Outer East 2023 season preview

The Magpies dropped only one game all season and their average winning margin of 98 points underlined their dominance.

Six months on and they’ll start the 2023 season as hot favourites to go back-to-back, having stabilised their list as well as regaining Ryan Quirk, from Bunyip, and half-forward Brad Scalzo, from a knee injury.

Woori Yallock was the only side to beat Narre Warren and will again be a strong unit, with Josh Neal and Zach Monkhurst providing fire power.

Wandin looks set to be a genuine contender after securing former AFL Kangaroo and Blue Aaron Mullett from Eastern league Division 1 outfit Mooroolbark.

Brendan Donovan’s Olinda Ferny Creek won a final last season and looks like being a challenger again, with ex-AFL Magpie Matthew Scharenberg a key player.

Former West Coast Eagles and Collingwood player Andrew Williams will again coach Monbulk, and another finals berth is firmly on the Hawks’ radar.

All eyes will be on Premier division newcomer Gembrook Cockatoo as they step up to the top flight after hoisting the Division 1 flag. Notably, former AFL Kangaroo Michael Firrito is going around again and will provide a strong presence in attack. Brookers coach Brad Coller believes his premiership-winning side still has loads of room for improvement, with most of last season’s premiership side under the age of 22.

Former Box Hill Hawk Connor O’Sullivan is coaching Mt Evelyn, who should have a better season, boosted by key recruits, most notably Mitcham ruckman Will Gordon.

Pakenham and Upwey Tecoma have worked hard over the pre-season, and they’ll also be looking to climb the ladder.

Division 1 looks set to be a cracker of a competition.

Hallam makes its Outer East debut after crossing from Southern league and the Hawks look to have the talent to make an impact under coach Scott Kerr.

Officer drops down from Premier division and is setting itself to bounce back strongly under new coach Daniel Charles, and with an influx of recruits.

Seville will be the team to beat after an outstanding 2022 season in which it made the grand final. Blues club great Shaun Wilson has taken the coaching reins and champion Nathan O’Keefe returns after sitting out most of last year with a knee injury. Young club Berwick Springs took huge strides forward last season under Rodney Benstead, making finals, and loom as a genuine contender.

Emerald has picked up Yarra Junction forward David Johnson, while Healesville’s exciting young talent is a year older.

Belgrave is eyeing improvement after picking up key recruits from Noble Park.

After snapping a 33-year premiership drought, Powelltown is setting itself for more success in Division 2.

Playing-coach Jarrod Bayliss said his side was sticking together, with Joel Perry, Michael Fowkes and Ben Wratten all saddling up again. And in huge recruiting news, Powelltown has signed goalkicking great Justin Van Unen, who played with Dingley in Southern league Division 1 last year. With Van Unen alongside Perry, the Towners’ forward line will be must-see viewing this season.

Warburton Millgrove will be good again, as will Yarra Junction, under new coach Regan Davis, while Alexandra has lost key players but gained some, too. Broadford’s numbers look a lot better this season.

Yarra Glen has joined the division late after sliding down from the second tier.

The Outer East women’s competition is set to be the best yet, with three new teams joining — Berwick Springs, Hallam and Wandin.

Upwey Tecoma, Healesville, Monbulk, Pakenham and Olinda Ferny Creek are shaping as the teams to beat.

A dominant Upwey Tecoma won the Conference 1 premiership last season, with Jess Occhipinti topping the competition goalkicking with 38 and Alexandria Bantock slotting 37. Kiana Oates and Emma Caccetta also enjoyed brilliant seasons and will look top maintain their high standards in 2023.

Pakenham will look to push for high honours, with star player Courtney Stephens set for another dazzling season.

Monbulk won the Conference 2 flag last year. Newcomers Berwick Springs are expected to make an impact, with a group of talented and experienced players.

FIVE BOLD PREDICTIONS

*Wandin to play off in the grand final.

*Officer to give the Division 1 flag a nudge.

*Berwick Springs to play finals for the second successive season.

*Justin Van Unen to kick a century of goals for Powelltown.

*Upwey Tecoma to go back-to-back in women’s division.

PREMIER DIVISION

Teams: Gembrook Cockatoo, Monbulk, Mt Evelyn, Narre Warren, Olinda Ferny Creek, Pakenham, Upwey Tecoma, Wandin, Woori Yallock.

Reigning premier/runner-up: Narre Warren/Woori Yallock

Best and fairest: Jake Richardson (Narre Warren)

Leading goalkicker: Clinton Johnson (Wandin) 75

DIVISION 1

Teams: Belgrave, Berwick Springs, Emerald, Hallam, Healesville, Officer, Seville.

Reigning premier/runner-up: Gembrook Cockatoo/Seville

Best and fairest: Daniel Ousley (Berwick Springs), Jake Strachan (Seville)

Leading goalkicker: Myles Wareham (Gembrook Cockatoo) 71

DIVISION 2

Teams: Alexandra, Broadford, Powelltown, Warburton Millgrove, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction.

Reigning premier/runner-up: Powelltown/Kinglake

Best and fairest: Ben Wratten (Powelltown), Joel Perry (Powelltown)

Leading goalkicker: Joel Perry (Powelltown) 74

SENIOR WOMEN’S

Teams: Belgrave, Berwick Springs, Hallam, Healesville, Monbulk, Olinda Ferny Creek, Pakenham, Seville, Thornton Eildon, Upwey Tecoma, Wandin, Yarra Junction

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Reigning premier/runner-up: Conference 1: Upwey Tecoma/Healesville. Conference 2: Monbulk/Belgrave

Best and fairest: Courtney Stephens (Pakenham)

Leading goal kicker: Jess Occhipinti (Upwey Tecoma) 38

Originally published as Outer East 2023 season preview