41 DAYS TO GO | EFNL Media will be previewing each club ahead of the 2020 season with the #InFocus2020 series, all thanks to Yarra Valley Water & Choose Tap.
By: Joseph Arthur
EAST BURWOOD is looking to make amends for last year’s grand final defeat by proving its worth in Division 3 this season.
The Rams finished top of the Division 4 ladder at the end of the home and away season in 2019, with 14 wins and only 2 losses.
After blitzing their first semi-final and earning a grand final berth, the Rams looked poised to complete their near perfect season.
Unfortunately for East Burwood, Fairpark had other ideas and upset the minor premier in the big dance by 15 points.
The club subsequently received approval to be promoted to Division 3 for season 2020.
In an attempt to bolster its key positions, the Rams have added the services of two-time Balwyn premiership player, Ed McCutchan.
“At this stage he’ll (McCutchan) probably play in the backline somewhere…he’s pretty flexible and he’s got the ability to go up forward as well so we might use him there too, he’s a pretty smart player,” senior coach Stuart Wynd said.
The club has seen the return of former Rams junior Matthew Jenkins, who’s returns after spending time with Vermont. The 22-year-old youngster will be seeking consistent games with the senior side this season.
Other inclusions include the big body of Adam Brovedani from Eltham in the Northern FNL and Jacob Pylka from Balwyn who will look to make the most of his senior opportunities and play through the middle.
“The good thing about this year is we’ve picked up some size, I think last year we were a little bit light and that cost us in the granny against Fairpark,” Wynd said.
“So we’ve identified that and bolstered our midfield with some big boys…and we’ve picked up a couple of key position players as well like Ed (McCutchin).”
The Rams have seen the departures of Scott Davis, Ryan Lepore and Troy McGown, who have all returned to Knox, while Jack Wensley has gone back to Forest Hill.
“We’ll miss them all, they’re not only really good players but really good blokes,” Wynd said.
Heading into his third year at the helm, Wynd expects his side to be competitive and rise to the challenges posed by the move to Division 3.
“The competition is very, very close and very competitive…just look at the results – the bottom teams can beat the top teams on their day,” Wynd said.
“We’re certainly hopeful we can be competitive, that’s for sure.
“But a lot of luck’s going to come into it with injuries and things like that, the sides that can keep their best players on the park will have the best chance I guess.”
After last season’s disappointing end, Wynd said his side isn’t dwelling on the result and is excited for the challenge of a new season with a new playing group.
“Last year was disappointing obviously, but that was last year…it’s a different year with a different group of players so you move on pretty quickly,” Wynd said.
“It’s exciting that we’re going up, the boys were really keen on a new challenge and this (Division 3) is that.
“We think our list is a really good age…mostly around the 22-25 age range, so we’re certainly pretty excited to see how we go in the higher division.”
East Burwood opens its season on Saturday, April 4, hosting Donvale under lights at East Burwood Reserve.