By Josh Ward.
Coldstream
Position: 3rd
Wins/Losses: 7 wins, 2 losses
Percentage: 125.65%
Points For (Rank): 774 (4th)
Points Against (Rank): 616 (4th)
Leading Goalkicker: Darcy Fritsch (39 goals in 9 matches)
There was a bit of unknown about Coldstream heading into 2024, with the Cougars sweeping the deck and bringing in a fresh voice in Jarrod Bayliss and plenty of new players, particularly from Bayliss’ old team in Powelltown.
Coldstream’s fresh start has resulted in a much stronger start to the season, sitting a clear third and having only lost to the top two in Donvale and Surrey Park.
The side has been boosted by the return of Darcy Fristch who sits second in the goalkicking charts while many of their new recruits and familiar faces, including Jake Sherriff and Jesse Lehmann.
None have stood out more though than ex-SANFL midfielder Brock Castree. One of many to have followed Bayliss from Powelltown, Castree leads the division in disposals (347), contested possessions (165) & total groundball gets (107).
With these players continuing to fire and Coldstream looking the goods, their next challenge will be aiming to conquer the top two in their return fixtures later this season.
Prediction: 3rd
Donvale
Position: 1st
Wins/Losses: 9 wins, 0 losses
Percentage: 167.61%
For (Rank): 952 (1st)
Against (Rank): 568 (2nd)
Leading Goalkicker: Ethan Duncan (40 goals in 9 matches)
Following a rampant run to the Division 3 premiership in 2023, there was plenty of expectation for the Vales to set the benchmark once this season.
And so far they’ve delivered in spades, sitting comfortably on top of the Division 3 table on one of the longest undefeated streaks in Victorian metro footy with 26 victories on the trot.
This season has seen a consistent spread of contributors, with captain James Rausa, Zac Haig, Kyele Heagney and Harrison Giles playing key roles across midfield and up forward.
Unlike previous years it’s been Ethan Duncan that’s led the charge in attack, with the defender turned forward leading the Division 3 goalkicking charts with his 40 goals.
With plenty of weapons across the park, Kevin Collins’ men have set themselves up at having a tilt at back-to-back flags for the first time in the club’s 32-year history in the EFNL.
Prediction: 1st
Fairpark
Position: 10th
Wins/Losses: 1 win, 8 losses
Percentage: 75.49%
For (Rank): 505 (9th)
Against (Rank): 669 (5th)
Leading Goalkicker: Jay Rankin (11 goals in 4 matches)
Having built a solid platform since returning to Division 3 in 2021, the Lions have slowly but steadily started to build into season 2024.
But with key departures, as well as unavailabilities to key players on their list, the first half of this season has seen Sean Stanton’s men sit at the foot of the Division 3 table.
Despite the rough start it hasn’t stopped some of their younger players from producing week in week out, particularly Bailey Werle and Jay Rankin.
None have shone more though than Mason Byrne. The young midfielder has seen more midfield minutes this season, averaging 28.1 disposals, 13.6 contested possessions, 8.4 clearances and 6.2 inside 50s per game to date.
With players coming back in, as well as some promising performances ahead of the Kings Birthday break, the Lions could be set to be a much tougher proposition in the second half of the season
Prediction: 9th
Ferntree Gully
Position: 7th
Wins/Losses: 3-6
Percentage: 65.38%
For (Rank): 457 (10th)
Against (Rank): 699 (6th)
Leading Goalkicker: Jordan Paterson (9 goals in 8 matches)
Following a number of departures and retirements of experienced players during the offseason, a much younger Eagles outfit has taken the park to start this season.
And whilst it’s been an up and down start, the young Eagles continue to show plenty of promise and put themselves in a solid position heading into the King’s Birthday break.
The youth has continued to be led by Brodie Harrison, Ethan Kiker and Jordan Paterson, with the latter leading the Eagles goalkicking while Harrison and Kiker play key roles in midfield.
New captain Jack Falnnery continues to produce across all areas of the park, with the ex-Narre Warren man averaging 24.6 disposals, 11.6 contested possessions and 5 marks to date.
With the Gully sitting only a game (plus percentage) outside of the top five, the second half of 2024 is set to be a character-defining one for Brent Kiker and his young brigade.
Prediction: 7th
Knox
Position: 4th
Wins/Losses: 5 wins, 4 losses
Percentage: 132.03%
For (Rank): 779 (3rd)
Against (Rank): 590 (3rd)
Leading Goalkicker: Harrison Greaves (26 goals in 9 matches)
Despite a promising end to season 2023 in Division 2 under Steve Buckle, there was still a bit of unknown about Knox heading into a new and unfamiliar division.
With a fresh start and a youthful group, things have started to click for the Falcons who sit in a finals position for the first time in a while.
The return of Mitch Greaves and Gavin Pears has added plenty to Knox’s youth, with both averaging north of 25 disposals per game to date.
Harrison Greaves has also continued on from his Team of the Year appearance in 2023, leading the charge up forward and forming a formidable duo with ex-East Burwood man Braeden Barlow.
