UMPIRING NEWS
SFL SEASON PREVIEW
If practice-match form and the standard of recruiting is any guide, the Southern Football League season that kicks off this Saturday should be a clinker.
Reigning premier St Kilda City again looms as the team to beat, despite losing some key members of the 2007 premiership team, Salim Hassan (West Adelaide) and Adrian Newman (Darley) among them.
Much-travelled ruckman Steve Arvanitis is also on the move again, this time to Tooradin, while Dave Sheehan has returned to Moorabbin West.
Warren Kruse has been cleared to Lilydale and Ryan Pitcher has retired.
However, experienced rover John Lindsay will bolster the Saints' stocks, as will Ben Artz, who played in St Pauls' losing grand final against the Saints.
Gavin Mahony has crossed from Ashwood, while midfielders Michael (from Mt Gravatt) and John Stinear (De La Salle) will provide more run through the centre.
The Saints are banking on former WAFL star Myles Quinn, who was at Strathmore last season, to cover the loss of Arvanitis, while Craig Allender, a forward from Old Ivanhoe, is expected to do well. Simon Campbell has returned to the Peanut Farm after a stint in Tasmania.
Richard Houston will again coach the Saints.
``We have a younger group and hope to be around the mark again. Our aim is to make the four and inject some of our Under 17s into the senior team.''
Last year's runner-up, St Paul's East Bentleigh, has recruited well, with Joseph Krieger from Mornington and Jarrod Rafferty from Frankston impressive in scratch matches.
Trent McIntyre from Bentleigh and Nathan White (Katandra) have also added some extra dash to the Doggies' running game, while ruckman Trevor Timms has returned from overseas.
With their only major loss that of Artz to St Kilda City, the Doggies again look set to be a leading contender at the business end of the season. Adam Shepard remains at the helm at McKinnon Oval.
Clayton, third last season, will be led by former Carlton star Darren Hulme, who replaces George Jones.
``It's a tall order taking the place of someone as well respected as George, but I'm looking forward to repaying the faith the club has shown in me,'' Hulme said after his charges easily defeated Highett in a practice match.
Hulme's task will be made a little easier with the return of former premiership player Dave ``Gumby'' Roberts from overseas and former league best-and-fairest winner Victor Currie, back from Noble Park.
Justin Isaac has also returned to Clayton Reserve, from Hastings, while Brett Gilder's availability will depend on when his services are required by Sandringham.
Hulme is hopeful of playing, but has been troubled by soft tissue injuries.
``I'd love to say I could get through at least half the games, but the older I'm getting, the body keeps letting me down,'' he lamented.
``If I can scratch out eight to 10 games, I'd be pretty happy.''
Cheltenham, stung by its narrow defeat by Clayton in last year's first semi-final, is shaping as the big improver.
The Rosellas' shrewd recruiting campaign has unearthed the extra talent they believe can make the difference.
``We've added some height, an area in which we were deficient last season,'' coach Brett Shalders said, referring to the arrival of Ewan McKenzie and Adam Martin from Sandringham.
Both big men have impressed with their practice match form, as has Daniel Pabst, who has crossed from Oakleigh District. Andy Taranto has returned from Noble Park, while the recruitment of star Benalla rover Adam Cole will make for a formidable on-ball division.
Other new signings include Travis Kennedy, a defender from Ringwood, Andrew Brown, a key defender from Warrandyte, and former Balwyn wingman Anthony Steer.
Forward Shaun Bedggood from Lalbert and onballer Matt Winnie from East Ringwood have also joined the Rosellas, whose major losses include Nick Polwarth, who has returned to Greta, Glen Burnell (Benalla) and Jason Landorf, who has retired.
East Brighton, which finished fifth last season, will sport a new look this season with more than 30 new players on its list and a new coach in Barry Hope.
Paul De Koeyer and Ben Skinner have crossed from Oakleigh District, while Phil Hope returns from Maribyrnong Park to join his brother.
Stephen Kelly, a wingman from St Mary's Salesian, and former Uni Blues midfielder Tim Terry will add some bite around the middle, while onballers Matthew Solimo (Wangaratta) and Justin King (Rye) are expected to do well.
Other newcomers include utility/defender Alexander Wheeler from Mulwala, Chris Hunt, a half-forward from Waverley Blues, and former Calivil United pair, defender Daniel Smith and key forward Adam Knight.
The return of Dan Condon from overseas is another bonus for the club.
However, the Vampires have lost a bucketload of experience and talent, with premiership players Clint Einsedel (Heatherton), Matt Jamieson (Heatherton) and Glenn Hislop (Waverley Blues) departing Hurlingham Park.
