41 DAYS TO GO | EFL Media will be previewing each club ahead of the 2019 season with the #InFocus2019 series, all thanks to Yarra Valley Water & Choose Tap.
By: Daniel Cencic
SIGNIFICANT change on and off the field has been the theme at Heights Reserve this off-season.
Mooroolbark recorded four wins, 13 losses and a draw for eighth position in Division 2 in 2018, while its reserves won the premiership.
The club will compete in Division 1 under the EFL’s restructured competition this season.
Incoming senior coach Bret Lavars, who was announced in October, has taken over from Heath Black who has stepped into the club’s football operations role.
Lavars served as assistant coach to Heath Black for the past three seasons, at Narre Warren in the SEFNL across 2016-17 and at the Mustangs last year.
It has been a seamless transition into the senior role for Lavars.
“It’s an exciting time to be at the club, with the transition to being an assistant the last three years to moving into the head role,” Lavars said.
“We’ve also got a new committee led by (new club president) Scott Dimitriou, (and) a wonderful coaching panel around me with the likes of Dale Watkins and a couple of playing assistants.
“Added to that we’ve got new recruits and the young list coming through.
“To be able to pick Heath’s brain from time to time definitely holds things in good stead.”
A number of key names have departed the club this off-season, with Jonathon Egan, Grattan Stephens and Ben Slattery all heading to Chirnside Park, Trent Georgiou (Silvan), while Dean Kelly and Andrew Hunter have also departed.
“You never like to lose quality individuals but we’ve lost quite a few to different clubs,” Lavars said.
“That said, I think we’ve got plenty of depth to come through to replace those boys, but also with our junior program, I think we’ve got a bright future ahead.
“There are varying reasons as to why the boys have left; some for work commitments, others for coaching aspirations and others probably for the opportunity to play more senior footy.
“I don’t begrudge that, being a player and coach myself. I wish the individuals all the success as a team and on their own and they’re always welcome to return to Mooroolbark.”
Despite the departures, the Mustangs have welcomed back former North Melbourne and Carlton midfielder, Aaron Mullett.
Mullett, who will serve as a playing-assistant this season, returns after playing his junior footy with the club.
The 28-year-old played 98 games at AFL level, with 85 games for North Melbourne from 2011-2017 and a further 13 with Carlton in 2018 before being delisted at the end of last season.
Mullett in action for North Melbourne. PHOTO: AFL.com.au
“That (being delisted) was definitely disappointing for Aaron at AFL level,” Lavars said.
“To spend seven-odd years there (North Melbourne), then to go to Carlton and probably not get the opportunities with the list they had was disappointing.
“But that said, he’s transitioned seamlessly into the role at Mooroolbark.
“He’s been fantastic for our coaching group to pick the brain of, but also the playing group to pick the brain of.
“He’s led by example on and off the field and I think he’s going to be a huge asset for us this year.”
Lavars has overseen a targeted recruiting approach to complement his young group.
“We’ve looked to recruit a bit of experience and maturity to our group,” he said.
Ex-Wandin and Thornton-Eildon captain Rhys Chapman is one of those experienced heads to have entered the club and made an immediate impact according to Lavars, along with Jayson Fitzgerald crossing over from South Croydon.
“He (Chapman) has played interleague football and I think his hardness and leadership over the pre-season has been noted already, so he’s been a great pick-up for us,” Lavars said.
“Unfortunately Jayson missed all of last year with injury, but he’s previously played Division 1 at South Croydon, so he brings that experience and qualities needed to play at a higher level of football is what he’s looked to impart on the group.”
The club will also regain Lachie Sutherland and Jaydan Bishop from long-term injuries.
“Lachie missed the whole year with a broken ankle so we’re hoping he provides us with a bit of run and carry from defence, as well as Jaydan Bishop who probably played the last three games and unfortunately had a long-term injury last year as well,” Lavars said.
“With the ins and the boys returning from injury, our list looks all right actually.”
Meanwhile, 2018 senior best and fairest winner Kane Noonan has been training at VFL club, Coburg.
“I went and watched Kane this week in an intra-club match and he acquitted himself quite well – he was clean and kicked three goals,” Lavars said.
“We’d love to see him further himself at VFL level but if not, he’ll come back and play with us.”
Lavars is confident in the direction of the club and the list dynamic heading into his maiden season in the top job.
“With the list changing over in the last couple of years, but also with our under-17 premier team winning an open-grade grand final last year – I’ve got six of those boys down at Eastern Ranges – it’s super for the development and future of the club,” he said.
“At this point in time we’d like to be competitive in each game we play.
“As a club, we’ve got a bright future with the junior program we’ve got in place and the recruits we’ve got.
“I think we’re building a list that’s going to be competitive at the top level.”
Mooroolbark opens its season when it hosts Croydon at Heights Reserve on Saturday, April 6.