Premier C Men’s: Season Review

Jack Keleher

Premier C this year was as competitive as you could ask for, so it was all the more difficult to swallow the fact it was cut so short. In the 11 rounds played, we had upsets, game winning goals and fierce rivalries – I just wish we could have seen it out. Congratulations to all ten teams in Premier C this year who put on a show from start to abrupt finish.

Hampton Rovers

After finishing eighth in 2019, the Rovers hit the ground running in 2021 starting 4-1 boasting impressive wins over Old Ivanhoe and Ormond. However, after the shock loss to Old Mentone in Round 6, things started to go downhill as injuries and suspensions resulted in a 1-5 finish to the season. There is plenty of upside in this group despite the poor finish to the season. Christian Carnovale and Nathan Smith had stellar seasons – finishing 4^th and 5^th respectively in the LS Zachariah Medal. The return of Chris Perkins proved instrumental to their success as the winger was in the best eight of the 11 games. Youngster Max Coughlin also had a terrific season finishing with 19 goals.

Marcellin

It’s not often you have a team finish 7^th with a percentage of 109. 2021 was a season of heartbreak for the Eagles as they constantly put up a fight but throughout the season struggled to get the four points. In the seven games they lost, their greatest losing margin was just 21 points (to Ormond in Round 3, a game in which Marcellin led by 27 points at half time). Despite an unlucky season, the Eagles proved to have one of the best midfields in the competition. Antypas, Howe and Perry kept the season interesting and if they can retain their core – watch out for Marcellin in 2022.

Mazenod

The Nodders should be the most disappointed with the season being cut short as they were the clear form team of the competition. After starting 1-3, Mazenod finished the year winning six of their last seven including massive wins over Ormond and Old Ivanhoe. If the season had continued, it was almost a certainty that Mazenod had a big part to play in September. You never knew who was going to kick a bag down at Central Reserve each week as Matthew Fewings (18 goals), Mitch D’Angelo (20 goals), Nicholas Pascuzzi (17 goals) and Christopher Campbell (16 goals) all contributed to the club’s success. Sam Michael was the star for the Nodders all season. Michael was in the best seven times and finished 3^rd in the LS Zachariah Medal.

Monash Blues

For the majority of the season, the Blues looked impenetrable. With the best offence and defence (by a mile) in the league, Monash’s 10-1 season is one to remember for the minor premiers. Mitch King (19 goals) and Nick Darling (14 goals) proved problematic for defences all year – especially with Billy Robertson kicking 12 out of the midfield. Down back, Jake Meade and Joe Cosgriff were stone walls. However, it was the midfield that made Monash close to impossible to beat. Daniel Easson and Nick Argento had stellar seasons out of the middle both finishing in the best nine times – but it was LS Zachariah Medallist, big Mac Cameron, who was the thorn in every ruckman’s side. Big Mac polled 23 votes in 10 games to cap off a great year for the Blues.

Old Geelong

After being relegated from Premier B in 2019, the Oggers came out in 2021 looking to get right back to where they belong. After dropping to 4-2 after an embarrassing 93-point loss to Ormond, the Oggers put on a clinic winning five straight (including a 15-point win over Ormond) to end the season at 9-2 and finish in second spot. The Old Geelong mids were again elite all year – Simson and Dixon were all class, and William Sloss (finishing second in the LS Zachariah Medal) put together a great season. Christian Hatzis took out the goal kicking award kicking 27 goals in just eight games.

Old Ivanhoe

Another form team of the competition, Old Ivanhoe were coming home strong. After starting the year 1-3, the Hoers won five of their last six to finish in fourth. Key positions Mal Mitris, Jaryd Robertson and Luke Velluto all had stellar years. Jake Bradley also had a breakout year in the midfield, which was assisted by the big man Alex Mirkov who recently was picked up in the midseason draft by Carlton. Sam Wilcox took out the Hoers’ best and fairest after finishing in the best five times capping off a great season for the club.

Old Mentonians

A tough year for a young Mentone squad saw the lads finish eighth. After completing the upset of the year beating the 4-1 Rovers in Round 6, the Panthers only managed to put together one more win. There were plenty of positives throughout the year, however. Doc Brown and Josh Gorman were prolific all season. Perhaps even more importantly, the club’s youth showed plenty this season, as Angus Grant and Jai Florent both received rising star nominations.

Ormond

Going in with high expectations, Ormond may be disappointed with a 7-4 season marred with injuries. Losing Cathcart (13 goals in four games) and Tolongs (24 goals in eight games) stunted the Monders’ forward line throughout the year, but their defence led by recruits Matt Suckling and Mason Martinez kept the club afloat during a rough three-game losing streak in the middle of the season. The highlight came in Round 12 when Ormond eventually ended the losing streak to best the undefeated Monash by three points at E.E. Gunn Reserve. The Monders have plenty to look forward to in 2022 as youth played a big part in their success. Jack McCartney, Dae Szydlik and Max Kennedy (who took out the club B&F) all had stellar seasons and look to lead the club to future success.

Preston

It was a tough first year in the Premier sections for the Bullants, finishing winless after 11 games. Their record does not paint the whole picture though, with tight losses to Old Geelong and UHS-VU (twice). Preston even led Monash at half time in Round 1. Jackson Curic proved he was more than up to the challenge of Premier C kicking 22 goals in a great personal season for the key forward.

UHS-VU

UHS-VU had a tough reintroduction to the Premier sections after 44 years, finishing with two wins (both over Preston). There were plenty of positives however, as Ben Dimattina, Todd Cracknell and Esubalew Ramsay all proved they belonged in Premier C putting together great individual seasons. With Brendan Payne stepping down, the Vultures’ future is on a new route with plenty to learn from season 2021.