Senior Men’s
Ladder Position: 8th (7-11, 73.87%)
Best and Fairest: Jaymie Kempson
Leading Goalkicker: Matthew Mariani (14 Goals)
Summary:
An inconsistent season on the field saw the Rams finish the year with seven wins and finish in eighth place on the Division Two ladder.
Justin Whitcher was appointed head coach of the senior side, the third coach in three years, the club parted ways with the ex-Rams player at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
A tough opening month saw East Burwood enter Round Five winless, coming off a 124-point loss to the eventual premiers.
The side hit some form in the middle part of the season winning four of their next five but two close losses against Croydon and Ringwood ended any potential finals appearance.
Key Players:
Taking home the Colin Tainton Medal at the club’s best and fairest was Jaymie Kempson. The leading disposal-getter of the Rams, averaging an impressive 26.7 disposals per game, playing all 18 Home and Away matches.
The two Runner Ups in the best and fairest count were Anthony Jenkins and Matthew Mariani, both having exceptional years.
Meanwhile, the likes of Ben Hammond and Marcus Young both had impressive seasons themselves, both averaging 20 disposals a game.
Best Win: Round Seven – East Burwood 9.7 61 def. Templestowe 7.11 53 @ Templestowe Reserve
Two wins against the Dockers this year stand out as two of their better wins in 2024. In Round Seven, when the side knocked off the Dockers on the road, the Rams were probably at their peak in 2024.
In a low-scoring game, similar to the rematch in Round 16, the Rams led at every change, managing to hold off the Dockers in the final quarter to win by eight points.
Max Wills was exceptional in the win, listed as the side’s best player on the day, while both Matt Mariani and Marcus Young finished with three goals each.
Off-Season Focus:
Big season ahead, the senior side has announced their fourth coach in four years. Kyle Dove has been announced as the new senior coach, a fantastic player and a loyal Ram that has come from the East Burwood Junior program. Dove first played senior footy at East Burwood in 2013, captain this year and now senior coach in 2025.
It’s a big step but an exciting one for the club, with Dove having some great respect from the playing group.
A couple of changes to the playing group include Matt Mariani’s return back to Templestowe. It’s fair to note that the side had certain key injuries and players overseas in 2024.
Netball
East Burwood Black (Premier): 4th (8-4)
East Burwood Rams (Division One): 6th (5-9)
East Burwood Grey (Division Four): 7th (4-8)
East Burwood White (Division Twelve):5th (4-7-1)
Another big year for the East Burwood Netball program, with four sides competing in the 2024 New Balance competition.
The Premier Division side made the finals series in the top division for a fifth consecutive season. The Rams finished with eight wins in the season, a fourth-placed finish on the ladder. Making a Semi-Final, the Rams met the Roos in another final. Leading at halftime, East Ringwood was able to run over the top of the Rams in the second half for a 13-point win.
Both Belinda Williams and Ella Tweedale had big scoring seasons, 281 and 278 goals respectively.
Gabrielle Clarke was unstoppable in defence, winning the Lisa Stafford Medal at the club’s presentation night. Clarke was also the runner-up in the league best and fairest.
East Burwood Rams also started the season in Premier before moving into Division One in Round Five. They remained competitive throughout, winning four games in their new division. Chloe Francis was crowned the side’s best and fairest winner.
Both East Burwood Grey and White finished the year with four wins each in their respective divisions. Kelsey Donohue won the club best and fairest for the Division Four Grey side, while Storm Ward took home the B&F honours for East Burwood White.