By Christopher Kourtis.
Relegated in 2024, Norwood will now regroup and look for success in Division One.
After tallying only one win in the Premier Division last season, Norwood will play in Division One for the first time since 2006. The season of struggle was not in vain however, as senior head coach Brett Moyle was able to blood his younger players throughout the year.
“It was a pretty difficult year,” said Moyle. “Most weeks we were playing more than a dozen teenagers.
“What we saw out of it was a lot of young guys getting the opportunity to play senior footy… we hope that we might bear the fruit of that in this year or the years to come.”
The off-season has not been all smooth sailing – Premier Division Team of the Year member Josh Tovey and key contributor Connor Smith have left the club in search for more Premier Division football.
“Obviously we were disappointed to lose them… (but) it creates opportunity for others,” said Moyle.
Among these others is a range of experienced EFNL players that have joined the club for season 2025 – one of which is 26-year-old Cooper Winter, who spent two years as Nunawading captain. Former VFL Team of the Year player Mitch Hardie has also signed for Norwood, who is aligned with the Casey Demons VFL side.
Although promotion is on the minds of the Norwood faithful, head coach Moyle sees the importance of continuing the progression of his team.
“As long as the effort is good and the improvement in these young players is there, I think the wins and losses will take care of themselves.
“We’ve got a group of kids who are between the age of 18 and 21 who I think are going to be the next batch of premiership players at Norwood and are going to drag the club back to where it should be,” said Moyle.
Norwood will open their season campaign away at Heights Reserve when they face Mooroolbark in Round One.
The club is also putting together a Senior Women's team to compete in the 2025 Deakin University Senior Women's competition.
Norwood are seeking more players to join the side ahead of the season, for more information, please head to the Norwood Football Netball Club Facebook page.