Reverting back to their original name of Fairpark this year, the Lions will be looking to turn back the clock in 2017 as they look to play finals for the first time since 2008.
A series of tough clashes with formidable opponents in 2016 saw the Lions twice push grand finallist Forest Hill to the limit, pushing the Zebras to within 18 points in Round 4 and just 13 points in Round 11.
Big wins over Coldstream and the Whitehorse Pioneers, along with a thrilling four-point win over Kilsyth formed the basis of a promising season for Fairpark, which senior coach Sean Stanton will look to build on this year.
Fairpark meets Forest Hill at Forest Hill Reserve this Saturday afternoon in its opening round clash.
2016: Six wins, 12 losses, eighth.
2017 leaders:
President – Luke Gordon
Senior Coach – Sean Stanton
Senior Captain – Jesse Pearce
Fairpark committee member and life member Jason Wellard spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of Round 1…
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
To improve and play finals. Fairpark is back!
What has the pre-season been like so far for the club? Is there any group that has really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits, etc.)?
It has been a really good pre-season. A number of new recruits have certainly freshened the place up after a bit of a clean out, but we expect the players around the age of 21-22 who now have two seasons of senior football under their belt to step up.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
The club has returned to its original name of Fairpark. It has been fantastic to see the support of this move from so many former and current players/members. The spirit and feeling around the club is tremendous.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
You can’t always control the things that happen but you can always control how you respond.
Who are the players who you think will have a break-out season, who may have gone under the radar in the past as far the being known across the EFL community?
Kyle Hird. He certainly isn’t getting any smaller.
Where does the club see itself in three years’ time?
Tapping a few of our old rivals in Division 3 on the shoulder.
Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
Forest Hill is the obvious team to beat, but I think it will be a very even competition.
