Division 3 Men’s Season Preview

As one of the more intriguing competitions within the VAFA ecosystem, the Division 3 Men’s competition looks set for a thrilling season.

The competition returns to a 10-team format with Wattle Park dropping down from Division 2 while last year’s grand finalists in Canterbury and St John’s were promoted up.

With the season now upon us, here’s a look at all 10 teams competing for the Division 3 premiership.

ALBERT PARK

Albert Park have been hard at work over the off-season as they still chase after that elusive Senior premiership.

Recruitment has been a key focus for the Falcons as they push for a finals position.

In particular, they have signed four players from VAFA Premier side Fitzroy, which includes former Albert Park captain Tim Wilson.

Under captain and Coach Jack Aimes, they look to play what Aimes describes as “an aggressive inside style of football.”

BOX HILL NORTH

Having finished the year winning its last two games in a season with only four wins, Box Hill North will hope to pick up where they left off in 2025.

Having played with the side last year, new player-coach Beau Parthenides is confident that his group can better their injury-affected performance from 2024 and push for a finals position in 2025.

Key additions to the side have been Mitch Newman, coming from the Nunawading Lions, where Parthenides was an assistant Coach in 2023 alongside Warren Schmidt, who played at Chirnside Park last season.

CHADSTONE

After returning to the division last year, the Synners are looking to go from strength to strength as they build more consistency within the division for this year.

Chadstone has brought in the experienced Ian Ledder as its Senior Coach for 2025.

When taking on the job, Ledder said that at Chadstone, “there’s a genuine sense of commitment and passion that drives the success of these clubs, which is something special to be a part of.”

With this commitment and passion being displayed across the club both on-field and off-field, this should hopefully see the Synners compete more regularly against their opposition.

ELEY PARK

Having only managed three wins last year, Eley Park will be looking to head up the ladder and improve from their 10th-place finish.

With coach Matt Embling now in his 4th year of coaching the Sharks, this has seen the majority of the players continue to stay there as he continues to “keep working on the rebuild of the club.”     

Their areas of focus this season have been on defensive structures and improving their transition game.

Particularly given that last season, Eley Park had the lowest points for total (733) and had the highest points against (2459) within the division; those improvements in their game should hopefully see them be more competitive.

LA TROBE UNIVERSITY

Under player-coach Andy Castles, La Trobe is looking to strengthen its side from his first season in charge.

Using his experience from last year, Castles over the off-season has looked to fix their deficiencies and, in his words, trying to instil a more recognisable gameplan.

While according to Castles, there has been some turnover with only 75% of the players from last season playing next year, they have brought in the likes of Jackson Gronow, Indy Williamson and Blake Edwards, who should provide some midfield depth.

By playing a more organised and consistent game plan, La Trobe will be hoping that a consistent game plan will provide positive growth and positive results.

NORTH BRUNSWICK

After finishing as minor premiers last year and then going out in straight sets in the finals, North Brunswick will be hoping to atone for 2024’s disappointment this year.

They will be embarking on the 2025 season with a new coach, Domenic Fontana, who looks to bring more clarity and a systematic approach to North Brunswick.

While the Bulls may be without last year’s league best and fairest in Fletcher Banfield, the majority of their side from 2024 has stayed the same, which still has plenty of people tipping them for premiership success.

POWER HOUSE

Having been beaten out in the finals last season by the two eventual grand finalists by 19 points, Power House has shown that they are well and truly capable of competition with the top echelon of Division 3.

They have brought in a new coach, Nick Cox, to help assist with the development of their list.

With the majority of players recommitting to the club, including the important duo of Luke Stubbs and Ben Circosta, Power House will once again aim to play finals football in 2025.

RICHMOND CENTRAL

After a finals appearance in the seniors and a reserves premiership last season, optimism is high around Kevin Bartlett Reserve for what the Snakes can achieve in 2025.

With Michael Motta once again coaching the seniors, the large majority of players have returned, helping provide continuity in the squad as they build off last year’s foundation.

Their big addition during the pre-season has been ruck Mitch Gleeson. He has picked up a league-best and fairest award in the Horsham district and has experience playing in the VAFA with La Trobe for numerous seasons.

On areas of improvement, Motta said that over the pre-season, they have been focusing on their defensive work, citing their record against last year’s top four where they conceded on average 104 points.

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY

Having been premiers in Division 4 in 2022 and then last place in Division 3 in 2023, 2024 provided somewhat of a middle ground, having finished 6th.

While a high turnover rate is expected due to the club’s nature of being with the university, Coach Johnny Andrinopoulos noted that they have been able to add to their list the likes of Jake Chapman, Harri Walsh, Ben Dalgleish and Jack Priestly, being some of the key standouts in recruitment.

The Razorbacks will be looking to build upon their 6th place finish last season as they aim to improve from last year’s record of seven wins, which would see them in contention for finals.

WATTLE PARK

Coming down from Division Two, Wattle Park will be looking to make the bounce back up to Division 2 on the first time of asking.

While disappointed about being relegated, Coach Glen Hopkins said that most of his players are now focusing on what they can do to improve going forward for the new season.

This will focus on trying to work on their ball movement, providing more variety.