2014 EFL Pre-Season Wiki | Tomorrow: Croydon
by Victoria Halkias (VictoriaMLH)
THE Eagles are set to soar in 2014.
Vermont, the most successful side in EFL history, has again grown into a classy side over the past two seasons. It is a well-oiled machine, comprised of strength, dedication and mateship.
The Eagles will no doubt again be one of the teams to beat in the league’s premier division.
It hasn’t been an easy road, though. It was an upsetting season for the club in 2011, finishing in ninth spot on the ladder at the end of the home and away season.
But when 2012 came along, the Eagles entered the competition with all cylinders firing. And after a great home and away season, they met Balwyn in the Grand Final. Although it resulted in a loss, they were still one of league’s best teams, a title they carried all the way into the next season.
Vermont had another superb season in 2013, resulting in only three losses. It looked set to tear up the field during finals, however two disappointing losses ensured the premiership would once again remain illusive.
Although last season finished abruptly, it certainly isn’t stopping the Eagles from going full steam ahead into 2014, lead by new coach Steve Cochrane – a past player with a love for the club.
“Vermont is a pretty attractive proposition. It is a well-run club. Off the field it’s really well structured. They’ve got all the resources, so it was pretty appealing to come back,” he said.
Cochrane seems relaxed about the upcoming season and is willing to let things take their natural course. He hopes to help his new team grow and improve throughout the year, with a strong focus on fitness.
“I’m not going to change much. The principles that [former coach] Kris [Barlow] has installed in the group will continue. They only lost three games [in 2013],” he said.
“We’ve got a really young group, so we will be focusing on improving our fitness levels and taking the younger group to another level. Hopefully they’ll improve naturally.”
Cochrane reports some of the club’s younger players have been standouts at training over the pre-season, in particular Rory Lehmann, Bryce Fisher and Nick Johnson.
“They’ve really impressed as young guys,” he said.
‘Things are ticking along nicely at the moment. We are probably at about the same level as last year. I’m just hoping to get natural improvement out of the group.”
It’s always an unpredictable time of year when it comes to transfers and sadly the club has lost some very valuable players, particularly Robbie Ross and Daniel Mendes.
However they have managed to recruit some exciting, talented players, ensuring not much will change this year.
They have picked up Adam Parker – the former Scoresby Captain – in one of the biggest transfers of the pre-season. He promises to be an excellent addition to the club.
Parker joins former Vermont player and dual Chandler Medalist Bernie Dinneen, as well as Knox full-back Jacob Castricum, as new recruits for 2014.
“They’ve fitted in really well,” Cochrane said of all his new recruits.
“Bernie’s played at the club before, so he knows a lot of the guys. Parker has played with a number of them on a representative side, so he’s fitted in well. Jacob Castricum has played junior footy with a lot of the guys as well.”
Being in Division 1 means there are always plenty of class teams to keep an eye on throughout the year.
Apart from the standouts in Balwyn and Noble Park, Cochrane will also be keeping a close eye on Norwood, East Ringwood and Blackburn.
“It’s hard to tell at this time of year, as there are a few rumours. But the competition is just improving,” he said.
“We’ve just got to make sure we keep improving year in, year out and give ourselves a chance to play finals.”