By Josh Ward.
It was two differing season campaigns for the Saints and the Wolves in 2022. However, they’ll both look to make an impact this coming season at the top of the EFNL.
The Saints were red-hot favourites to win the Division 2 premiership coming into 2022. And they lived up to the mantle, only losing two games during the regular season, before comfortably defeating Ringwood in their two finals to pick up their second consecutive premiership.
Entering the second tier for the first time since joining the EFNL 15 years ago, senior coach Luke Galliott recently said that his side was excited to venture into another new division.
“We’ve given the guys a pretty good break so we’re coming in really fresh and ready to go again,” Galliott said.
“We’re not scared of anyone in this competition, we know it will be a step up but we’re ready for it.”
Majority of the players from the Saints Division 2 premiership are back, with only Leigh Odermatt departing and Ryan Silver undecided on his future.
“I think winning helps (keeping the list together) and the club’s a good place to play at. They like winning, so do we and (personally) I think it’s a good mix,” Galliott said.
“The things we’re doing with Lysterfield, we’ll get another 20+ kids to play 19s footy from there and I know there’s some Under 19s from last year that is certainly senior footballers in the making. There’s definitely a bit more to come from within the list.”
Two-time League Best and Fairest winner Liam Kidd is also on track to make a return to the senior side after playing only one game last year, with Galliott excited about the proposition of having him back.
“He’ll be helping our midfield on the coaching side of things but with an eye to playing footy at some stage, which with what happened to his foot would be a pretty remarkable achievement to get back so quick.”
They’ll also be bolstered by a couple of inclusions from Premier Division clubs, with Will Bromley and Jack Pruden signing on from Norwood and Rowville respectively.
“(Jack Pruden) is someone that will definitely play senior footy for us this year. He’s a really good kid, hard worker, diligent and someone you want around your club, he’ll play a bit of wing, halfback and I’m sure he’ll make an impact…”
“(Will Bromley is) only just out of 19s this year so those two years he played reserves plus four senior games in 2022 with Norwood, which is a pretty good effort. I see him as a small defender which is something we haven’t had and he’s training really well.”
Carlton-VFL-listed player Tyreece Leiu has also listed the Saints as his home club for 2023, returning after a year with Rowville.
Ex-Brisbane Lions listed player Mitch Cox, son of former Saints coach and three-time league B&F winner Nick, has also put South Belgrave as his home club.
While Galliott expects Leiu and Cox to play predominantly at the VFL level, he was excited to have them sign on at the club.
“(Tyreece) wanted to be back at the club so that was great to get him back on, he’s a fantastic person and someone who if he doesn’t get the opportunities higher will be a standout player for us…”
“Mitch has grown up around the club and he’s very close to the Kidd family. It was probably something that would happen one day.”
“He will mostly play at Williamstown, but I know he’s very keen to play some games with us when they have their byes.”
And whilst they’re venturing into a new and higher division, Galliott is confident that the Saints can make yet another finals series this coming season.
“Our younger guys like Charlie Peters and Cayden Black were holding our midfield together when we had Bryce Hards, Sean Bartels, Aidan and Liam Kidd missing huge chunks of the year, Taylor Garner also played only six games as well.”
“I think if we can stay a bit more healthy than we did last year then we’re not scared of anyone.”
Meanwhile, the SBL Wolves competed for the first time in their history in the women’s Premier A competition. Missing out on finals and finishing fifth, they still managed to win four games, including one against eventual Grand Finalists South Croydon at home.
Simon Mehegan has stepped down as senior coach after a few seasons at the helm, with 2022 assistant coach Kate Cattanach stepping up and filling the void.
“Very excited about it, it’s a good challenge (coaching this side) so I’m looking forward to it,” Cattanach said.
Cattanach added that the girls are also excited about what’s to come in 2023 after some struggles last season.
“There’s a lot of excitement going around at training at the moment. Everyone’s getting into preseason, working hard and (they) can’t wait to see what this season will bring.”
Majority of the list has signed on, with only a few moving on to the new veterans’ side at the Wolves this season.
Eight junior girls have also signed on for this season, with Cattanach excited about the potential of a few.
“Jemma Mason is an exciting midfielder, she’s very quick picking the ball up off the ground, good execution, she’ll bring a lot.
“Then we’ve also got Laura Stone, but I have a feeling she might get drafted so we might not get to see her on the field. But she’s definitely keen to play if (she doesn’t get drafted) and when the Coates League is over.”
The Wolves will be bolstered by two inclusions, with star forward Olivia Flanagan signing on full-time after spending last season with the VFLW runners-up Southern Saints.
Flanagan brings in 55 games and 25 goals of experience from the VFLW level, including 14 games and 10 goals with the Saints in 2022.
“It’s amazing (to have her sign on). You add her to girls like Baylie Withers, Georgia Grimmer and Keely Shepherd that gives us a pretty strong list to go into season 2023 with,” Cattanach said.
Tara Dickson has also signed on from Southern Football Netball League side Murrumbeena, with Cattanach happy to have a great person on board.
“She brings a lot of fun to the table, she’s got a good personality. She’ll play somewhere off the half-back or full-forward she’ll play a role.”
With fresh new faces plus re-signing most of the playing list for this season, Cattanach is confident the Wolves can be competitive in 2023.
“We’re building a great squad and they’re just going to go from strength to strength. They’re a great group of girls who can build something strong.
“That’s what we want to do, we want to create long-term success and get that culture right around the club. But (this year) we’re hoping to have a pretty competitive season.”