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By: Steve White
AFTER losing a considerable number of its senior list at the end of the 2017 season, many had written Noble Park off as easy beats in 2018.
However, it defied its critics and the Bulls finished in eighth spot last year with eight wins and 10 losses, claiming the scalps of Blackburn and Balwyn with several games decided by 10 points or less.
Senior coach Mick Fogarty believes that the Bulls can be even more competitive in 2019 and it’s all about the planning.
Mick Fogarty addresses his players. PHOTO: Davis Harrigan Photography
“We’ve introduced a plan to take the club forward and have everyone adhere to what we’re trying to create, and that’s to establish a strong playing list and a winning culture at the club,” Fogarty said.
“We’ve been developing this culture very well during the pre-season and we can’t wait to put it into practice come the opening game of the season.”
The Bulls have added a number of pieces to their 2019 line-up.
Ben Campbell (Casey), Goy Lok (Frankston) and Joel Cusack (Richmond) have all joined the club from their respective VFL lists. Former Collingwood rookie Darrean Wyatt has also signed with the club after running out for Frankston last year.
“It’s hard to get a gauge on some of those players individually at this stage of the year because they spend a lot of time training with their VFL clubs,” Fogarty said.
“That being said, we expect them all to integrate very well into our systems this season.”
Also making their way to Moodemere Street this year are Nick Stamatis (Sandringham Dragons) and Mitch Cotter, who was fairest and best for Doveton last season in the SEFNL and is currently training with Collingwood’s VFL list.
They will join the familiar faces of Kyle Martin, Jackson Sketcher (pictured below), Jake Gains, Ali Zijai and others in the blue and gold this season.
The Bulls are also looking to blood a lot of their youth from their 2018 under-19 premiership-winning side.
Names such as Jarrod Smith, Ben Marson and Tristan Brunning among others may feature heavily in the senior list this year.
“We will have a fair few young guys playing up this season,” Fogarty said.
“I’m keen to give these guys opportunities to get exposed to a certain level of footy that will make us really competitive at senior level.”
Noble Park’s under-19s outfit celebrates the 2018 premiership. PHOTO: Davis Harrigan Photography
The club has also had some notable departures. Big forward and long-time servant of the club Piva Wright has signed with Doveton in the SFNL for 2019. Adam Giobbi has departed for Euroa and Ryan Morrison has signed with Norwood.
Noble Park finds itself in the inaugural season of the EFL Premier Division among its familiar counterparts.
Fogarty believes the new format will make things even more challenging.
“It will be super competitive this season particularly now as we have lost two teams and play each other twice,” he said.
“There are plenty of clubs who finished outside the five last season who are knocking on the door.
“That just shows we have a tough, strong competition and demonstrates the competitiveness of the league.”
Noble Park is also fielding a veterans side this year.
The likes of club-greats Peter O’Brien, Gav Vassallo and others are back at the club and Fogarty says their presence is priceless.
“It’s fantastic to have these guys involved at the club – they were superstars back in their day and to have them around the club is outstanding,” Fogarty said.
“They train on the same night as us and seeing some of them after training every week is always something to look forward to.”
It’s the Bulls’ 100th anniversary this season and the club is commemorating the occasion off the field as well as on it.
“We’re having a big celebration at Springvale Town Hall which is already sold out, with over 400 people attending,” Fogarty said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all our past players and officials there and it will be a great night.”
However, the action on the field is just as anticipated.
“I can’t wait for the pre-season to finish to get right into it and meet our old friends Doncaster in Round 1,” Fogarty said.
Noble Park opens its 2019 season at Pat Wright Senior Oval against Doncaster on Saturday, April 6.
