The Vermont Football Club hasn’t had many extended periods between Premierships. The most successful club in the EFL currently holds 19 Division 1 titles however hasn’t been able to add to the trophy cabinet since 2009.
Following a tough Grand Final loss in the last game of the EFL year in 2016, The Eagles are on a mission under new Senior Coach Harmit Singh to claim the Senior crown that has eluded the club for the past eight seasons.
Eagles Football Manger Lee Bidstup gave as an insight into the Vermont mindset prior to Round 1, 2017.
2017 Leaders
President – Michael Rennie
Senior Coach – Harmit Singh
Senior Captain – TBA
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
Our focus remains the same each season, to be competitive and ensure we are financially viable, importantly though it would be ideal to kick better than 7.16 in a Grand Final.
What has the pre-season been like so far for the club, is there any group that have really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits etc.)?
Fantastic with so many younger players coming into the senior list, couple these with the large numbers of players in our Under 19’s squad training has been excellent.
The training load has been tough on our players under new Coach Harmit Singh however a number have stood out from the bunch including Darcy Crocker, Sam Wadley and Charlie Young.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
On the sideline the club welcomed Harmit Singh to the nest late last year who will lead the club into 2017, ably assisted by Vermont legend Bernie Dineen who will be our mid-field coach. Joel Perry will take a leadership role as a playing defensive coach.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
Straight kicking on the biggest day of the year would be a plus as mentioned before.
Injuries to key personnel late in the season proved costly, Lachlan Carey was a great pick-up for the club but not having him in our Grand Final side hurt. Couple that with the loss of Cam Purdy and we needed to change up the structure in the later weeks of the year.
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?
The EFL community knows how good Lachlan Johns is, we welcome him and Rory Lehmann back to the club full-time following stints in the VFL with Coburg. Jake Best is essentially a recruit as we welcome him back from injury.
Two players that took steps forward last season that we expect to shine in 2017 are the McComb brothers, both can consistently have an impact on the contest which is a huge plus.
Where does the club see itself in 3 years’ time?
No doubt we want to be in the same position – and the top end of Division 1. Consistently competitive and challenging for Premierships.
Finally, who in your Division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
Those who were around the mark in 2016 will be there again, Balwyn will be a threat so to Noble Park and Rowville. It will be interesting to see what impact the Points and Salary Cap have on the 2017 season.