Stephen Ryan (Old Xaverians) and Jarrod Matthieson are also among the losses. Jon Adams has retired.
Chelsea Heights pulled off a recruiting coup by signing former Frankston captain and best-and-fairest winner Ash Roberts.
Coach Ryan Flack has also lured his brother Matthew, a tall key position player from Swinburne University, to the club, with ex-Ellinbank coach David Quirk and Ryan Miller, a creative flanker from Kilcunda Bass, among other notable pick-ups.
Jack Trevere, a dashing midfielder from Gippsland Power, has also impressed in practice matches, while Travis Coote, Brendan Confoy, Jarrod Uren, Paul Oakley and Jason O'Brien have all returned after lay-offs.
The Demons' major departures are Leigh Baldry and Ryan Stewart, both undergoing knee reconstructions, and Matt Winchester, who has gone overseas.
The Demons start their season on Sunday in the ANZAC tribute match against Cheltenham at Weatherall Road.
Tooronga Malvern, under new coach Rob Mallett, hopes to improve on its seventh placing last season and has picked up a swag of recruits, including former Old Camberwell ruckman Ryan Chard.
Chard has an impressive record in amateur ranks and should provide a huge boost to the Panthers' on-ball division.
``We will probably be fielding up to 12 new players in our first game, so it really is a new-look team,'' Mallett said.
Other recruits include Beau Wilson, a goalkicking wingman from Croydon, ruckman Paddy Dunne from St Mary's Salesian, defender John Delahunty from North Ballarat and Albury onballer Matt Caroll, who will serve as Mallet's assistant coach.
And the Panthers have picked up a handful of players from Sale, including key defender Chris Horstman, backman Ryan Devisser, on-baller Justin McLay and winger-flanker James Hammill.
New Highett coach Steve Wright is under no illusions about the challenge facing him and his team this season.
``We've started a little behind the eight-ball with poor numbers early, but we've rectified that and we'll be OK. We'll be fine at the top end but may drop away a little in depth,'' the former South Melbourne and Sydney Swans champion conceded.
``Our first priority is to remain competitive in the top division and when we've got our first win on the board, we'll know where we are.''
The Bulldogs will be bouyed by the recruitment of former Clayton pair Tony Bevacqua and Joe Sibilia, who have crossed from University Blacks and Dylan Mounsay, a likely type from Northcote Park.
Wright's son Josh will also don the red-white-and-blue this season, along with former Caulfield Grammarians teammate Todd Robinson.
The Bulldogs' losses include Matt Andrews to Black Rock, Paul Murphy (Springvale Districts) and Brad Sheers (Skye).
Mordialloc has increased its stocks substantially, while maintaining last season's list.
Key signings include ex-Edithvale-Aspendale pair, rover Shane Antrobus and onballer Jason Ferraro.
Other new faces at Ben Kavanagh Reserve include Brendan Hutton (Mt Eliza), Nathan Robinson (Old Mentonians), Luke Walker (Dromana), Ricky Mether (Bonbeach) and Aidan Jolly (Pines).
Former Clayton ruckman David White has joined the Bloods from Mt Eliza, while Shane Horler, brother of Marc, returns to football after a long absence.
Matthew Reid (ex St Bede's and Edithvale-Aspendale) and Andrew Killingsworth from Cheltenham are among other arrivals, and David Grose returns to the club after two years with Devon Meadows.
Football nomad Terry McKinley (Heatherton) is the only notable loss as Aaron Martello embarks on his third season as coach.
All eyes will be on the promoted Springvale Districts on its debut in the top division when it takes on Clayton in Friday night's season-opener at Newcomen Road.
The Demons have been buoyed by the return of former skipper Jason Hall from Cora Lynn, while much travelled veteran ruckman Ty Esler will add some much needed height.
Former Highett defender Paul Murphy has also joined the Districts, with John McMurray, a defender from Keysborough, and former Noble Park player Tate McKee also new hands on deck.
The Districts' major loss is Mick Odachowski to Canberra, while Darin Joyce, Glenn Kemp, Sareth Souen, Shane Paul and Drew Little have all crossed to Dandenong Demons.
The rumour mill has Dingley and Heatherton starting as early favourites in Division Two.
Dingley, again coached by Adam Quinn, has lost only a few of its grand final line-up and has picked up some handy replacements.
The Dingoes will be missing speedy winger Steve De Bolfo, who has gone to Darwin to pursue his cricket career, and Jai Smith, who has crossed to Keysborough.
