By Christopher Kourtis.
Rowville fell short of back-to-back premierships in 2024 but are looking to return to the big dance in 2025.
The Hawks premiership defence fell short in the Preliminary Final, losing out to eventual runners-up East Ringwood.
Despite this, Rowville head coach Ben Wise says that they have once again retained their core and will go into 2025 looking even stronger.
“We were able to keep 90% of our list”, said Wise.
“We’ve been able to get some of the VFL guys back full-time, which is great."
Kyle Stainthorpe, Cal Verrell and Mitch Sruk have all returned to the Hawks, set to play the full season with Rowville, a massive boost for the club.
Among the others that have committed to another season at Seebeck Oval are 2024 Premier Division Team of the Year players Anthony Brolic and Lachlan McDonald, prepping the Hawks to take 2025 on with a midfield that can not only hang with the best, but once again, be the best.
The Hawks have been a dominant force over the last three seasons, accumulating into two Grand Final appearances, a premiership and a Preliminary Final appearance.
Only four points separated a double chance and missing out on finals altogether in 2024, and Wise is expecting another tight race for September in the Premier Division.
“Being Premier Division… the sides are so evenly matched. (The key is) winning our home games,” said Wise. “We are going to have another crack at the Grand Final”.
Rowville will host Noble Park at Seebeck Oval in Round One on April Twelve. The side’s met twice last season – Rowville were triumphant both times, but only by a combined margin of six points.
The season opener will be a great sign of what’s to expect in Premier Division in 2025.