RDFNL 2022 Season discussion

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red_ranga said:
That’s where the problem might lie town is not big enough atm but when it does grow kids coming up from juniors to under 19s are going to struggle for a game with Wallan in the rdfnl as this league will never be big enough for 2 under 19s divisions where as edfl or NFL can accommodate this
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Beveridge will have its own club, eventually.
 
Aucklander said:
It's not just Lancefield from what I saw. It's tough and even more so these days. Not sure what the answer is. Diggers have a small population base but seem to do ok. Bit of credit to Wallan though too I think is richly deserved.
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On the diggers population, you have to remember that diggers is basically a suburb of Sunbury.
 
Just wondering if anyone has access to the clubs players Ins/Outs that was published in the herald sun. Or if someone could copy and paste or give a run down on each club.

Just to see what clubs have picked up and lost over the summer months.

Cheers

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Who wins the Riddell District premiership in 2022?
Several teams are in contention ahead of what promises to be the most even competition in years.

An influx of talent and the continued improvement of teams outside the top five should make for a fascinating campaign.

We’ve previewed every club’s big recruits and hopes for the season ahead.

WALLAN

Last season: Minor premier (9-1, 365.76%)

Captain: Michael Mannix Coach: Dan Nolan

Big in: N/A

Coach Dan Nolan said he was keeping faith with the playing group that led the club to a 9-1 record last season and a “minor premiership”. The club also finished on top in reserves and under-19.5s. Nolan has nominated Jarryd Bonello has the club’s closest thing to a new recruit after the star midfielder was limited to just two senior matches last season due to a broken foot.

Key player: Nathan Fowler

The Magpies centre half-forward returned to the club mid-way through 2021 after a stint in Queensland and had an immediate affect. He kicked two goals and was named in the best in his first game back, the historic 142-point triumph over Diggers Rest and kicked six majors in his five games before the season was called off. Will take some of the pressure off spearhead Matt Perri in attack.

Verdict: Coming off a dominant 2021, can Wallan keep it up a year later. All signs point to yes. Impressive pre-season showings against EDFL outfit Westmeadows and VAFA club Therry Penola have the Magpies primed for a Round 1 showing against Romsey. Together with Nolan, assistant coaches Matt Hoy and Spencer Mathieson are expecting big things from their team. Finish: 1st

MACEDON

Last season: Second (7-1-1, 188.78%)

Captain: Zach Smedley Coach: Al Meldrum

Big in: Matt Goodyear (Gisborne)

The former Collingwood midfielder returns to his roots after four seasons with Gisborne in the Bendigo league. Goodyear’s arrival is a major boost to Macedon’s premiership hopes as it battles the likes of Wallan and Diggers Rest. The acquisition of Bacchus Marsh premiership pair Declan Phyland (Torquay) and Todd Delahey (Diggers Rest) also bolsters the club’s stocks after the departures of Shaun Harrison (Heathcote) and Seb Miletic (Queensland).

Key player: Jason Cooke

A focal point up forward and vice-captain this season, Cooke will have a major say in Macedon’s fortunes. The star forward booted 29 goals in just eight games last season, only kicked less than three once. If the likes of Declan Phyland can take away another defender he could be even more dangerous.

Verdict: As the only team to beat Wallan last season, Macedon is front and centre as a major premiership contender in 2022. While there has been a couple of key departures, some astute recruiting has only heightened those expectations. Goodyear, Dick and Cooke form one of the most damaging trios in the competition. Finish: 2nd

DIGGERS REST

Last season: Third (7-3, 140.26)

Captain: Cole Laurie Coach: Jamie Lobb

Big in: Deven Costigan (Swan Districts, WA)

The Burras star returns after a stint at WAFL club Swan Districts, where he played one senior match last season. Costigan last played for the Diggers in 2019 when he booted 40 goals in 16 outings and he’ll be expected to carry on where he left off. Cole Laurie was the club’s leading goalkicker last season with 18 and Tom Schwarzenberg was next best with 11, so some added firepower will come in very handy. Mitch Day (Essendon Doutta Stars) added further scoring power.

Key player: Taylor Hine

Was superb last season, finishing the campaign with a hat-trick of best-on-ground performances to earn a spot at half-back in the Team of the Year. Often the Burras barometer, Hine is capable of stopping opposition thrusts and launching Diggers Rest into attack and will be once again critical to the club’s finals hopes.

