FOOTBALLER

Preview - Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division
By TOBIE CHAPMAN
After Keilor and Strathmore kicked off with a Good
Friday Special two weeks ago, it’s finally time for
the official start to the Strathmore Community Bank
Premier Division season. Aberfeldie start out the
season as favourites, but it won’t be easy to repeat their
dream 2015 with some impressive signings for
their competition.
Avondale Heights v Keilor
Keilor are coming off a gutsy win against Strathmore,
and the week off will have been appreciated by Mick
McGuane’s team. Avondale Heights have a new coach
in the form of Daniel Archer and have experienced a
fair turnover since last season and are no certainty to
make finals, so a positive start to the season could be
vital. This clash is made even more meaningful as a
result of Michael Tanner, Luke Cartelli and Dean Galea
all leaving Avondale to line up for Keilor over the break.
Cartelli played a major role in helping Keilor win first up,
while Galea showed how dangerous he is around the
goals and Avondale will almost certainly be worse off
for their departures. Keilor will be keen to follow up with
another win and send a message to Aberfeldie early on
in the season. Keilor won both games against Avondale
last season and expect them to put in a good
showing again.
Aberfeldie v Maribyrnong Park
Reigning premiers Aberfeldie kick off their season at
home against a Maribyrnong Park now featuring former
Geelong midfielder Joel Corey. Aberfeldie have lost star
ruckman Angus Graham, but have kept their midfield
core while adding former North Melbourne ruckman
Ben Mabon, who has spent the last two years in the
SANFL. They’ve also added VFL experience in the
form of Angus Grigg, who spent time at North Ballarat,
and the returning Sam Cattapan, who placed third in
the Northern Blues’ Best & Fairest in 2014. Maribyrnong
Park are an improved side from last year, but it’s tough
to see them challenging Aberfeldie first up. With the
addition of Corey and Port Melbourne Colts boys Nick
and Chris Prowse, they may be a sneaky chance, but
Abers are a terrific football side.
Airport West v West Coburg
Both these sides had difficult seasons last year, winning
three and four games respectively. Airport West have
brought in Damien Cupido as coach, but will likely
spend the season battling relegation. Similarly, so will
West Coburg in their second season in the Premier
Division. They’ve got a number of new recruits in and
will be hoping for improvement on their four wins but
it won’t be an easy task. This should be a tight battle
though, two sides that are in similar positions. Airport
West had the edge late in the season with a win at
home despite inaccurate kicking, but West Coburg won
early on in 2015. Hansen Reserve may prove to be the
difference this week, but expect a hard-fought match.
Strathmore v Essendon Doutta Stars
It’s not an easy assignment up first for Dean Wallis
and the newly promoted Stars but it’s a challenge they
should relish. Strathmore were somewhat disappointing
against Keilor, but with some big ins it may take a
little time for it all to come together. Hamish McIntosh
started slowly last week but soon found his feet against
strong competition and should play a key role this
week. The Stars have some handy additions who
could make immediate impact in former AFL players
Cleve Hughes and Darren Pfeiffer, but it’s never easy
to predict the fortunes of a newly-promoted side. Wallis
and co. will be looking for at least a full-hearted effort
and competitiveness early on, but if Strathmore are to
challenge this year these are the games they need to
really assert themselves in.
Pascoe Vale v Greenvale (Live from 2pm on 98.9
North West FM & EDFL Team App)
These sides finished third and second in the regular
season last year, before Pascoe Vale were beaten
in the Semi-Final by Keilor, while Greenvale were
comfortably beaten twice by Aberfeldie in the finals.
Greenvale in particular will be looking to come out firing,
a Grand Final loss fresh in their minds and they’ve
retained most of that side, with a few handy inclusions.
Pascoe Vale haven’t been as lucky over the offseason,
with a number of departures outweighing their
inclusions, but on the positive side they’ve retained all of
last years’ big recruits. Pascoe Vale are at home, but on
paper Greenvale have the stronger side and should be
a step ahead this season.
THE FOOTBALLER – The Essendon District Football League Record www.essendondfl.com.au 13 13