Hurstbridge coach Joel Cordwell discusses the Bridges’ expectations, preparations

After a club record 11 wins and a fourth-placed finish, the Bridges’ season ended in an elimination final loss for the second year in a row.

It’s seen the club make some small adjustments in pre-season and bring in some targeted recruits to top-up a potentially premiership-contending list.

The return of former captain Lachie East immediately strengthens the backline, while star midfielder Mitch Moschitti will be full-time after stepping away from VFL duties.

Hurstbridge coach Joel Cordwell said, with a free run without injury, the club was close to finding that next gear.

“The finals defeat hit pretty hard for the group, so they came back hungry and determined,” Cordwell said.

“We’re improving on the areas we needed to, to make those little gains because we’ve been reasonably consistent in the last couple of years but need to elevate our game to a new level to get to where we want to get to.

“I think both (gameplan and fitness), we were hampered by injuries in the second half of last year.

“We never used it as an excuse but they do take a toll and they take away guys’ consistency and continuity and that impacts the group collectively as well.

“To play finals and have a really great game, only to lose, was really disappointing but it will help the group in the long run.”

East returns from two years at Bundoora where he won the best-and-fairest last season and was a Team of the Year selection both years.

Moschitti was also a Team of the Year pick in 2023 but was limited to eight games with the Bridges, while also making seven appearances for Port Melbourne.

Daniel Bourke joins his fellow Phillip Island natives Moschitti and Harry O’Brien at Ben Frilay Oval, after winning back-to-back West Gippsland league premierships.

A 196cm ruckman, he will bolster the Bridges’ key position stocks with his ability to go forward and provide a marking target.

Mitch Dale returns after being a member of Diamond Creek’s Division 2 grand final team last year, while Jed Tyrrell steps up from Division 3 club Kinglake.

“Daniel is a ruck-forward, who can even play in the midfield too because he’s really athletic,” Cordwell said.

“I think at times we’ve been a bit under-sized, so to add Lachie and Bourkey that will help our tall stocks and give us more flexibility.

“We get Mitch Moschitti full-time … he’s loved Hurstbridge since he came down and he wants a bit more consistency, not going from VFL to us, which I think at times affected his footy.”

Meanwhile, Williamstown VFL-listed Joel Fitzgerald joins his brother and reigning best-and-fairest Blake at the club, who in turn has won himself a contract at the Seagulls.

“It’s really good reward for Blake. He deserves it,” Cordwell said.

“He and Will Cookson love trying to beat each other, like in time trials and how hard they work, he racks up the footy and is really good clearance player.”

Fitzgerald, Cookson, O’Brien, captain Ethan Taylor, Jack Stewart, Liam Middleton and Chris McCabe played all 19 games last season.

Joel Naylor was limited to 12 matches but led the club with 28 majors.

Cordwell said a big pre-season has the Bridges’ spearhead primed for a big year.

“Joel Naylor has had a sensational pre-season, he’s barely missed a training session and is looking really good,” Cordwell said.

“He had a very disrupted year last year with injury and concussion, same as Bailey Jordan.

DIV 3: JEALOUSLY FUELLING KILMORE’S FINALS AMBITION

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

DIV 2: WHAT PANTON HILL NEEDS TO TAKE NEXT STEP

“Joel is definitely leading from the front and Chris McCabe as well, he’s barely missed a session. Our captain, Ethan, has been going well too.

“There’s a couple of young guys like Cooper Beauchamp, who got a taste of senior footy last year, and is in fantastic condition and ready to take his game to a new level.”

Hurstbridge kicks off its 2025 campaign when it welcomes elimination final nemesis Greensborough to Ben Frilay Oval on April 5.

It then faces Eltham, North Heidelberg and West Preston-Lakeside in the opening month.

Originally published as Hurstbridge coach Joel Cordwell discusses the Bridges’ expectations, preparations