2019 Division 2 Preview

Anna Pavlou

Welcome to 2019 in Division 2! What was an outstanding year of football in 2018 will surely be matched this season, with the introduction of Glen Eira, Hawthorn, Brunswick and Ivanhoe into the mix of equally capable and eager teams in a bustling competition. Let’s delve in and see what each team is bringing to the table, aiming to go all the way in 2019.

We welcome Brunswick FC into Division 2 from Division 1. The NOBS won three games last season, all by margins of under 20 points, meaning they’ve been working to improve their skills around the footy for 2019. The plans to improve their game style will be led and built on, with Senior Coach Anthony Palmer getting another shot to show the talent his Brunswick list consists of. The addition of 2012 Premiership Players Chris Ford and Michael O’Donoghue will be vital in bringing the competitive spirit from the past back into the side who are keen to rejuvenate in 2019.

Bulleen Templestowe are here again and are looking to improve on an up and down season in 2018 that showed real promise for their young list. The Bullants finished 2018 with five wins and a draw, and showed some exciting attacking football during their campaign. Senior Coach Jason Reynolds has now put a strong emphasis on disposal efficiency, decision making, contested football, defensive transition, fitness, and “team first” with a “one club culture”. With good numbers on the track, don’t be surprised if the Bullants come biting in 2019.

Glen Eira are on their way up from their 15-point Grand Final win against Hawthorn in Division 3 last season, with the aim to cement their position in Division 2. The Gryphons only lost one game in 2018, but Senior Coach John Edgar has been busy working on the intensity and fast ball movement in the pre-season so to remain competitive against the higher-skilled Division 2 sides. Glen Eira’s multi-facetted forward line will be vital in their bid to not only retain their spot in the higher division, but also push for a finals berth.

Hawthorn follow as they enter Division 2 after dropping only five games last season, while close finals losses to Glen Eira (by 1 point and 15 points respectively) will leave them hungry for redemption in 2019. The Hawks are known for high-pressure footy and there’s no doubt new player and Assistant Coach Jordan Hallam will be leading the Hawks from the front from Round 1. Peter Hutchinson Medal winner Justin Raiti is on track for another remarkable season up forward and around the ground in 2019.

Ivanhoe have made the move from Division 1, where they now have the chance to prove their worth in Division 2. The recent appointment of former Ivanhoe Juniors and Diamond Valley League Champion Mario Bandera as Senior Coach, will bring a new lease of life to the team.

Melbourne High School Old Boys (MHSOB) are looking to improve on what turned out to be an even season in 2018. The Unicorns finished in the middle of the table after winning and losing nine matches, a credit to their free running attacking style of play. The recruitment of Scott Braithwaite amongst a few old Melbourne High School boys proves positive signs for the Unicorns, who have the depth to push their team to the top to play high intensity footy in 2019.

Power House survived their first season in Division 2, with five wins solidifying their list to build on in 2019. The return of River Carroll gives the House another facet of pace around the footy and up forward. Senior Coach Dave Matthews will take on his second year in charge, and with his coaching panel, will work more closely on structures and systems.

Whitefriars were ahead of the Division 2 pack last season, falling to a poised Old Paradians in the Preliminary Final in 2018. Losing only four games last year, Whitefriars proved that on their day, they could match it with the top teams. The Friars will again look to captain coach Kristan Height who turned their on-field fortunes around and built a strong forward set up again to push for finals. The loss of star forward Lewis Neate may prove costly, but with the likes of pocket-rocket Michael Nitas, the Friars will still have a hard-to-beat multi-facetted forward line.

Fumbling in the first week of the 2018 finals, Yarra Old Grammarians are hungry for redemption in 2019 and have built a strong side to stay at the top. The appointment of Life Member and Senior 2012 Premiership Coach Rob Drew brings the old competitiveness back to the Bushrangers, while also giving them a new chance to work with their multitude of talented players. Training numbers have increased by 30% over previous years, with the group ready to overcome last years’ finals woes to push for a chance at the big dance in 2019.