By Josh Ward.
Bayswater
Ladder: 7th (4-7)
Percentage: 88.67
Points For (Rank): 759 (7th)
Points Against (Rank): 856 (7th)
Leading Goalkicker: Bryce Galvin (24 goals in 11 matches)
After a promising 2023 season which saw them miss finals by a few games, the Waters have somewhat failed to build on it to start 2024.
Whilst they’ve claimed the scalp of Mitcham, and taken it right up to top five sides such as Park Orchards and Montrose, the Waters still sit three games outside of the top five.
Veterans such as Bryce Galvin and Ben Searle continue to perform in their respective areas alongside youngsters Lachlan Kruger and Paul Haasbroek.
None have been more impressive though than captain Ben White who sits as the leading disposal getter in Division 1 (to date).
Whilst finals may be a reach, Marc Hardy’s side certainly has the potential to shape the top five of the division.
Prediction: 7th
Beaconsfield
Ladder: 3rd (8-3)
Percentage: 132.89%
Points For (Rank): 897 (4th)
Points Against (Rank): 675 (1st)
Leading Goalkicker: Charlie Muley (23 goals in 10 matches)
Following a breakthrough finals appearance in 2023, Beaconsfield have been able to build on that to begin 2024.
Despite consistent changes each week, Mick Fogarty’s men sit much more comfortably inside the top five than this time last year.
Recruits Charlie Muley and Nathan Wright have both added to an already solid lineup along with VFL-listed players Kobe Shipp and Mitch Szybowski (when available).
Their leaders in Damian Johnston and Brandon White continue to hold down the fort though in midfield and defence respectively.
It’s all set up for the Eagles to not only win their first senior EFNL final, but to go deep and contend for a premiership.
Prediction: 3rd
Doncaster
Ladder: 9th (2-9)
Percentage: 59.89%
Points For (Rank): 645 (10th)
Points Against (Rank): 1077 (10th)
Leading Goalkicker: Tristan Van Driel (18 goals in 11 matches)
There was a fair amount of unknown about Doncaster heading into season 2024 following a rough couple of seasons in Premier Division.
Whilst they’ve only won two games, the Sharks have still shown a bit of improvement this year, particularly when they’re at full strength.
The midfield of Jonathan Vathakos, Isaac Barassi, Callum Bradley and Declan Everett have been solid alongside ruck Kyle Elliott.
Tristan Van Driel has proven to be an invaluable inclusion, with the ex-Balwyn forward leading their goalkicking and averaging the most ranking points per game this year.
Having gained some players back in recent weeks, it certainly will be interesting to see if Chris Annakis can get some more consistent performances for the remainder of the season.
Prediction: 9th
Mitcham
Ladder: 5th (7-4)
Percentage: 130.38%
Points For (Rank): 1000 (3rd)
Points Against (Rank): 767 (5th)
Leading Goalkicker: Jake Parente (25 goals in 8 matches)
It’s been a rollercoaster start to the season for the Tigers after winning their third premiership under Neil Winterton last season.
Whilst they’ve shown their best is the best in Division 1, injuries and unavailability have plagued Mitcham to start the season.
The big men continue to deliver in spades when available, with Jake Parente, Tom Lovell and Danny Baglava all having solid starts to 2024.
The two Jesse’s, Uren and Cherry, have been as formidable as ever, with both averaging north of 20 disposals and 10 contested possessions per game to date.
It’s certainly not all doom and gloom for the Tigers who could be set for another massive finals series, especially if they get their best side on the park.
Prediction: 4th
Montrose
Ladder: 2nd (8-3)
Percentage: 151.91%
Points For (Rank): 1071 (2nd)
Points Against (Rank): 705 (2nd)
Leading Goalkicker: Ryan Garthwaite (55 goals in 11 matches)
Ever since AFL legend Gary Ayres took over as Montrose’s coach they’ve slowly started to become a force to be reckoned with in Division 1.
Despite some inconsistency, the Dees have continued on their upward trajectory to sit near the pinnacle of the division.
Beau Tennant and Greg Lord have led the solid defensive line while Taj Heap and Bradley Watson have taken their game to another level in midfield.
It’s Ryan Garthwaite who’s stolen the show up forward though, with the ex-Richmond man sitting comfortably atop the Division 1 goalkicking charts.
