Unchartered territory in the newly amalgamated Division 3

The excitement has been building and the stage is set as 11 teams prepare to take to the field in a new-look Division 3 Men’s competition. With no Division 4 in 2024, several teams have been elevated to Division 3 where they look to face a host of new opponents in what looks to be a competitive competition. All vying for a spot in the illustrious top 5 on the ladder in order to secure a ticket to finals come September.

With many inaugural head-to-head clashes, there are sure to be underdog stories of triumph. Who will climb their way to the top?

Albert Park

Albert Park came close to victory last season and are looking to retain that momentum as they test out the competition on Division 3. With the 2024 leading goalkicker on their side, watch the Falcons fly in front of the big sticks. They are set to host old rival, Box Hill North in the season opener.

Box Hill North

With a number of new recruits bolstering their line-up, Box Hill North will be looking to make their mark in a new Division for this season. The Demons dominated the competition in 2023 but fell short to eventual premiers in finals. The question on everyone’s lips, can the Demons bring the same ascendency to Division 3 coming up against new competition.

Canterbury

The 2023 Division 3 preliminary finalists will be looking to do one better this season and go all the way to the big dance. With club stalwart Josh Ward at the helm, can the Cobras be coached to victory? Canterbury head to Ross Gregory Oval to face Power House in Round 1.

Chadstone

Chadstone FC return to senior football following an extended stint in the Men’s Thirds competition. Captain Anthony Brown holds the reigns again, whilst Senior Coach Luke Nally steps in for his first year at the helm. They head to St James Park to take on Swinburne University out of the gates.

Eley Park

Eley Park have been dealt the opening bye round. The Sharks will continue to circle until they take to the park in Round 2, hosting Albert Park. A side that struggled to convert in 2023, Eley Park will be looking to prove themselves on the scoreboard this season; never underestimate the underdog.

La Trobe University

In our first inaugural match up in the newly amalgamated Division 3, La Trobe travel to face St John’s OC this round, testing out the new competition. La Trobe University have been doing a host of work in the off-season with a focus on player wellbeing. This unified, mentally tough, and hard tackling outfit are not to be messed with.

North Brunswick

Dual Premiers in 2023, the North Brunswick Bulls dominated the competition in both Seniors and Reserves. Will they bring the same intensity and finesse to a new competition? The Bulls have bragging rights at home to kick off their season, as they welcome Richmond Central to Allard Park. We can’t forget goalkicking aficionado Andrew Ramzy, just one of the many weapons in the Bulls’ toolbox.

Power House

Power House are entering the season with a new-look committee, strong player numbers and are a force to be reckon with. They will be looking to tilt their win-loss ratio in their favour in 2024 and be competitive against the new competition. With the Grand Prix done and dusted, they reclaim their home at Albert Park and host the Canterbury Cobras on the weekend.

Richmond Central

Michael Motta is pulling on the yellow and black this season as Senior Men’s Coach of Richmond Central. Landing in the middle of the ladder after 18 rounds in 2023, Richmond Central will be looking to get some wins on the park early to secure a top spot. The Snakes’ own Lochie Conboy was runner up in the league’s Best and Fairest last year, exemplifying the talent of a strong outfit.

St John’s OC

The JOCS have a senior side that comprises the returning club faithful, as well as some new names. There’s no bigger name from Division 4 2023 than Corey Ely, who blew away the competition taking out the B&F by no less than 12 votes ahead of the runner up. St John’s are gearing up for a big season in the green, gold, and black, as they face La Trobe University in the opener.

Swinburne University

The Swinburne Razorbacks are looking to turn the table in 2024, fielding three sides, and are looking strong as a club. Their Division 3 seniors will come up against a host of new teams entering the section which should breed a new competitive spirit. Swinburne University open their 2024 campaign against Chadstone FC.