Premier C Men’s 2024 Season Preview

Raj Johnston previews the 2024 Premier C Men’s season. This 10-team section welcomes AJAX and Monash Blues down from Premier B, with Glen Eira/Old McKinnon and Oakleigh promoted from Division 1.

AJAX

After a difficult 2023, Ajax has been relegated from Premier B. Led by new coach Wayne Oswald, Ajax will start their season on the road against Marcellin. Their leadership group consisting of Nick Lewis, Kane Nissenbaum and Corey Zielinski will be looking to lead a competitive side in 2024 that will challenge oppositions.

GLEN EIRA/OLD MCKINNON

Debuting their new club name, Glen Eira/Old McKinnon Gryphons, this is a club on the rise, promoted to Premier C after winning last years Division 1 Grand Final against Oakleigh. Jon Edgar’s side will be looking to cement their place as a Premier Division club and be competitive with teams on a consistent basis. The Gryphons have picked up two more players from Wagga – Rhett Weidemann and Darcy Irvine. Keep an eye on Joel Ludik who had an impressive pre-season.

HAMPTON ROVERS

Narrowly missing finals in 2023, the Rovers will be looking to crack the top four in 2024. The club has had a heavy focus on graduating players out of their successful Under 19 program and captain Christian Carnovale is a strong player with ball in hand. The challenge has been set from new senior coach Marty Pask that the Rovers need to be a team that will compete. The Rovers will call Sandringham’s Trevor Barker Oval home this season due to the pavilion redevelopment at Boss James Reserve.

MARCELLIN

Club legend Bernie Dinneen has headed back to where it all started, taking on the job of senior coach at Marcellin this season. The Eagles have had a good pre-season with the new coach identifying good foundations and well established practices amongst his players. Adam Tomaro has previously been unlucky with injury but is looking fit and promising. Youngster Daniel Shepherd is training well and defender Isaac Barry is a player to keep an eye on, playing in the NAB League and training with Carlton’s VFL side.

MAZENOD

Despite finishing sixth last season, Mazenod were only a few wins out of the top four and will be looking to challenge for a finals place in 2024. Peter Banfield’s men will be on the road for the first three games of the season before returning to Central Reserve in Round 4 for three consecutive home games.

MONASH BLUES

Monash Blues return to Premier C after one season in Premier B. They were dominant in Premier C in 2022, claiming the flag, so will no doubt expect to be working hard and producing good results this season. Four of their first six matches are on their home ground at Frearson Oval and coach Dylan Cousins will be looking for a strong start to the season.

OAKLEIGH

Oakleigh have been promoted from Division 1 after going down in the Grand Final last year and will be looking to make an impact in Premier C. The club has gained the services of Sean Roach, Madison Talarico & James McLaughlin, bolstering their big man stocks which was a major requirement. Luke Ashen is coming off a League Best & Fairest and should have another strong season. After eight years out of Premier C, coach James Francis is excited for the challenge ahead.

OLD CAREY

After playing seventeen Under 19 players in 2023, Old Carey, led by coach Aaron Bailey, is expected to continue to blood players from last year’s Division 2 Under 19 Premiers and Year 12 graduates, with many young players expected to feature early in 2024. The club has been busy over the summer with a number of new signings. Trent Warren arrives at the club after three years in the VFL with Box Hill and Coburg.

PARKDALE VULTURES

New recruit Mitch Brown should make a significant impact this season whether forward or back, while brothers Kai and Joel Day recruited from Bonbeach have settled in well. Keep an eye out for Matt Emmanouel in the midfield, Cooper Howell down back, Ryan McDermaid in the forward line, and Jarrod Peake in the ruck and forward line. Coach Owen Lalor is pleased with the development of his young list as the Vultures expect to be a top four team this season.

PEGS

After their loss in the finals last year, Andrew Beever’s side said they needed to get better and they believe they have. Tom Cartwright is coming back from a knee injury and PEGS are hoping to see some exciting footy from him in the back half of the year. Mike Sharp has come across from the UK where he played and coached in the AFL London competition and has adjusted brilliantly with their backs. PEGS will be looking to replicate their strong form from 2023 into the new season.