The Senior Women's program continue to make significant strides as they made their first-ever finals series, while it's a re-set for the Senior Men who find themselves moving into a new division next year.
Senior Men’s
Ladder Position: 10th (1-17, 60.32%)
Best and Fairest: Sal Feagaimalii
Leading Goalkicker: Liam Hewett (22 Goals)
Summary:
A tough season on the field for the Devils sees the senior side relegated for the first time since 2011.
Wantirna South managed just one win in the 2024 season in a transition season for the club.
Their chances of surviving relegation came down to their second meeting against Doncaster in Round 13. Despite an early match lead, the Sharks pulled ahead with three back-to-back goals before Three-Quarter Time to make it a 20-point lead at the final change, which they held onto for the final quarter.
Although a difficult season on the field when looking at the side’s overall results, a drop to Division Two arguably comes at the right time with a young group.
Key Players:
Sal Feagaimalii took out the Best and Fairest this year for Wantirna South, averaging 19 disposals and seven clearances per game.
Brooke Kainey wasn’t far behind in the count, playing all 18 games this season, the midfielder averaged 22 disposals and 5 marks per game.
The leading goalkicker for the Devils was Liam Hewett who finished with 23 goals for the season. On seven occasions this season, Hewett finished a game as a multiple-goal scorer.
Best Win: Round 12 – Wantirna South 14.4 88 def. Bayswater 7.6 48 @Walker Reserve
The Devils' one win of the season came in Round Twelve at home against Bayswater.
An interesting scoreline saw the Devils hold Bayswater goalless for the first half before a seven-goal third term for Bayswater where the margin was brought back to 12 points.
Despite the scare in the third quarter, a five-goal to-zip final quarter set up a 40-point victory for Wantirna South, breaking an eleven-game losing streak. Both Liam Hewett and Marcus Jordan finished with three goals each while the experienced Jake Denes was dominant in the ruck with his 39 hitouts and seven clearances.
Off-Season Focus:
Division Two presents some new challenges but as seen in previous seasons, it can work out quite well for a club to take a step backwards before going forward. Croydon the latest example, relegated last year and made a Grand Final in their first season back in Division Two.
Looking at the line-up, it’s still quite a young side with Wantirna South’s large Under 19’s group a massive highlight this season.
They’ve announced important recruits ahead of the 2025 season with Ferntree Gully's young gun Ethan Kiker joining the squad. A Division Three Team of the Year member, and a talented midfielder, he’s a great addition to the side.
Senior Women’s
Ladder Position: 2nd (10-3, 216.49%)
Best and Fairest: Kamryn Disney
Leading Goalkicker:
Summary:
In just their second season in the Senior Women’s competition, a young Wantirna South side impressed all as they won ten games to finish second at the end of the Home and Away season.
The second-best side during the Home and Away season, they were one of Ferntree Gully’s main challengers, getting within a point of the Eagles in Round Five with an impressive comeback.
A very positive season saw the Devils play in two finals against Ferntree Gully and Bayswater. In both contests, they were close affairs with the Devils just falling short in both games.
It’s been a fantastic year for the development of the young group which is only going to improve again heading into 2025.
Key Players:
Kamryn Disney had a phenomenal season for the club, winning the side’s best and fairest award. From 14 games, Disney was in the best a total of 14 times, kicking 18 goals for the season. On three occasions, she kicked three goals or more.
Montana MacFarlane was key for the Devils in 2024, listed in the Deakin University Division Three and Four Team of the Year, in defence.
The runner-up in the club's best and fairest was Emma Whitelaw. She improved again after a great 2023 season with the Devils, Whitelaw is also one of the side’s best players across Wantirna South.
Best Win: Round 13 – Wantirna South 5.5 35 def. Bayswater 1.5 11 @Bayswater Oval
The Devils had a crucial Home and Away win late in the season, in tough conditions at Bayswater Oval. Wantirna South and Bayswater were both vying for positions inside the top four, looking to lock up a finals chance and a potential double chance as the end of the season neared.
After a tight opening term, Wantirna South managed to keep Bayswater goalless for the final three quarters, battling the tough weather conditions as well.
It marked the side’s second win over Bayswater away from home.
Montana Macfarlane booted three goals in the win for the Devils, while Sharon Burroughs was listed as the side’s best player on the ground.
Off-Season Focus:
Leading from the front, Senior Coach Michael Vozzo has recommitted ahead of the 2025 season, playing a great role in the development of the side over the last couple of seasons.
The club has one of the stronger junior girls programs in the league which will once again come into play next season with more girls transitioning into the senior lineup.
Netball
Wantirna South Devils (Division Nine): 6th (5-9, 88.92%)
The Devils made a return to the EFNL Netball competition, competing in Division Nine. The side won five games during the season to finish sixth on the ladder.
Rahni Littlewood top scored for the side, 139 goals from her 13 games played throughout the season.
The club also has representation in this year’s Summer Netball Competition, their side competing in Division Three of the 2024/25 season.