Verdict: A couple of impressive recruits added to an already talent-laden list should have Diggers Rest very much in the premiership conversation. A Round 1 bye isn’t ideal and it will have to wait until Round 8 for a shot at redemption against Wallan. Finish: 3rd

RIDDELL

Last season: Fourth (6-3-1, 129.56%)

Captain: Josh Grabham Coach: Justin Belleville

Big in: Dylan Tarczon (Dimboola)

The star spearhead headlines arguably the recruiting class of 2022. Tarczon returns from the Wimmera league and will be joined by fellow former Bomber Tim Walsh (Gisborne) and Michael Edwards and Andrew Duhau (both Sunbury). The burly forward booted 69 goals in 2019, second most in the competition, but coach Justin Belleville has signalled a role higher up the ground this season.

Key player: Josh Grabham

The star ruckman claimed the Bombers best-and-fairest in his first season at the club and established himself as one of the best big men in the competition. If Grabham can give him midfielders first use and quick forward 50m entries, the likes of Tarczon and Ben Sonogan could be in for big seasons.

Verdict: The Bombers surprised plenty last season, beating Diggers Rest and Romsey and holding Macedon to a draw in Round 1. It won’t be as easy to fly under the radar this season after a strong summer recruiting campaign. While, losing last season’s captain Matt Panuccio and leading goalkicker Jarryd Vernon to Gisborne is a blow, Riddell can still expect to contend for a flag. Finish: 4th

ROMSEY

Last season: Fifth (6-4, 151.36)

Captain: Nathan Blair Coach: Paul Kennedy

Big in: Mitch Caddy (Essendon Doutta Stars)

Would provide an instant boost to the Redbacks’ midfield if his clearance is approved. The big-bodied midfielder has spent the past few seasons at Coburg Districts and Maribyrnong Park in the EDFL and should step comfortably into the RDFL.

Key player: Nathan Hoy

Finished runner-up in the Bowen Medal last season – equal with teammate Aaron Paterson – and was named first ruck in the RDFL Team of the Year. Produced an outstanding season, controlling ruck contests in the middle and around the ground, clunking big marks and kicking 12 goals in nine appearances. If he can back it up (or even go to another level) Romsey will be well placed some September.

Verdict: Can the Redbacks replicate the Romsey Cricket Club and make a grand final run? The club looks in good shape to make the top five and as the cricket club showed, anything can happen from there. Jack Jedwab, Matt Burkett and Ben Way provide a reliable avenue to goal, which will prove critical in the finals race. Finish: 5th

WOODEND-HESKET

Last season: Sixth (4-6, 73.19)

Captain: Alistair Rae Coach: Josh Pound (new)

Big in: James Wiseman (Westminster, SA)

Might have usually gone for Aberfeldie pair Courtney Johns and Tom Pound who have joined former teammate and the Hawks’ new coach Josh Pound but Wiseman might be the most intriguing recruit of the season. The question is how much will he play? A strength and conditioning coach at Adelaide, Wiseman has crossed to North Melbourne but will suit up for Woodend-Hesket when his AFL duties allow.

Key player: Tayte Pears

The former Essendon player snuck into the Woodend-Hesket line-up for four games last season and kicked five goals. The Hawks will hope to see even more of him in 2022. New coach Josh Pound has been impressed by his leadership in his pre-season training appearances. If he plays up front, he’ll form arguably the league’s best twin towers with former Bombers teammate Johns.

Verdict: Despite James Vistarini’s departure there’s plenty to like about Woodend-Hesket this season. The club made some important steps forward under Ben Tankard and now it’s up to Josh Pound to keen the club progressing. Whether they can challenge the top five this season remains to be seen but they should be competitive. Finish: 7th

MELTON CENTRALS

Last season: Seventh (2-8, 56.98)

Captain: TBC Coach: Mark Pedersen (new)

Big in: Ariek Lual (Seymour)

The exciting utility made his VFL debut with Werribee last season and has made Centrals his local footy home in 2022 after spending 2021 in the Goulburn Valley league. He is expected to start the season in attack but could be used down back depending on Centrals’ needs and Werribee’s requirements. New coach Mark Pedersen is also excited by the likes of Kirk Fenton (Darley), Jarryd Underwood (Creswick) as well as Melton under-19s quartet James Roberts, Jake Sygidus, Evan Donoghue and Adam Tomac. Roberts comes with experience at the Western Jets.

