By Josh Ward.
Bayswater
Pos: 8th (3-6, 94.13%)
For (Rank): 65.9 points per game, 7th
Against (Rank): 70 points against per game, 7th
Leading Goalkicker: Wayne McInerney (12 in 9)
There’s been plenty of signs that Bayswater will improve under returning EFNL legend Marc Hardy in the opening half of the 2023.
Whilst they won three of four games between rounds three and six the side has failed to win outside of that to sit two games out of a finals spot but only a game above the relegation zone.
Their defence led by Ben Searle, continues to be solid, particularly on their home deck of Bayswater Oval. However their attack has had its struggles with only one 100+ score so far.
It’s been Bayswater’s midfield that continues to be its biggest strength, with new ruckman Tim Castricum plus fellow new recruits Lachlan Kruger and Mitch Tsirtsikos proving to be invaluable alongside up and comer Ben White.
The signs have been there for the Waters, but now it’s all about stringing together four quarters to give themselves every opportunity to sneak into finals.
Beaconsfield
Pos: 5th (5-4, 112.27%)
For (Rank): 67.1 points per game, 6th
Against (Rank): 59.8 points against per game, 1st
Leading Goalkicker: Jafar Ocaa (19 in 9)
After a year of adapting to Division 1 in 2022 Beaconsfield have made great strides in their second year in the EFNL.
Despite sitting in fifth place Mick Fogarty’s men have been competitive in most of their games, with three of their four losses coming at the hands of top four sides.
The sides defence has been hard to penetrate. Led by returning ex-AFL star Brandon White and Josh Mounter Fogarty’s men have conceded the least amount of points per game in the division.
In the absence of Matt Johnson the likes of Jafar Ocaa and Jake Bowd have continued to step up whilst Damian Johnston consistently works hard in and under most contests.
With the side back getting back into form last weekend they’ll look to build on that in the remaining games of the season.
Croydon
Pos: 9th (2-7, 73.7%)
For (Rank): 64.8 points per game, 8th
Against (Rank): 87.9 points against per game, 9th
Leading Goalkicker: Riley Britton (12 in 9)
Not many would’ve picked Croydon to sit in the relegation zone in the opening half of the season but unfortunately that is the case for the side.
Whilst they’ve been competitive in most games and have even defeated Montrose to start this season the side’s lack of attacking options continues to hurt Morris D’Alessandro’s side.
The side has also been cruelled by many of their stars being absent such as recruit Emiliano Aleixo and Adrian Ficorilli.
But there’s still been plenty of shining lights for D’Alessandro so far, including recruits Callum Spurrell & Billay Batten plus familiar faces Riley Britton, Riley Constantino up forward and Andrew Carter.
With their season and spot in Division 1 already in danger the side will need to find consistency and form if they are to live to fight another day in this division.
Lilydale
Pos: 10th (0-9, 53.57%)
For (Rank): 48.3 points per game, 10th
Against (Rank): 90.2 points against per game, 10th
Leading Goalkicker: Ben Hickleton (9 in 9)
Following an offseason which saw many experienced players leave Lilydale have had their struggles with a young side on the park.
But despite not winning a game Luke McCormick’s side has continued to improve week by week and has been competitive in most of their games.
Their defence has held up well on occasion, however with no goalkicker passing the double digit mark their attack has had more struggles than most teams in the division.
Young guns such as Mitchell De Franceschi, Riley Clausen and recruit Ben Hickleton have gotten better with each week while the experience of Jayden Depace and Patrick Klep continues to guide them.
With no wins and signs of promise to start the season the Falcons will look to string together four-quarters consistently and cause a few upsets on the run home.
Mitcham
Pos: 2nd (7-2, 126%)
For (Rank): 87.8 points per game, 2nd
Against (Rank): 69.7 points against per game, 5th
Leading Goalkicker: Bailey Cowman (17 in 7)
The rise of Mitcham in Division 1 has continued this year who’ve so far done what many predicted they would at the beginning of 2023.
Despite being hit hard with injuries/absences to stars such as Alex Barton-Smith, Nic Hallo, Jesse Uren & Jake Parente Neil Winterton’s side has still been able to pull through stronger.
Their defence has continued to be as solid as any in the division In the absence of Parente recruit Bailey Cowman has filled that void up forward whilst being well supported by Guy Laughlin and Jessie Smyth.
Forward/Ruck Tom Lovell also continues to improve week by week whilst tough nut midfielder Jesse Cherry has had one of his strongest seasons to date in yellow and black.
