By Josh Ward.
It’s set to be a massive year for Knox, with the men looking to rebound following a tough few seasons and the women looking to build on a successful season.
The Knox men’s side showed plenty of promise in patches through the season. However, they lacked consistency for the majority of 2022, finishing with only four wins and a draw to sit two and a half games behind eighth-placed Mulgrave.
Three-time Doncaster East and Heathmont premiership mentor Steve Buckle will take over as head coach following the departure of ex-AFL player Brendan Whitecross.
It was a smooth transition into the role for Buckle who recently said that he was excited to be taking over a young and talented list
“I saw enough games last year (to think) that there was enough there to work with. If we keep the list together we could have a period of sustained success and also pick up one or two players,” Buckle said.
“I prefer a team that’s in (a tough) situation and try to build something rather than grab an established team.”
They’ll be without many of their stars from 2022, however, Buckle added that with the majority of the younger players signing on it will hold them in good stead.
“While we’ve lost those few I still think we’ve got plenty to work with. We’ve kept all of the younger players together which is really exciting from my point of view.”
Three signings have been announced so far, with Jack Martin, Tom Weir and Aaron Taylor all joining from EFNL clubs.
Two-time Doncaster East B&F winner and premiership player Martin will reunite with Buckle and will also take on a playing assistant coach role.
“He’s brought in straight away, sets good standards at training, he talks when he needs to talk and he’ll take control of a young backline. He’s a really good teacher as well with the way he speaks and delivers his message.”
Fellow defender Weir joins after only missing two games over the last two years with rivals The Basin. Weir also brings experience in the Premier Division having played four games with South Croydon in 2019.
“Tom was ready to go straight away, he was looking for a change, he hasn’t missed a beat and he hasn’t missed a session. He (also has great) leadership (aspects) at such a young age.”
And ex-Knox junior Taylor returns to the senior side after playing every game in the third Division with Scoresby last season.
“While he had mates at Scoresby and he enjoyed his time there he didn’t want to go down to 4th Division and was happy to come back to the club…he’s gonna be a really dangerous forward for us, he’s got great ball sense and great game awareness as well.
“And the great thing with all these guys is that while they’re great players, they’re (also) quality people. That’s the number one priority for us, get good people into the club and it’s just a bonus that they’re quality players as well.”
With a young, quick and talented list for this coming season, Buckle has hopes that the Falcons can compete for a finals position.
“It’s a totally different gameplan, totally different game style that we’ll be implementing. The boys have got some real confidence about themselves at the moment and we’re extremely fit as well.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge and really serving it up to the rest of the division.”
The Women’s program is coming off its first premiership in the EFNL women’s competition. Competing in Division 2, the Falcons only lost one game in the regular season before winning both their finals matches against East Ringwood to claim the Division 2 Premiership.
They’ll also be under new leadership following the departure of Team of the Year coach Peter Jordan, with Callum Mactier set to take on the role.
Mactier, who has been a part of the Knox junior women’s program since its inaugural year, said that he’s also excited to be taking on a coaching role with the senior women’s program.
“I’ve got big shoes to fill with ‘PJ’ winning the flag last year. (The girls are) gonna be challenged a lot more moving up a division, but I’m just hoping they take that opportunity and keep pushing forward from what they got last year,” Mactier said.
Despite moving up a division, Mactier added that the girls were looking forward to a brand new challenge.
“I’ve had player interviews with the girls and every player I spoke to wanted to be challenged, they want to learn more. These girls are thriving for information and are just getting better.
“We’re training two nights a week since December and I’m getting 20 girls at training nights. They’re eager and really wanna push themselves.”
The majority of the premiership has signed on. However, Sarah Plumridge, Stephanie Taylor, Chloe Harris and Tamika Ferguson have all departed the side.
“Sarah Plumridge and Steph Taylor have gone travelling this year so they’re having a year off. But we’ve gained a couple of returning players to fill those gaps, which is pleasing.”
Despite the departure of Plumridge and Taylor, Mactier believes it’ll open up doors for two particular girls to improve on strong 2022 seasons.
“Holly Gibson and Tayla Prentice (are ready to) take the next step. They’re at that stage they’re fit as anything and they’re ready to take that next step, I guarantee you’ll hear those two names (throughout) the season.”
Amongst the returning players includes Mactier’s daughter and ex-Knox junior Reyce Mactier, Hailee Bourke and ex-VFLW player Katey Rogers.
There are also some new faces to the women’s program, including Megan Beaumont who joins from the VAFA side Beaumaris.
“(Megan) will either run off half forward or half back, she’s got the speed, got skill and she’s been playing for a few years now which is a bonus…
“Anya Lokai (has also) come from Hobart, she was a state player in Hobart (and is) a handy little player.”
With most of the side from 2022 signing on plus the signings of some new and familiar faces Mactier believes the Falcons women’s side can also challenge each week in a new division.
“I’ve coached junior footy and last year was the first year I ever missed finals so I always push the girls to make finals, that’s the main thing.
“If they can get into (a finals position) that’s where you want to be, then it’s basically anyone’s game, anyone can win (a final).”