DIVISION 4
Domenic Favata
@DomFavata
‘LET THE GAMES BEGIN’ At last, the footy season has returned and Division 4 is shaping up for an excellent season in 2013. The introduction of two new teams adds intrigue to the section, leaving us to ponder an exciting 2013 season. Eley Park Sharks: After an impressive preliminary final appearance in 2012, the Sharks will be hoping to go one better in 2013 and challenge for the flag. The Sharks kick off their season against the Magpies at Whitehorse Reserve, and are looming as the team to beat in 2013. Point Cook: With Saltwater Reserve as their new home ground, the Bulldogs will want to create a home fortress to defend against the teams making the trek down the freeway. A semi-final appearance in 2012 will hopefully lead to bigger and better things in 2013. With a strong youth program and the reigning league best and fairest in Jordan Lampi expect the Bulldogs to be firing come September. North Brunswick: A fifth place finish in 2012 should act as motivation for North Brunswick this year. It is a realistic aim to strive for the top four this season. The Bulls have recruited heavily, poaching several players from other clubs as they look towards establishing depth within their squad. An obvious rivalry with West Brunswick adds some spice to the competition. Manningham Cobras: Word from senior coach Anthony Pezzimenti is that the Cobras expect to play finals after a promising mid-table finish in 2012. They are aiming to do so with the development of several new leaders on the track following the departure of former cocaptain Stephen Rose. A focus on competitive drills during the pre-season will hopefully lead to a solid first up showing against Chadstone in round 2 as they have an extra week off in Round 22
1 with a bye first up. West Brunswick: The Magpies have only one thing on their mind after a mediocre 2012 season, competitiveness. The ‘Pies’ believe they need to claim scalps against the better sides in order to make that leap into finals contention. The competitive drive has been led by the teams leaders, who will need to have the boys primed for a tough first round encounter away to the Sharks. Box Hill North: A first round away clash against Mt Lilydale will prove a stern test for Box Hill North, The Demons will be looking to make their climb up the ladder by knocking off a fellow up and coming team. Winning only five games in 2012 should spur Box Hill North on to greater achievements in 2013. They will be looking at climbing towards the six to eight win mark and improve on last years performance. Mt Lilydale: An interesting first round encounter against Box Hill North at home will display the development of Mt Lilydale AFC. Given they finished very close to Box Hill North in 2012. With no major player transfers to report, Mt Lilydale will rely on a similar team to 2012 with the influx of more youth, however they will be hoping their fortunes change after a tough 2012 season, in which they only won four games. Chadstone: After a breakthrough win in 2012, the ‘Synners’ will want to begin their rise up the table in 2013 and according to senior coach TODAY SELECTIONS IN BOLD Mt Lilydale v Box Hill North Northern Blues v North Brunswick Hawthorn v Dragons Point Cook v Chadstone Eley Park v West Brunswick
THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2012
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