But their ranks will be boosted by the inclusion of onballers Daniel Turcarelli from Old Haileybury and Cameron Main. Stephen Vinen from Rye is another newcomer who can play up forward or in defence.
Heatherton has left no stone unturned in its quest to return to Division One.
The Tunners have lured premiership leaders Clint Einsiedel and Matt Jamieson across from East Brighton and will have the luxury of former Noble Park star forward Brent Williams in front of goal this season. Veteran defender Terry McKinley has crossed from Mordialloc and Corey Hand has returned from overseas.
The Tunners will again be under the astute guidance of three-time SFL premiership coach John Bennett.
Oakleigh District will field a much younger side this season after losing Daniel Pabst, Ben Skinner, Luke Reddie and Paul De Koeyer.
However, the prospect of a full season from Paul Fermanis makes the Oaks a dangerous proposition and with more than 30 new players on their list, depth won't be a problem.
Newcomers include Will Lamarca, a forward/onballer from Doveton, Glen D'Olivera, another onballer from St. John's, former Noble Park forward Daniel Saldanha and Jason Brown from Ashwood, who will most likely line up at full-back.
Defender Jack Morwood, son of former Swans great Tony, has crossed from De La Salle, while Tim Crespin, son of former SFL president Steve, will also line up in defence.
The Oaks will be coached this season by Andrew Morwood, a member of the famous football family.
Caulfield, a finalist last season and with Darren Kappler again in charge, has recruited well and should again be in the mix.
The Bears have retained most of last season's list, with Evan Goldman, a flanker from Elsternwick, Leigh Goldman, a solid utility from Ajax, and Russell Croxford from Swanpool among the additions.
Chris Todd from Sandhurst will give the Fields some added height, while the club is also hopeful of securing ruckman Paul Burke from Eastlake in the ACT.
Ashwood will boast a more youthful look in 2008 with a host of younger players being recruited to Essex Heights Reserve.
Big things are expected of winger/onballer Matt McKenzie, who is back and free of injury, while Jessie Brown, a hard-running wingman from De La Salle, will contribute to a pacy midfield. Also from De La Salle is defender Tim Brown, while half-forward Tim Smith and ruckman Sam Murphy have crossed from Mount Waverley.
The Magpies will miss the on-field experience of Jean-Paul Lefebure, Mick Hennue and coach Paul Hatterlsey, all of whom have retired.
Moorabbin Kangaroos hope to improve on their middle-of-the-road finish last season, with ruckman Luke O'Shannassy and onballer Courtney Wright, both from Knox, among the new faces.
David Sheehan has returned from St Kilda City and Tarek Dimashki is back after a season's absence, while onballer Tim Gray has joined the Kangaroos from Cockatoo.
With Aaron Bailey again at the helm, the Kangaroos' most notable loss is Milhan Hajek to Warragul.
Hampton welcomes a new coach in Mike Allen, who has most recently coached North Kew and Sandown Cobras.
The Hammers have been reasonably low-key in the lead-up to the season but will be boosted by the return of key forward Brendan Bennett from Cheltenham.
Justin Crowe, an onballer from Seaford, and former Tooronga Malvern and Sandown Cobras star Rob Kreskas have also joined the Hammers.
The club's notable departures include former coach Justin Moran (Aberfeldie) and Josh Jewell, who has transferred to South Melbourne Districts in the VAFA.
There has been minimal movement at Lyndale, with the return to the club of Darren Ruston and Dean Hargreaves after a few seasons away providing a boost.
Jess Dudi, an onballer from Albert Park, is a new face at Barry Powell Reserve.
But Russell Weeding (Buln Buln), Ragip Ragipi (overseas) and Ken Smart (Doveton) have moved on.
Like many other SFL clubs this season, Murrumbeena has added to its depth and, according to club officials, as many as 15 new players could line up in the seniors in the Lions' opening clash against Hampton at Murrumbeena Park on Saturday.
Former player Drew O'Donoghue has returned to the club as coach, bringing back with him Adam Williamson from Sebastapol. Other new faces include onballers James Clyne from South Melbourne Districts, Tim McDonald from Noorat and Mick McCormack from Warragul Industrials.
Rover Peter Fotiniotis (Sebastapol) and wingman Chris Sinclair (Hampton Rovers) are also expected to do well, while Adam van der Nuit, a tall defender from Fish Creek, and former Nyora forward Jesse Doumas were impressive in the Beena's hit-out against Eastern Lions.
The Lions will be buoyed by the return from injury of solid defender Joel Statham and the consistent Justin Pilgrim, while Sam Heslop and Dion Sortino have both returned after a stint with Kew Amateurs.