With two games separating them and South Belgrave on top the Tigers will look to keep up the pace with them while also gaining players back into the side.
Montrose
Pos: 4th (5-3, 124.76%)
For (Rank): 81.3 points per game, 4th
Against (Rank): 65.1 points against per game, 2nd
Leading Goalkicker: Michael Schwab (17 in 8)
It’s been a strong start to 2023 for Montrose who continue to improve week-by-week under the tutelage of Gary Ayres.
Whilst they’ve picked up convincing wins against the likes of Beaconsfield and North Ringwood they’ve still lost winnable matches, including most recently against Croydon.
Led by new recruit Greg Lord their defence has been as solid as any in the division, conceding one of the lowest points per game so far to start the season.
The work rate of young midfield duo Ben Dessent and Brad Watson has nearly been unmatched. Michael Schwab has also seamlessly slotted into the forward alongside Tyron Galbraith.
With plenty of wins already in the bank the Demons will look to iron out their inconsistencies and continue to challenge the top sides.
Mooroolbark
Pos: 7th (3-5, 112.7%)
For (Rank): 77.6 points per game, 5th
Against (Rank): 68.9 points against per game, 3rd
Leading Goalkicker: Brandon Dobie (14 in 8)
While they may be a new-look outfit this year Mooroolbark have put up a strong fight to sit just outside a finals spot.
Despite losing five games to begin the season they’ve held leads and put up a strong challenge in most games, with their biggest losing margin being 50 points at the hands of Mitcham.
The midfield unit of Ryley Monkhorst, Kane Noonan, Austin Smith and Cayden Maki have continued to be at an elite level from most sides.
And whilst they’ve had their struggles from an attacking side of things Brandon Dobie has stepped up following the departures of Aaron Mullett and Jai Jordan.
With potentially a game separating them from fifth placed Beaconsfield the Mustangs will look to have a consistent lineup on the park as they charge for another finals appearance.
North Ringwood
Pos: 6th (4-5, 78.37%)
For (Rank): 54.3 points per game, 9th
Against (Rank): 69.3 points against per game, 4th
Leading Goalkicker: Patrick Rose (17 in 6)
Coming down into a new division and with a young side North Ringwood have started to find form, particularly in recent weeks.
Whilst they’ve had their down weeks against Montrose and South Belgrave, Robin Nahas’ men have still found themselves in most contests and have made it hard for teams at Quambee Reserve.
The defensive unit boasting the likes of young gun Ben Livingstone plus Michael Locco and Dylan Van Unen has more often than not been hard to penetrate for sides.
Aaron Fenton has also provided a strong presence in midfield on return to North Ringwood while star recruit Patty Rose has been a livewire in a struggling forward line.
With a young up and coming group the only way is up for the Saints who will consider themselves a good chance to break through and play finals.
South Belgrave
Pos: 1st (9-0, 135.35%)
For (Rank): 94.4 points per game, 1st
Against (Rank): 69.8 points against per game, 6th
Leading Goalkicker: Taylor Garner (22 in 5)
The rise of South Belgrave has been like no other in recent years and in an unknown division it’s continued for them.
Luke Galliott’s men have now won 15 in a row from the backend of last year and have passed every challenge that’s been presented to them in this new division.
Their attack, led by ex-AFL superstars Taylor Garner and Tim Smith, continues to be unmatched even without those two in recent weeks.
Mitch Garner and Sean Bartels have consistently provided strong leadership from midfield whilst Brody Connelly has led a defence that continues to fly under the radar due to the strength of their attack.
With key players like Garner, Smith, Tyreece Leiu and Liam Kidd returning to the fold in recent weeks the Saints will look to press home their advantage and continue their rise.
Wantirna South
Pos: 3rd (6-3, 116.11%)
For (Rank): 85.7 points per game, 3rd
Against (Rank): 73.8 points against per game, 8th
Leading Goalkicker: Kye Barlow (19 in 9)
Under a new and premiership-winning coach in Brett Moyle Wantirna South have also continued to improve and put together strong performances.
Whilst their fourth quarters have at times cost them games they still continue to do the job in the first three quarters more often than not.
Their attack has gone from strength to strength and has this time been led by ex-Vermont young gun Kye Barlow. Liam Hewett and recruit Ricky Fandrich have also provided support in that part of the ground.
Lincoln Wong has continued on from his Division 1 Best and Fairest winning season whilst Jake Denes has also been strong in ruck.
Sitting comfortably in a finals spot the Devils will now most likely look to tighten up their final quarters, boost their percentage as well as challenge the top two.