The last few weeks ahead of the break has seen Knox start to hit top form. And with a good blend of youth and experience, 2024 could be set to be a fruitful one for the Falcons.
Prediction: 4th
Oakleigh District
Position: 6th
Wins/Losses: 4 wins, 5 losses
Percentage: 93.03%
For (Rank): 707 (5th)
Against (Rank): 760 (8th)
Leading Goalkicker: Mark Stevens (34 goals in 9 matches)
Like many sides in Division 3 the Oakleigh District have fielded a slightly side on the park compared to its Preliminary Final side from last year.
With that slightly different look has seen an inconsistent start to 2024 for the Oaks who now sit percentage outside of a finals spot following back-to-back losses in their last two games.
The inconsistent start hasn’t stopped key players from last year producing week in week out, with coach Blake Pearson, Simon Hawkins and Francesco Bonacci all playing key roles in the opening half of the season.
One of their new recruits though in Mark Stevens has proven to be an invaluable acquisition. Brought in to replace Zak Bozanich up forward, Stevens has so far done with his 34 goals.
With their top end talent firing, Pearson will be looking for much more effort from all of his troops as the Oaks look to make it back-to-back finals appearances for the first time in the club’s short EFNL history.
Prediction: 5th
Silvan
Position: 9th
Wins/Losses: 2 wins, 7 losses
Percentage: 57.79%
For (Rank): 523 (8th)
Against (Rank): 905 (10th)
Leading Goalkicker: Michael Fowkes (21 goals in 9 matches)
There was plenty of unknown about Silvan heading into season 2024 following a change of coach along with a plethora of new recruits joining the club.
This sweeping of the decks has seen a much different start to start the season, with the Cats now sitting second last and with the lowest percentage in Division 3.
Recruit Michael Fowkes along with familiar faces Jake Strachan, Darcy Turnbull and Matthew Steiniger have all consistently performed.
Tyson Bissels has also taken his game to another level in defence, leading the division in intercept marks (25) and averaging 24 disposals, 21.8 kicks and 7.8 rebound 50s.
And while some key names are missing from the lineup, Jeremy Thomas and his charges will give themselves every chance of causing upsets towards the backend of the season, particularly at home.
Prediction: 10th
Surrey Park
Position: 2nd
Wins/Losses: 8 wins, 1 loss
Percentage: 196.82%
For (Rank): 866 (2nd)
Against (Rank): 440 (1st)
Leading Goalkicker: Jake Summers (19 goals in 7 matches)
There was plenty of unknown about Surrey Park as they ventured into a new division following their first senior premiership.
But with a premiership behind them, along with the return of some big names, the Panthers have built on their 2023 season and have slotted into their new division with ease.
The return of Kane Henden and brothers Jake and Lachlan Summers have added another dimension in both midfield and attack.
One thing that hasn’t changed has been the form of Tom Smith, with the Grand Final BOG averaging 22.7 disposals, 9.2 score involvements as well as hitting the scoreboard in all but two games this season.
With its youth only improving, as well as their experienced players continuing to perform, James Kenworthy’s charges look set to be Donvale’s No.1 challenger heading into the backend of 2024.
Prediction: 2nd
Upper Ferntree Gully
Position: 5th
Wins/Losses: 4 wins, 5 losses
Percentage: 93.6%
For (Rank): 658 (6th)
Against (Rank): 703 (7th)
Leading Goalkicker: Rory Bailey (20 goals in 7 matches)
Following a rough couple seasons in Division’s 1 and 2 since 2021, there was hope that Upper Ferntree Gully could improve in new and unfamiliar territory.
And so far they have, with the Kings sitting in a finals position despite hitting some bumps along the road.
Players such as captain Rory Bailey, Travis Strange and Nathan Bardsley have started to put much stronger performances out on the park.
The side has been led by recruit Russell Cowan, with the former Powelltown man being named in the best consistently as he racks up disposals week on week.
With the side improving, as well as having some continuity unlike previous years, the Kings could be set to make a return to finals at this rate.
Prediction: 6th
Warrandyte
Position: 8th
Wins/Losses: 2 wins, 7 losses
Percentage: 67.54%
For (Rank): 564 (7th)
Against (Rank): 835 (9th)
Leading Goalkicker: Josh Appleby (11 goals in 8 matches)
With many of their top-end talent departing during the offseason, the start of the 2024 season has been a fresh one for Paul Donahoo and the Bloods.
While they’ve only picked up two wins and sit in the bottom three, Warrandyte have still shown plenty of promise in patches of the season.
The experience of Josh Appleby, Taylor Hayton and recruit Jack Palmer has proven invaluable to the Bloods youth.
Some of their young guns such as Tommy Tout and Oscar Hodgson have also stepped up to the plate too, with Tout proving a brick wall in defence and Hodgson a creative force from midfield.
As this young group continues to improve and get more consistency, the Bloods will give themselves every chance of causing headaches for sides looking to play finals or that currently sit in finals positions.
Prediction: 8th