Ashley Brownjohn (retired) and Mark Dintino (Reservoir) are no longer around.
Black Rock hopes its promotion to Division Two will result in a more lengthy stay than its last brief stint a few seasons ago.
Under new coach Chris Moore, the Rockers have adopted a youth policy, with Matt Andrews (Highett) among the recruits.
Others include Doug McKenzie, a classy forward from Oakleigh Amateurs, Stuart Moodie, a back flanker from Langwarrin, and onballers Brad McKenzie (Geelong Falcons) and Andrew Phelps (Fitzroy Reds).
The Rockers' losses include Michael Nicolosi (Dandenong Demons) and retirees Andrew Hourigan and Michael Ferwerda.
After losing last year's Third Division grand final by a point in extra time, Mount Waverley has left no stone unturned in its quest for a premiership.
The Mountain Lions have picked up a host of new players and kept most of last year's list.
Newcomers include Sam Taunt, Nicholas Hayes and Garrett Kinchington (all from Waverley Blues), along with Jake Brown and Chris Filer from Mulgrave.
Steve Muscat will coach the Mountain Lions again.
Their main opposition may come from a rejuvenated Canterbury and an improved Skye.
Canterbury has recruited extensively, with its only loss being veteran defender Andrew Mack, who has travelled overseas.
Among the new faces expected to do well are onballer Andrew Dimble, winger Baden Quinane and midfielder Rohan Walmsley, all from De La Salle.
Ruckman Frank Bowden from Berrigan, key defender Steve Ebacioni (Berrigan), full-back Jon Wilson (Dalyston) and defender Nat Dinsdale (Cranbourne) have also been impressive in pre-season sessions.
Daniel Pearce will saddle up again as coach.
Dandenong Demons will be bolstered by a contingent of former Springvale Districts stalwarts when it locks horns with South Yarra in the season-opener.
Darin ``Big Show'' Joyce, Glenn Kemp, Drew Little, Sareth Souen and Shane Paul have all made the switch from Newcomen Road and will join new coach Stephen Kemp at the Showgrounds.
Other signings include Brad Chalmers from Gembrook and onballer Sam Ferrari from Dandenong Stingrays.
Unfortunately, the Demons will be without match-winner David Black, who is trying his luck at Croydon.
Skye, under new coach Corey Stevens, is tipped as a big improver, with Campbell Johnson (Parkdale Vultures) and Brad Sheers (Highett) among the newcomers.
The Bombers have lost last year's co-coach, Mark Mussared, to Doveton Eagles but are confident of improving on their sixth placing in 2007.
South Yarra is confident of a big season under new co-coaches Adam Neville and Simon Keating.
The Lions' practice form has been most encouraging, with their recruits showing out.
They include Andrew Elborough, an onballer from Tooradin, and former North Kew stalwart Jeff Askew.
Other new faces include former Surrey Park flanker Paul Davies, and University Blues pair, Will Hughes and Matt Callery, son of ex-VFL star Paul Callery.
Nick Owen (Reservoir) and Lance Earhard (Heidelberg West) have been cleared to other clubs.
Things are looking a lot brighter for Sandown Cobras after what has been a tough summer following the loss of their coach and nearly half their senior team.
An influx of youthful recruits has swelled the numbers at training and officials are confident the club will be competitive again in 2008.
New faces at Edinburgh Reserve include Lyndale pair Daniel McMahon (onballer) and Craig King (defender), former Rowville forward Roland White, Aaron Powell, a handy onballer from De La Salle and Shane Cosstick, a key forward from Upwey Tecoma.
Anthony Leek is also expected to play a major role either on the ball or in defence, while former Parkmore trio Daniel Garner, Albert Ly and Nathan Naidu have also joined the Cobras.
The club's major losses include Jake Chapman (Tooronga Malvern), Rob Kreskas (Hampton), Stephen Orr (Hampton), Clint Sheedy (Buln Buln), Simon Foster (Buln Buln), Neal Brown (Buln Buln), Nick Robinson (Buln Buln) and Adam Maling (Pines).
This week's opening round
DIV 1: Springvale Dist v Clayton (Friday night), St Kilda City v East Brighton, Highett v Mordialloc, Tooronga Malvern v St Paul's, Cheltenham v Chelsea Heights (Sunday).
DIV 2: Black Rock v Moorabbin, Murrumbeena v Hampton, Ashwood v Dingley, Lyndale v Oakleigh District, Heatherton v Caulfield.
DIV 3: Skye v Cerberus, Mt Waverley v Sandown Cobras, Dandenong v South Yarra, Doveton Eagles v Canterbury.
Brett McGeorge