Key player: Peter Akech

With the departure of star goalkicker Dylan Weir and arrival of Darley ruckman Kirk Fenton, the full-forward mantle could fall to Akech. The star big man played the majority of 2021 in the ruck – earning himself third place in the Bowen Medal – but managed to kick six goals when he snuck forward. Curtis Schultz should also help fill the void after leading the club’s goalkicking with 11 majors last season.

Verdict: There’s been a massive influx of new talent at Centrals under the leadership of new coach Mark Pedersen and the club put on an impressive showing in its last practice match hit out against Rupertswood. The departure of a player the calibre of Dylan Weir would be enough to impact any and every club but Centrals must find a way of kicking a winning score. Perhaps it will make the club more dangerous given the unknown. Finish: 6th

LANCEFIELD

Last season: Eighth (2-8, 45.10%)

Leaders: Matt Bowden, Harry Taylor, John Morgan Coach: Tom Waters

Big in: Tyson Anderson (Gisborne)

Tigers coach Tom Waters has high hopes for youngster Tyson Anderson, who has previously represented the Bendigo Football League at underage level. Anderson will give Lancefield an injection of youth and talent. Meanwhile, Waters has also been impressed by young forward Jak Crook (Kilmore) who will start the season at centre half-forward.

Key player: Lukas Fellows

One season, one club best-and-fairest medal. It was an impressive introduction to Lancefield for Fellows who came across from Northern league club Thomastown last season. He played eight games and was named in the best six times, including three best-ons. The Tigers will be hoping he can back it up in 2022 and a few follow his lead to help the club jump up the ladder.

Verdict: Showed improvement last season, beating Melton Centrals – the first win over a club other than Western Rams since 2016 – and will be looking to continue that upward trajectory this season. Finals might be a step too far at this stage but rivals can expect a far tougher encounter than previous seasons. Finish: 8th

WESTERN RAMS

Last season: Ninth (0-9, 13.35%)

Captain: Alex Sweet Coach: Marty Weaver

Big in: Ricky and Harley Cameron (Albanvale)

The Camerons come as a package deal and return to the club after a couple of seasons away in the Western Region league. Harley played eight games and Ricky six for Albanvale last season. Rams coach Marty Weaver is also excited by the looks of Dean Chadband who’s come across from Caroline Springs.

Key player: Matt Hayes

Another new recruit, Hayes also arrives from Albanvale in the Western Region league and will strengthen the Rams defence and provide some much-needed experience and leadership. Will certainly get plenty of work is he does settle down back but will thrive.

Verdict: A win is the Rams’ No.1 goal for 2022 and it would undoubtedly spark big celebrations if the club was to break its drought and sing the song. There’s no reason it can’t happen with the club improving significantly on and off the field in the past couple of years. Finish: 9th
 
red_ranga said:
Wallan by 10 goals
Melton by 12 goals
Macedon by 5 goals
Woodend by 7 goals
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Sounds pretty right.

Can't argue with the predictions either. The biggest threat to Wallan for mine is Macedon. Have seldom seen them play badly against them.
 
Sad world we live in when clubs name injured players that won’t be playing for a long time. Understand if it’s the grand final but round 1 give it a spell.
 

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red_ranga said:
Team sheet has since been edited, clubs must monitor big footy 😂🤣
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I'm sure lots of clubs monitor this forum and watch what people say. I only found out late last night he wasn't playing but thought something was up when the team was put up very early yesterday although it's not far from the initial side.
 
Blueboy67 said:
Interesting observation regarding the size of Wallan‘s talent pool Red Ranga. I’m sure it will only be a matter of time before a second team needs to emerge from Wallan due to their population growth, similar to the multiple teams at Sunbury and Melton.
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Surely this is a pi$$take?Some of you guys would make good politicians with your ability to embellish the truth.Population increase does not lead to more people playing community sport.Feel free to call me racist but to my knowledge very few (if any)Indians play in Wallan nor the surrounding areas.Simply put local footy is dying and will continue to do so.
I have read three articles re local footy on Herald Sun this morning and that’s where the truth is.I hope someone can post here for you tight ar$es that dont pay.

Lets just hope we get a full season in and good luck to all.
 
