By Josh Ward.
2025 is set to be a big one for the Redbacks, with its women’s side getting a fresh start and its men’s team looking to build on a promising season.
Ringwood’s Senior Men's side fell just short of a return to finals in Division 2, with percentage the only difference between them and fifth placed finishers, Templestowe.
Brett Rowe is set to return for his eighth year as Redbacks coach, saying that despite falling short of finals, he was proud of what the group achieved last year with all the injuries they had.
“We were able to still be really competitive and push to a point where we were almost playing finals,” Rowe said.
“That’s driving the group going into this season, knowing that we’re very close and if we can stay healthy like most teams we want to give ourselves every opportunity.”
Retention has been strong from the Redbacks, with Jett Latchford the only major departure to South Croydon and Mitch Brereton hanging up the boots.
“They’re important losses, but it gives someone the opportunity to step up and try and make the position theirs.”
Recruitment has also been solid too, with swingman Riley Hillman and midfielder Cade Bell joining from Berwick Springs and East Ringwood respectively.
“(Hillman) will predominantly play down back, but has the ability to go forward…if we can keep (our defence) strong it gives us a bit more flexibility with moving guys up forward.”
Daniel Collier and Ryan Warren have also returned to Jubilee Park, with Collier coming off a strong few years with East Ringwood and Warren joining from Edithvale-Aspendale.
“I think those couple of years (for Collier) at East Ringwood has done him wonders, he’s come back a lot different in regards to his leadership.
“(Warren) was a solid player for us and we hope that’s what he brings to the table.”
On top of their recruits, the majority of the playing group look set to improve once again, particularly winger Mitchell Heckley and defender Noah Adkins.
“Heckley’s 23, but he’s come back as fit as I’ve ever seen. He started to show some form on a wing last year.
“Adkins, who’s a really young player, has come back strong and fitter…he’s really impressed me over the preseason in regards to the work that he’s done.”
And with their recruits, retention rate, as well as finishing just outside of a finals spot, Rowe says the side’s objective is to return and win a final this coming season.
“We’re just looking to continue to keep growing as a group and hopefully be there at the very end of the year when it counts.”
Ringwood kicks off its season at Jubilee Park when they host one of last year’s preliminary finalists in Mulgrave.
Meanwhile it’s Senior Women’s side will enter into this season with a fresh start after making a return to the winners list last year in Division Two.
Jaiden Vann has signed on as the Redbacks new Senior Women’s coach, bringing experience from Northern FNL clubs Hurstbridge and Watsonia.
Vann says that Ringwood has been very welcoming since he became head coach of the club’s senior women’s program.
“It’s an inclusive club, they include the women in everything that they do. I’ve had a few chats with Brett Rowe as well in regards to things he’s been really good at and he wants the women involved,” Vain says.
“Basically everyone who’s been involved with the women’s program they’ve been excellent so far.”
Both Duncan and Zoe Cant, last year’s senior women’s coach for Ringwood, have been particularly helpful for Vann in his time so far.
“Without his daughter (Zoe) heavily involved, he’s still trying to have a big say in what we do and I really appreciate what he’s done.
“I’ve had a couple of chats with Zoe just to get an idea of what the girls are like and some of the stuff they did last year.”
Ringwood’s core group of players have re-signed heading into this season, saying that the training and the feedback he’s received from the group has been positive.
“I’ve had a lot of feedback from the girls such as ‘we haven’t done this before and it’s really good’ because I’m trying to build on skill development…
“We’ve had a really big focus on skill development and try to incorporate running into the drills that we do.”
Among the core group that’s impressed at training includes Team of the Year member Grace Ward, Shalisa Zattin and AFL Victoria Young Leader of the Year Olivia Ashcroft.
“Grace Ward’s a superstar. She’s got great skills and a great player, but she’s a good voice as well.”
“(Shalisa Zattin) as well is a great voice. Olivia Ashcroft as well comes to every session after her junior training, she’s always great with the positive talk.”
There’s been many positives so far for Vann about Ringwood who wants the players to enjoy their experience on the field as well as enjoy their footy.
“They really have that one club culture, everyone’s inclusive. I was a big fan of their pride cup that they had last year and we’re hoping to do the same this year…
“We’re here to enjoy (playing footy), you don’t come down if you don’t like it, you’re here because you enjoy playing footy with your friends. I really want it to be an enjoyable experience.”