2015 EFL Pre-Season Wiki | Tomorrow: Heathmont
By Dyson Baker
FOREST Hill would have expected, heading into 2014 to be a genuine contender.
After the fairy tale that was their run into the 2013 Division 4 Finals the Zebras saw a light at the end of the tunnel…
It has now been 30 years since The Zebras tasted the ultimate success, currently the second longest premiership drought across the competition (Mitcham is sitting at 33).
Deploy – Operation Premiership:
Forest Hill have not pulled any punches over the off season – The Salantri connection gaining the services of Premier Division 3/4 forward Matt Carnelley.
On top of that they also welcome Matt Flemming from Park Orchards and have picked up the likes of Sean Alston (Rowville) and Chris Davies (Templestowe).
The Quality they have picked up will add to their already experienced line-up which now boasts two Perc James Medallist’s after Nick Pincott and Kane Maghamez tied for the Division 4 award with Warrandyte’s Ross Ansaldi last season.
Perhaps the recruit making the biggest waves, Aaron Henneman comes across from St Albans in the WRFL.
Henneman played 58 games with Essendon in a career that spanned five years. Since being delisted in 2006, Henneman has played at Devon Meadows (MPNFL), Corowa Rutherglen (Ovens & Murray) and St Albans.
In contrast, the Zebras have lost star forward Nathan Jumeau, who has gone on to play with Vermont this year.
Replacing a player of the calibre of Jumeau is never easy but The Zebras will be hoping that the recruits they bring into the club in 2015 can make the difference.
The club has built depth over recent years once again in 2014 their reserves side were prominent in finals. More importantly the Under 19’s Forest Hill Eagles or “Feagles” as they were known managed to give a number of players a game of football when the usually wouldn’t have.
BIGGEST THREATS
Looking to 2015, Finals has to be on the cards for The Zebras who would expect to be up with the likes of Warrandyte and Ferntree Gully.
Early wins will be crucial, Forest Hill start the season with a relatively comfortable draw, if they can put themselves in front of the ledger early they will be prominent in 2015.