A look into Prem C for 2023, do you see what I see?

Aiden Box

After wading through two pandemic interruption-filled seasons, Premier C Men’s footy was back in full swing with an extended season in 2022. Now with a full season under their belts, the clubs will be primed for another tilt at the crown, this is how they’re shaping up. 

2022 form: 2nd | 15 wins | 5 losses

The Rovers sat sixth on the table when play was called in 2021 and improved massively to finish second in 2022, unfortunately falling just one point short of a Grand Final.

But the Rovers should not be discounted in the slightest, they’ve shown they can rise in quick time and are a real chance to go one better in 2023. Anthony Quon’s side will open their campaign on the road against Marcellin. The Rovers have secured former North Melbourne footballer Will Walker who will be at the club full time this season after four years in the AFL system and a year in the VFL. 

Austin Parker also returns to the Rovers where he won an U17 premiership in 2019.

Clinton Young, former Hawk and Magpie the biggest off-season recruit, will be wanting to have an impact on the team and this section from the opening bounce this weekend. 

2022 form: 3rd | 13 wins | 7 losses 

Over the past couple of seasons, the Nodders were a consistent ‘thereabouts’ side, but in 2022 they finally made the leap and really announced themselves to the division.

Peter Banfield’s side got exactly what they bargained for, finishing third and falling out of the finals in the first round by just seven points to eventual Grand Finalists Old Geelong.

Keep your eye on Mazenod to be up there again in 2023, they’ll head out to Essendon in Round 1 to face the freshly promoted PEGS. 

2022 form: 9th | 1 win | 15 losses (Premier B)

After what was a tough and forgettable season 2022 that saw them sing the song following just one of their 16 outings in Premier B, Old Carey will be chomping at the bit to sink their teeth into some Premier C action in the hopes of stringing some wins on the board.

Aaron Bailey’s men will be a determined group in 2023, as they set out in their hunt for redemption.

Marc Lock, a favourite son of the club returns after spending two seasons in the EDFL. With over 100 games of VFL experience, he’ll be able to weather many a storm across the half back line and the midfield.

When it comes to VFL experience, the Panthers have also welcomed Mitch Woofindin. The Port Melbourne stalwart famously kicked the final goal of the 2017 VFL grand final to put his side in front against Richmond.

The Panthers will begin the hunt on the road against Old Camberwell. 

2022 form: 4th | 10 wins | 5 losses (Division 1 runners up)

They finished fourth in Division One last season, but that did not stop the Grammarians from making a dream run to the big dance, earning them promotion to Premier C.

Although they’ll come in at the bottom of the food chain, they have recent form on their side along with the ability to achieve big things late in a season, look for them to shake up the competition in 2023.

Old Camberwell will open their season at Gordon Barnard Reserve against Old Carey. 

2022 form: 5th | 12 wins | 8 losses

They were consistently finishing in postseason contention but fell short of a finals berth by percentage in 2022.

Although Jarrod Gieschen’s soldiers know they’re good enough to avoid such bad luck this time around. It’s known they can take care of business against lower-ranked opponents, but they’ll need to start getting it done against the big boys this year to get back in the finals race.

When scrolling through the VAFA player transfer list, alongside the club name of Old Ivanhoe, there’s a very familiar name to fans of North Melbourne and Port Adelaide – Byron Pickett. Pickett Junior is making his way to the big smoke from the SANFL Juniors to potentially put his name in lights in front of Victorian recruiters.

Reed Jepson has joined the boys at Chelsworth Park. The club is also pleased to welcome Nick Riddle across from Greensborough. Riddle at one stage was also the captain of the Collingwood VFL side.

Old Ivanhoe face Parkdale on the road in Round 1 and will look to make a statement. 

2022 form: 8th | 7 wins | 13 losses

Simon Abrahams side weren’t exactly where they wanted to be at the conclusion of last season but did show signs of improvement going from four wins in the shortened 2021 season to seven in 2022.

They may not have given the finals a shake last year, but let it be known that their best can still worry all their opponents in Premier C, don’t be surprised if they make a run in 2023.

Marcellin kick off their season at home when they welcome the Rovers.

Should the Box Hill Hawks have a VFL bye, or Callum Brown (ex-Magpie) be asked to go back to find form, he’ll be suiting up in his old-school colours having agreed to have Marcellin as his community club in 2023.

2022 form: 7th | 10 wins | 10 losses

Considered by many as a premiership contender and a real challenge to play against prior to the 2022 season, Ormond didn’t quite live up to the lofty expectations.

This will fuel their fire for this season though as coach Greg Hoskin readies his troops for another fight with the top dogs and some new challengers.

Significant recruits have joined the club over the pre-season. Howard Perrson heads home to EE Gunn Reserve where he once played his junior football. Since then he’s spent time at Sandringham Dragons, Footscray in the VFL and more recently with De La Salle in William Buck Premier & Premier B.

Doulton Langlands played three AFL matches with St Kilda in 2019. He spent three years on the Saints list, kicking two goals. The Albury product has spent time in the GWS Academy, Sandringham in the VFL and playing with Perth in the WAFL, and Albury in 2022.

Ormond will get the Round 1 bye to assess their competition before getting their first chance to prove they’re still in their window of contention in Round 2 against the Hampton Rovers. 

2022 form: 6th | 11 wins | 9 Losses 

The Vultures were strong defensively in 2022, but unfortunately fell one win short of contending for that fourth finals ticket.

Owen Lalor will be looking for improvement in his squad who won their last three games last season, they’ll look to be stout at both ends this year.

Parkdale will battle it out with Old Ivanhoe in Round 1 at Gerry Green Reserve. 

2022 form: 1st | 16 wins | 1 loss (Division 1 premiers)

Fresh from a Division premiership run in which they only dropped one game for the year, PEGS earned a rightful promotion to the Premier C.

They were dominant last season on both ends of the field and with Andrew Horne at the helm, will be looking forward to more of the same in 2023.

Take PEGS as an early outsider to contend. They’ll host Maznod in Round 1.