James Wall and 33-year-old Luke Collins (lining up for his fifth VFL club). It’s a strong squad, but it’s hard to see all the signings playing at the same time. It’s easier to imagine good crowds at Tiger home games at Punt Rd. The place has history seeping from every corner and it’s a welcome addition to the list of VFL venues.
Sandringham will get a player who likes the rough and tumble work in former Box Hill Hawk
Sandringham will get a player who likes the rough and tumble work in former Box Hill Hawk Dalton Graham. Source: News Limited
SANDRINGHAM
Coach: Simon McPhee
Last year: 6-11
In: Piers Flanagan (Geelong VFL), Jayme Gottliebsen (Balwyn), Conrad Hudghton (Western Magpies, Queensland), Raury Bolger (Old Brighton), Luke Verma (Hampton Rovers), Jack Davis (North Shore, NSW), Dominic Waterman (Knox), William McTaggart (Port Melbourne), Dalton Graham (Box Hill Hawks), Josh Bennet (Ainslie, NEAFL), Elliot Le Grice, Luke Daidone, Julian Eimutis, Matt Hooy, Jack Wilson, Tim Cumming, Charlie Kelso, Aaron Hodges (Sandringham Dragons).
Out: Marcus Marigliani, Chris Michaliades, Hamish Shepheard, Anthony Soriano, Jack Williams.
The skinny: The Zebras’ pre-season began badly when captain Marcus Marigliani took off for Port Melbourne, disenchanted with the St Kilda alignment. Chris Michaliades followed him, then came confirmation class big man Hamish Shepheard was returning to Perth. They are three significant losses but the Zebras did retain likely new skipper Adam Cockie, Myke Cook, Beau Dowler and Peter Shakallis. And they brought in some good types, notably former Gold Coast Suns priority pick Piers Flanagan and Ainslie forward Josh Bennet, the son of former Sandy spearhead John. Balwyn premiership half back Jayme Gottliebsen should be a senior regular too when he overcomes groin problems. Sandringham, building towards stand-alone status in 2016, battled to six wins last year. A slight improvement will put it on the fringe of finals.
Jobi Harper has crossed Bass Strait to join Werribee from South Launceston.
Jobi Harper has crossed Bass Strait to join Werribee from South Launceston. Source: News Limited
WERRIBEE
Coach: John Lamont (first year, replaces Scott West)
Last year: 10-8, preliminary final
In: Matthew Boag (Geelong Falcons), Meyrick Buchanan (Geelong Falcons), George Cameron (Geelong Falcons), Jesse Crichton (Fremantle), Lee Dale (Northern Blues), Tom Gribble (Geelong VFL), Jobi Harper (South Launceston), James Hussey (Geelong West St Peters), Abdul Jawad (Spotswood), Harrison King, Nick Maric (Coburg), Sam Martyn (Benalla), Brody Miochek (Maribyrnong Park), Brayden Norris (Aberfieldie), Ryley Norris (Murray Bushrangers), Josh Porter (Wangaratta), Dylan Reid (NEAFL — Aspley), Jason Robinson (Western Jets), Jake Sharp (Murray Bushrangers), Trent Shinners (Essendon VFL), Ben Speight (North Melbourne), Ben Stretton (Yarraville), James Taylor (Albion)
Out: Kane Barbuto, Ben Brown, Robbie Castello, Scott Clouston, Alex Eade, Darcy Fort, Robbie Hicks, Matthew Higgins, Jordan Keras, Riley Kershaw, William Martiniello, Luke McDonald, Ben McKinley, Brett Meredith, Kris Pendlebury, Jack Purton-Smith, Ben Ross, Michael Ross, Tom Ruggles, Ben Sharp, Dyson Stevens, Will Sullivan, Matt Sullivan, Cameron Tudor, Shaun White, Cam Williams.
The skinny: more than once over summer, Tigers recruiting manager Mark Stone declared that, with Footscray and Richmond entering the league, competition for signings had never been so fierce. But Werribee more than held its own, acquiring steadily to offset the departures of experienced hands Rob Castello, Will Martiniello, Ben Sharp, Ben McKinley and JJ Liston Trophy draftee Ben Ross. Ex-Docker Jesse Chrichton, delisted Roo Ben Speight, VFL Cat Tom Gribble and former Frankston and Essendon tall Trent Shinners are the pick of the bunch, but look for Tasmanian Jobi Harper to come through quickly. Former promising cricketer Meyrick Buchanan’s progress will also be worth monitoring. The Tigers, preliminary finalists last season under Scott West, can expect to scale similar heights under his impressive replacement, their 1993 premiership player John Lamont.
Former West Adelaide captain Ryan Ferguson has joined Williamstown in 2014.
WILLIAMSTOWN
Coach: Andy Collins (first year, replaces Peter German)
Last year: 12-6, preliminary final
In: Peter Faulks (Fremantle), Adam Marcon, Kane Lambert, Nick Meese, Tim Currie (Northern Blues), Michael Sikora (Essendon), Shaun Tighe, Mitch Banner (South Fremantle), Ryan Ferguson (West Adelaide), Scott Clouston (Werribee), David Fahey (Coburg), Ben Davies (Wangaratta Magpies), Brad Mangan (West Adelaide), Daniel Kulikowski (Port Adelaide), Michael Gibbons (Murray Bushrangers), Jake Owen (Calder Cannons), Jake Greiser (Western Jets), Isaiah Miller (Bendigo Pioneers), Brent Buley (Western Jets).
Out: Cameron Wood, Jamie McNamara, Steve Witkowski, Justin Sherman, Brent Prismall, Michael Stockdale.
The skinny: It’s a momentous season for the Seagulls. In their 150th year they are standing alone for the first time since 1999, having had alignments with Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs. It has not been the smoothest lead-in, first getting a hefty fine for breaching the salary cap last year, then facing sharp criticism from AFL Victoria officials over their pursuit of Northern Blues gun Kane Lambert. But the bottom line is that the club has put together an excellent list for experienced coach Andy Collins: there are seasoned hands for all the lines, as well as a bunch of first and second-year players which will bubble up for senior positions. The Seagulls might take their time to get it all together but there is a promise about their milestone year.