An early taste of winter at Romsey today in greasy windy conditions with Wallan winning by about 15 goals with Romsey failing to kick a goal.
Whilst the scoreboard did not look pretty for Romsey they sure cracked in and the Magpies will feel it tomorrow.Wallan had an even spread of good players with Romsey clearly lacking anything forward of centre.Romsey appears young and im sure will only improve and welcome back a few decent players currently on a cricket trip atm.
Interested to see any other scores?
 
barfly said:
Surely this is a pi$$take?Some of you guys would make good politicians with your ability to embellish the truth.Population increase does not lead to more people playing community sport.Feel free to call me racist but to my knowledge very few (if any)Indians play in Wallan nor the surrounding areas.Simply put local footy is dying and will continue to do so.
I have read three articles re local footy on Herald Sun this morning and that’s where the truth is.I hope someone can post here for you tight ar$es that dont pay.

Lets just hope we get a full season in and good luck to all.
Click to expand...
Umm Yhea population increases do mean more play community sport stupid comment
 

Thousands of teenage boys have walked away from their local footy clubs in the two years since Covid struck.
The number of teen players in suburban and regional Victoria is down six per cent from 2019 — approximately 5000 players — forcing the AFL to focus on youth participation as one of its highest priorities.

A Saturday Herald Sun investigation has revealed some clubs are struggling to field teams in junior and senior footy teams, while hundreds of volunteers have failed to return.

Umpire numbers have also plummeted across the state leaving a gaping hole and question marks on how some games will go ahead.

Leagues are considering reverting to 16-a-side in lower grades to help offset the player shortage.

With local footy returning today across country Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne, clubs and communities need support.

Executive General Manager of Game Development Rob Auld told the Herald Sun the governing body’s “main focus needs to be getting participation back up and running”.

He said junior boys, aged between 10 and 18, had recorded the “biggest area of decline” compared with figures from pre-pandemic levels.

Auskick numbers are also down about six per cent with some programs not starting until after the upcoming school holidays.


Across all age groups though there are more 120,000 registered players across the state ahead of today’s first bounce — more than compared to the same time in 2019.

AFL clubs are doing their bit to encourage greater junior participation with the Western Bulldogs announcing they would cover the league registration fees of 5000 under 8 to 16s Western Region league footballers - at a cost of more than $100,000.

“Youth footy is where we’ve got some work to do,” Mr Auld said.

“In terms of senior footy, the numbers are closer to pre-pandemic levels to where they are in youth.

“One of the focuses of local footy in 2022 is to restore the confidence in households of having continuity and certainty in the season.

AFL coaches and captains have joined the call to arms to get participants back in the game.

with the AFL asking club captains and senior players to create messages and send them to junior competitions, encouraging missing players to rejoin their local clubs.

“The AFL players appreciate and understand how critical the support for grassroots football is for the future of the game,” Mr Auld said.

“They all had their start at either community clubs or school teams and when we met with the captains a few weeks ago, they were incredibly supportive of their local clubs and the support that local volunteers provided them.

“They know it is a great environment for young people and want as many back playing as possible.”

Coaches including Damien Hardwick, Chris Fagan and first-year Collingwood mentor Craig McRae have been involved in webinars with more than 8000 community coaches, providing insight and advice.

“The coaches have been an incredible support to community clubs and I can’t thank them enough,” Mr Auld said.

“It was fantastic to hear the AFL coaches engaging first-hand with community coaches and talking through every aspect of leading and coaching a team.”

The AFL’s commitment to boosting participation numbers includes the launch of the Golden Rego Giveaway with prizes on offer for any player, coach, volunteer or administrator who registers with a club for 2022.

It also promised an additional $8m community football support package in December.

The game’s governing body will cover accreditation fees for coaches, sport trainers and umpires this year.

Mr Auld said 30 volunteer support officers, costing $1.6m, would be employed to help clubs “turn the lights back on”.

“It’s one of our most exciting and important initiatives in Victoria,” he said.

“It will help clubs reboot. These people are paid by the AFL to help ease the burden on volunteers by guiding them through all the black and white details of running a club.

“We want to make the lives of these people easier. In pre-season terms, the volunteers haven’t done a full pre-season in two years. They’re coming back to getting their clubs up and running again which is a big job.

