By Christopher Kourtis.
Both Nunawading senior teams fell short of their goals in 2023 and now turn to the 2024 season for another chance at success.
The senior men’s team finished sixth out of a possible seven teams in Division Four, but head coach Frank Salanitri says that last season’s shortcomings were quickly written off as their focus shifted to improving in 2024.
“We’ve had a big influx of new players,” Salanitri said. “On Saturday [against Croydon North], out of the 22 that ran out, 19 have played less than 17 games for the club.”
The off-season break has been the foundation for improvement for Nunawading. One area that the team has upgraded in is across the backline.
“James Lever at full back has had a great pre-season… [Harry Miller] has had a full pre-season and he looks in great condition at the minute,” Salanitri said.
Sitting at 1-1, Coach Salanitri said that the Lions still have work to do to reach their goals despite a 30 point win against Nunawading in Round 2.
“[There’s been a] big emphasis on execution, to be honest,” he said. “When it’s time for tempo footy, [the team] have just got to realise and take it upon themselves”.
Nunawading’s next assignment is Kilsyth at home, in a fifth vs fourth fixture.
“You want to test yourself against the very best,” Salanitri said. “It will be a test for us to see how far we’ve come.”
Nunawading’s senior women’s team missed out on Division Four finals by percentage in 2023 and will look to go a step further in the upcoming season.
New head coach Tom Woodward has settled into his new role well, giving many thanks to those around the club.
“Everyone has welcomed me with open arms, everyone has been super helpful,” Woodward said. “It’s been fantastic”.
Woodward has looked to maintain much of the same list that led the Lions to a winning record last season.
“With my first year at Nunawading this year, the idea was to try and retain as much of the playing group they had from last year, as well as trying to bring in some new recruits,” he said.
With the Top 3 teams from the 2023 Division Four season earning promotion, the Lions will look to take advantage of the situation and make a title charge themselves.
“I think, no matter the situation, no matter who you’re playing against, you always try and push as hard as you can to be the best that you can,” Woodwardsaid. “I feel like, personally, there is absolutely nothing stopping us”.
The Lions open their season away from home against a Boronia side that finished last in 2023.
“It’s the first stepping stone into a long season,” Woodward said. “We’re just looking to have a strong showing first up and continue that for the year”.
