By Josh Ward
Overview:
There were signs of promise in 2019 for Nunawading, but after losing some key players between then and 2021 the Lions struggled yet again this season.
Only had one win in 2021 and 10 losses, they finished last, had the lowest percentage in the EFNL, and had only two in the team of the year squad and one in the team of the year.
Next year will be a new era at Koonung Reserve with plans for a new women’s side, but what will be most interesting is whether the men can get back to the promising form they showed in 2019.
Best Win: Round 12 at Croydon North MLOC (Nunawading 13.10.88 defeated Croydon North MLOC 12.8.80)
Nunawading had previously lost to the KangaRams by nine goals at home, but they got revenge for that loss as they picked up their first and only win of 2021 and their first since August 8th, 2019 (also against Croydon North).
They started off strong, leading 40-27 at quarter time, before the KangaRams scored 39-7 in the second to take a 19 point lead heading into the main break. But a slightly strong third and a 20-1 score line in the final quarter gave Nunawading fans a reason to celebrate this year.
Trent Sanguinetti was the main man up forward, kicking four goals whilst also being named in the best along with Nicholas Tomazic (two goals), Nathan Bubis (two), Dean Veenendaal (one), Christian Lomas and Martin Lambe.
Star defender Cameron Woods picked up the three votes and Sam Currie (two votes) and Zac Leacy (one) picked up the others, with Darcy Price kicking four goals as well as the Lions also picked up their first away win since Round 7, 2019 also at Hughes Park.
Worst Loss: Round 5 vs Croydon North MLOC (Nunawading 4.8.32 defeated by Croydon North MLOC 12.14.86)
When they faced the KangaRams in 2019, the Lions had won by three and 72 points in both games. Their first matchup in 2021 though ended up with Croydon North MLOC getting their first ever win in their short EFNL history by nine goals.
The KangaRams started off in lightning quick fashion, leading by 68 points and only conceding three behinds by half time. Nunawading managed to pull back the margin to 53 at three quarter time before the margin slightly increased to 54 at full time.
In the best for Nunawading were Cooper Winter, Ben Tomazic, Jack, Zeke and Josh Murley (one goal to Jack & Zeke), and Martin Lambe, with Trent Sanguinetti and Luke Davis also kicking one goal.
Max Hampton (three votes), Thommas Hogg (two) and Sam Currie (one) got the B&F votes for Croydon North, with Matt Hayhurst and Samuel D’Argenio kicking three goals each as the KangaRams celebrated what was a momentous day in their short history.
Standout Player: Cameron Woods
Was a terrific and consistent performer down back for the maroon and gold, sporting a few hairstyles across the season to in his first season at Koonung Reserve.
Only got the three best and fairest votes (in their only win against Croydon North MLOC back in round 12), but was named in the Lions best six times, including three best on grounds against Forest Hill and Silvan (twice).
Named in the squad for the team of the year but didn’t make the team, he’s already re-signed with Nunawading for 2022 and will be a critical leader down back if they are to show some promise in 2022.
Offseason Plans:
Have already announced the re-signings of most of their playing list, and they’ve bought in ex-Forest Hill and Rowville midfielder Mitch Newman, talented ex-Forest Hill forward Nelson Payne and Hunter Rowe from Langwarrin.
The signing of Newman is particularly big given the experience he’ll bring, particularly for the young brigade in midfield such as captain Josh Hill, David Giliberto, Ryan Hardy and Cooper Winter.
The key to any rebuild is bringing in experienced players, and if they want to show some promise and continue to improve, particularly next year, they need experience.