By Blake Tennant.
It has been a busy start to the season for the Demons, picking up a lot of experience and some new faces ahead of a massive 2023 season.
The club will be once again let by Gary Ayres, who has expectations to improve on last year’s form after the side bowed out in the Semi-Final to Mooroolbark.
Ayres wants to finish inside the top 3 to secure the double chance, the club played 46 players last season with 11 players under the age of 22, liking what they are bringing to the table in the pre-season.
Gary Ayres’ men have been working hard and he is liking what he’s seeing on the track from their recruits.
One of the biggest additions to the side is Ex-Richmond defender, Ryan Garthwaite.
“He has definitely been at a successful AFL club, no question about it, he has AFL experience and also has leadership to bring to our young forward line and has fitted in really well, looking forward to a big season from him,” Ayres said.
Other big signings for Montrose are two players from VAFA, Georgie Nagle and Mitchell Schwab coming across from the De Lalle Salle Football Club.
“Had the pleasure of coaching Geordie at Port Melbourne VFL. Big Bodied Midfielder. Excellent endurance, also setting high standards on the training track and very professional in his preparation,
“Mitch, Plays forward/midfield. He has good pace, and some unpredictability which will be hard for the opposition to counter. Really wants to play at the highest level/standard that he can. Fitted in well.”
The club are also thrilled to have Matt Missen back returning to the club again in 2023.
“Did 2021/2022 preseason and then had a sabbatical overseas and didn’t play last year… very fit and will give the team some good depth of positions. Valuable team member,” Ayres said.
Another big signing as well from QAFL (Queensland AFL) is Sam Walker.
“Played in two premierships at Labrador in the Queensland Football League. I am always keen to get players to Montrose who have had success and Sam fits that criteria. Plays midfield and has lots of experience.”
Greg Lord from Upper Ferntree Gully has also signed at Montrose, Mr Ayres said “ Greg has bought Leadership and a high Footy IQ already to Preseason. He has very good skills and that was evidenced by him being UFTG’s designated kicker from defence. Fits our age demographic also.
Chirnside Park duo Jimmy Wells and Jayden Bohringer have also signed at Montrose.
“Wells Comes across from Chirnside Park. Plays mainly in defence, has good pace and is keen to see how far he can take his football this year.”
Jayden Boehringer made the Team of The Year last season on the wing at Chirnside Park and will play through the midfield at Montrose, bringing a hard-running style type of game. He also wants to see how far he can take his football this year, coming up to the higher level.
Ayres believes Michael Schwab is one to watch out for the upcoming season.
“Brings energy and excitement to the team, he’s being to watch out from a supporter point of view and liking what he is seeing and has been tracking really well from the conditioning point of view.”
The Demons first game kicks off on Saturday 1st April, against Bayswater at Bayswater Oval.
After Montrose’s second year with a senior women’s side, the team are ready to move on from the 2022 season, looking for a better year on the field.
Shilette Baker’s team is looking for a very youthful side this year and wants to grow and stay consistent.
“Was very proud of the last few games of the home and away season, and now that there are more U18’s coming through bringing a bit more experience to the side, we are looking for some more consistent performances throughout the season,” Baker said.
The side showed great improvement as the year went by which has continued into the pre-season.
“Training has being really good, a lot of numbers, all working hard and getting improvement out of every played that has trained.”
“The team environment will hope will get us over the line, really hope that everyone contributes for each other”.
“Im really looking forward to see what this group can deliver.”