By Josh Ward Chirnside Park:
Position: 2nd
W-L: 8-1
Percentage: 129%
For (Rank): 84.4 (2nd)
Against (Rank): 65.4 (3rd)
Leading Goalkicker: Samuel King (23)
Best + Fairest Leader: Josh Clavant
After a confidence-boosting half-season last year the Panthers were bullish on their finals and premiership chances heading into this campaign.
And whilst they have scraped away with wins at times so far this year, Chirnside Park have proven why they were bullish on the chances, currently sitting second and only one loss behind top-of-the-table Silvan
Samuel King has been the main man up forward, kicking a career-best 23 goals in only nine games. Ben Slattery has shone in midfield once more along with Charlton Clavant, but it’s been Josh Clavant who’s had a strong season having been named the Panthers best in their last five games
All is looking up for Chirnside Park, but now it’s all about continuing that form for the rest of the season.
Croydon North MLOC:
Position: 6th
W-L: 3-6
Percentage: 67%
For (Rank): 64.7 (6th)
Against (Rank): 96.4 (6th)
Leading Goalkicker: Daniel Butera (14)
Best + Fairest Leader: Jack Dacre-Ronchi
Coming into 2022 there was plenty of hope that the KangaRams would improve having not lost a lot but gaining plenty of talent from different EFNL clubs in the offseason.
And so far, to start 2022 they’ve shown plenty of improvement despite sitting second-last. In their six losses only three have been by 50+ points against the top two sides in Silvan and Chirnside Park, with their wins coming against Forest Hill and Nunawading
Some of their signings have helped them take that next step, with Daniel Butera and Jake Guerin leading the way up forward. Jack Dacre-Ronchi has also impressed in ruck whilst running machine Robert Hudson has made an instant impact.
The only way is up for Croydon North MLOC and with plenty of winnable matches to end the season they are well and truly in the hunt for finals.
Forest Hill:
Position: 4th
W-L: 3-5
Percentage: 87%
For (Rank): 75.9 (4th)
Against (Rank): 87.4 (4th)
Leading Goalkicker: Jake Rowe (16)
Best + Fairest Leader: Darcy Pell
Following a big recruiting spree which saw plenty come down from Yea, many expected a bit of improvement from the Zebras after their promising 2021 season.
Despite sitting in the top four it’s been an inconsistent season for Forest Hill, only picking up three wins and losing most of their games by just over seven goals.
Jake Rowe and Ben Rudd have stepped up in the forward line, combining for 31 goals. Recruits Darcy Pell and Patrick Evans have also had an impressive start to life at their new club.
Whilst they still sit in the top four, the Zebras will need to make some improvements if they want to stay in finals contention.
Kilsyth:
Position: 5th
W-L: 3-5
Percentage: 80%
For (Rank): 72.9 (5th)
Against (Rank): 91.5 (5th)
Leading Goalkicker: Ryan Goodinson (29)
Best + Fairest Leader: Cameron McArthur
Not a whole lot was expected of the young Cougars having not recruited heavily unlike their fellow cellar dwellers from the past few years.
However, Kilsyth have made plenty of shockwaves to start the season. Not only have they been competitive in most matches, but they’ve also picked up some handy wins, including recently against Surrey Park.
Ryan Goodinson has had another remarkable season up forward and has already passed his goal tally from last year. Cameron McArthur, young ruck Luke Hoogstra and Travis Browning have also been key performers for the Cougars this year.
All is looking bright at Pinks Reserve; the big question now is can they continue their form and build towards September?
Nunawading:
Position: 7th
W-L: 0-8
Percentage: 42%
For (Rank): 60.5 (7th)
Against (Rank): 145.1 (7th)
Leading Goalkicker: Brooklyn Gebel-Lamb (16)
Best + Fairest Leader: Cooper Winter
Whilst not a lot was expected of Nunawading despite making some additions this season they still had hope they could show signs of improvements.
Despite sitting at the bottom with zero wins and with a low percentage, the Lions still have shown signs of improvement and haven’t had consistent drubbings unlike previous years.
Ex-Ringwood and Norwood Under 19 forward Brooklyn Gebel-Lamb has led the way up forward, whilst Cooper Winter has also played a key role for them this year once more.
They might continue to have their struggles this year, but the Lions will still look to continue to improve and even pick up a scalp or two in the second half of the season.
Silvan:
Position: 1st
W-L: 8-0
Percentage: 319%
For (Rank): 160.9 (1st)
Against (Rank): 50.4 (1st)
Leading Goalkicker: Leigh Kimpton (49)
Best + Fairest Leader: James Charge
Heading into the season there was a fair amount of hype for the Cats having brought in some big names to the Cattery. And so far, they’ve lived up to that hype.
Currently undefeated and looking unbeatable, Silvan have piled on the goals thanks to their almighty attack led by Leigh Kimpton and superstar recruit Justin Ficorilli. Combined the two of them have kicked 87 goals, nearly half of the Cats goals (47.3%).
Other recruits such as James Charge and Billy Ratray have also come into the side and made an immediate impact, with Charge named in the best five times and Ratray kicking 12 goals.
All is looking up for Silvan who’ll want to continue their form in the second half of 2022.
Surrey Park:
Position: 3rd
W-L: 4-4
Percentage: 130%
For (Rank): 80.5 (3rd)
Against (Rank): 61.9 (2nd)
Leading Goalkicker: Renan Falahey (12)
Best + Fairest Leader: Ryan Kennedy
After losing a bit and gaining some class this offseason, the Panthers of Surrey Park had hopes that they’d be up there once more in 2022.
Whilst they are sitting in the top four, it’s been a little less comfortable for them so far having already picked up one more loss than last year.
They’ve unearthed plenty of talent from their Under 19 side, with Renan Falahey leading the way up forward with 12 goals. Recruit Parker Fox has also kicked 11 goals whilst leaders Danyon Smart, Ryan Kennedy, Mitch Gale plus Callum Garvin have also consistently performed.
Now sitting a fair distance away from second-placed Chirnside Park, Surrey will need to pick up the pace at the back end of the season to continue to build on what they’ve built the last couple of years.