Despite admitting there will still be bumps along the way for footy clubs, Mr Auld said the outlook was much brighter than some people might have expected.

“Community footy is very important to the AFL. It’s a huge priority,” Mr Auld said.

“We need to continue working with leagues and clubs in the short-term to boost participation but in the long-term make sure we’ve got the right support in place.

“Community footy is as well placed as it has been to enjoy a fantastic period of time. But I’m not sitting here with rose coloured glasses saying it is all fine.

“Footy has such an important part in reconnecting communities, it’s more than about the game at the minute.

“Victoria needs footy to get itself back together.”

Several country clubs have been open in their battles to get started in 2022 including Benalla (Goulburn Valley league) and Port Fairy (Hampden league).

Meanwhile Yarroweyah, which plays in the Picola District league in Victoria’s north, will field only a reserves side after it launched a desperate plea for players just three weeks out from the start of the season.

“We would have loved to have a senior side but we weren’t in a position to,” club president Geoff Benson said.

“From last year we had over 20 retirements and being in a small town with six clubs in a 30km radius makes it hard to close those gaps.

“If AFL Victoria continues to bring down the salary cap as well it’s going to make it a lot easier for us. There are some instances where potential recruits are asking how much we can pay them. It’s like ‘hang on don’t you want to know about the club and what we stand for’.

“We’re known as a family club and that’s how we want to sell ourselves.

“Our town only has about 290 people living here and if the footy club goes, I’d hate to think of the repercussions.”

The pinch has also been felt by clubs in Melbourne.

Southern league club Hampden Hammers have dropped from Division 2 to 4 due to a player shortage, while Jacana will only have a senior side in the Essendon District competition.

In the Outer East, Officer senior coach Doug Koop said player depth has been hurt.

“Covid’s had a massive effect,’’ he said.

“Blokes are just saying, ‘nah I’m going to work instead of playing footy’. There is still that uncertainty.’’

Gembrook Cockatoo coach Brad Coller said some players at his club are still undecided if they will pull on the boots on the eve of round 1.

“There are a couple of boys still deciding if they will play or not, which from what I hear around the traps is very common at the moment,’’ he said.

“Motivation for the players is probably at an all-time low due to the circumstances.

“It’s been a tough pre-season. It’s been a tough three years, the boys have done three pre-seasons for eight games.

“It’s taken a toll — everyone just wants to start playing.’’

However, junior numbers in the same competition are on the “rise” according to league chief executive Aaron Bailey.

“We’re about 12 to 14 teams up from last year and our team numbers in terms of our other competitions are very similar.

“One thing we’re certainly seeing is teams may have had 30 (players) but now they have 25 or 20 but we think people will come back to the game as the season starts and they feel more confident of it going ahead.

“Certainly from our perspective all indications are our participation numbers will mirror last year.”

Essendon District league club Hadfield said it was experiencing a similar situation as it prepares to field an under 18s men’s side for the first time since 2016.

President Alan Kerr said the team came after a group of about 15 players approached the club with an interest to play.

“We were focusing on our other teams and didn’t believe it was going to happen,” he said.

“The majority of our older senior guys, who are in their late 20s, played for our 18s a long time ago so it’s a real launching pad for careers.

“There are several clubs in the surrounding area which means it can be a real battle for junior and senior players.”

After AFL chief executive Gill McLachlan said community footy was “6000 umpires short” in March, associations across the state have experienced an upturn.

Paul Carter, president of the South Gippsland Umpires Association, said his organisation had recruited more than 10 new umpires.

He said social media advertising and events including a “bring a friend night” had played a significant role in the uptake of officiating.

“We’ve sold it as a way of keeping fit and making some money in the process,” he said.

“Building relationships with the clubs has been important for us, whether it has been going along to training sessions and explaining the new rules or officiating their intraclub practice matches.

“We’ve had between 40 and 50 members on the training track which is almost more than 20 compared to previous years.”
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Aucklander said:
Maybe not footy though.
Click to expand...
verry true.
diggers rest cricket club will be the winner with the majority off the new familys who have moved in
hope that the kids can convince them at school to try footy not just cricket or soccer.
grow corridors arent all the afl say they are
 
Shhhhh! Cmon guys you can’t insinuate that 1st 2nd generation immigrants from Asian and Middle Eastern back ground won’t play footy m.
You’ll get called racist, no matter how true it is
 
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