By Blake Tennant.
After a very promising 2022 season, Rowville are looking for redemption after falling just short of the premiership last year.
Rowville will put last year’s Premier Division grand final behind them and look towards 2023 with confidence after what was an incredible season.
The club surpassed all expectations to finish on top of the ladder at the end of the Home and Away Season. Rowville were a still very young side last year, making their dominant season even more impressive, winning all but three games.
Despite defeating Noble Park three times throughout the year, including a two-point thriller away from home, the side struggled in wet-weather conditions on Grand Final Day as the Bulls got over the line.
Senior Coach Ben Wise expectations are clear, he wants his side to keep progressing and improve both individually and as a team, while also remaining at the top end of the finals chain.
“All the young core have been training really well and I’m excited to see how they go with their upcoming seasons,” Wise said.
“Kurtis Flakemore is injury free and this is his first full pre-season he has completed probably ever, and he is excited on what he can bring.”
Rowville have also added to their list, recruiting Matthew Martini from East Burwood and Jackson McDonald returning from Knox.
“He (Martini) is a big bodied midfielder, only 20 years old, he hasn’t played at premier level before but heard big things from East Burwood that he got he’s selection in the Team of the year as ruck rover, Really starting to hit he’s straps over pre-season.”
“McDonald is a great pick up brings leadership with A grade talent and has also proven he’s skill in premier level. Great to have him back with he’s brother at Rowville.”
Rowville open their 2023 season campaign in the Grand Final rematch against Noble Park.
The club is also thriving with the Senior Women’s team also coming off a big year, winning the Division One premiership over Park Orchards.
The two went head-to-head four times throughout the year, the Grand Final remained close all afternoon with the Hawks just holding off the Sharks to with the flag by less than a kick.
After the Hawks premiership last year, they’ve had a change of coaches down at Seebeck Reserve with new coach Reece Thomas coming across from Mitcham.
“Training has been very productive and energy has been the key, they are taking challenges really well,” Thomas said.
The side will face off against some of the best teams in the competition as they enter Premier Division.
Thomas is hopeful that the Hawks can continue on from that form and have a very strong year in 2023.
“We want to improve on from last year and to challenge the best teams in the league.”
“There have been numerous players that have being standouts for the team, and it has been the drive for the girls moving forward for the team.”