With an almost full strength side on the park recently, the Dees look set to have another tilt at their first premiership since 2013
Prediction: 2nd
Mooroolbark
Ladder: 6th (5-6)
Percentage: 73.94%
Points For (Rank): 715 (8th)
Points Against (Rank): 967 (8th)
Leading Goalkicker: Trent Georgiou (19 goals in 10 matches)
There’s certainly been a bit to like about the young Mustangs who’ve caused plenty of headaches so far this season.
Despite sitting two games (and percentage) outside of the top five, the Mustangs have managed to do what some sides haven’t and claim, or nearly claim, scalps so far.
Trent Georgiou has wound back the clock up forward while the midfield of Jye Peacock, Ryley Monkhorst, Kane Noonan and Cayden Maki continue to dominate.
Austin Smith has put forward his case to make it three league B&Fs, sitting second in total contested possessions and disposals to date.
Finals may be just too much of a stretch for the Mustangs, that doesn’t mean they can’t be a side who shakes up the top five.
Prediction: 6th
North Ringwood
Ladder: 8th (3-8)
Percentage: 93.65%
Points For (Rank): 797 (6th)
Points Against (Rank): 851 (6th)
Leading Goalkicker: Luke Patterson (24 goals in 11 matches)
With a young list and not too much change between this season and last year, the Saints certainly had the potential to build on an impressive 2023.
Despite some promising performances against top five sides, an inconsistent lineup sees them well and truly outside of the top five.
Young guns such as Luke Patterson and Kieran Rice have both had breakthrough seasons so far and have provided some support to players such as Jason Sharp and Jackson Braunthal.
Captain Aaron Fenton has been as consistent as any though, with his form of recent weeks particularly noteworthy.
If players can come back into the lineup, there’s no denying Robin Nahas’ men can make strides for the remainder of season 2024.
Prediction: 8th
Park Orchards
Ladder: 1st (10-1)
Percentage: 151.48%
Points For (Rank): 1124 (1st)
Points Against (Rank): 742 (3rd)
Leading Goalkicker: Kane Keppel (24 goals in 11 matches)
It’s been a very successful return to Division 1 for Park Orchards who have now set themselves as the hunted in the division.
Bare a blemish against Mitcham away from home the Sharks have been flawless, sitting two games clear of the chasing pack at the pinnacle of the table.
They certainly haven’t been short of contributors, with Kane Keppel, Tom Livingstone, Alex Macrokanis and McLaren Spiteri having plenty of impact at both ends of the ground.
Micheal Prosenak has also shown his class and experience, impacting the scoreboard consistently while providing plenty of grunt in midfield.
With plenty of talent and off the back of a strong start, the Sharks are well set to have a tilt at a second senior premiership in the senior club’s short history.
Prediction: 1st
South Belgrave
Ladder: 4th (8-3)
Percentage: 118.79%
Points For (Rank): 885 (5th)
Points Against (Rank): 745 (4th)
Leading Goalkicker: Tim Smith (31 goals in 10 matches)
After a rampant 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Saints have gone about their business a lot more quietly this season under new coach Heath Black.
While having the odd blemish they’ve still built a strong record and have well and truly entrenched themselves within the top five pack.
Blake Simondson has provided some outside dash alongside Liam Kidd’s grunt work on the inside while Tyreece Leiu has shown his class with a strong start to his year.
Tim Smith and Damian Garner continue to kick bags left right and centre, combining for 52 goals and only missing one game each.
It’s set to be a much different approach to finals this time around for South Belgrave, but they’ll certainly be someone to look out for then.
Prediction: 5th
Wantirna South
Ladder: 10th (0-11)
Percentage: 57.24%
Points For (Rank): 680 (9th)
Points Against (Rank): 1188 (10th)
Leading Goalkicker: Jesse Warner (13 goals in 8 matches)
It’s gone from bad to worse in season 2024 for Wantirna South under new coach and club legend Jason Heffernan.
With a young list and an inconsistent lineup, the Devils now sit two games behind Doncaster at the foot of the table having been in a finals position this time last year.
The experience of Lincoln Wong (when available), Jarryd Smith, Jake and Nathan Denes has been on display in patches of the season.
Brook Kainey has put together another consistent season in defence, averaging the most disposals per game for the Devils to date.
Whilst it hasn’t gone their way this season, the Devils will look to put it behind them and string together some consistent performances for the remainder of the year.
Prediction: 10th
