THE 2015 Division 2 season will be looked back upon as one of the competition’s most enthralling campaigns.
After a superb 2014 season, the competition tightened even further this year – with very little separating the top five sides all season long.
Whittlesea eventually took the spoils to claim its third Division 2 premiership in six years, but the Eagles far from had things their own way throughout the home and away season.
In fact, the premier finished the regular season with an 11-1-6 record – finishing just half a game and percentage ahead of fifth-placed Thomastown.
Throughout the year Whittlesea was locked in an absorbing tussle with Lalor, Hurstbridge, the Fitzroy Stars and Thomastown at the top end of the ladder.
The five continually switched places in the top four, with finals places not settled until the final minutes of the regular season.
Thomastown was the side that was eventually desperately unlucky to miss a finals place. The Bears were gallant in their first season back up in Division 2, winning their first seven matches before fading.
Lalor and Hurstbridge were the greatest improvers over the season and finished in the top two at season’s end – a far cry from two seasons ago when they both fought desperately to avoid relegation.
After consecutive grand final appearances, the Fitzroy Stars fell back to the pack and only just scraped their way into the finals series. However, they were unable to emulate their recent finals form, knocked out in the first week of this year’s campaign.
At the bottom end of the ladder, Diamond Creek showed improvement under Craig Hayes and ended the season with a credible seven wins and a draw.
Panton Hill finished one place below the Creekers but was never threatened with the worry of relegation, despite winning just four games.
This was due to Mernda’s struggles at the bottom of the ladder. Despite a preliminary final finish in 2014, the Demons never got going this year and managed just one win from 18 matches.
Continue below for a review of each teams’ Division 2 season:
WHITTLESEA – Premier (14 wins, 1 draw, 6 losses)
Three superb finals wins helped Whittlesea to its third premiership from its past three seasons in Division 2. While the Eagles weren’t as dominant as previous stints in second division, Brad Dean’s side came good when it counted most to take out the 2015 flag. Outlining the closeness of Division 2 throughout the season, Whittlesea never won more than three matches in succession en route to this year’s premiership. Importantly, Whittlesea was able to stand up when it mattered most – winning three finals and also beating minor premier Lalor in all four encounters throughout the season. Skipper Andrew Fairchild led from the front all season and finished the campaign with 59 goals. He received strong support from Matthew Dornauf, Todd Behan and Jordan Ormerod – with Dornauf and Ormerod both finding their way into the Division 2 Team of the Year, along with Fairchild and defender Dale Saddington. Ormerod was the Eagles’ big improver – starting the year in the reserves before featuring in the best in 12 of his 20 senior matches. He was superb in the second half of the three-point grand final win over Lalor and was just edged out for best afield honours by Behan – who himself finished among the Eagles’ best two players in six of the last nine matches. Janan Daniel proved a reliable avenue to goal, kicking 45 majors, while a total of six Eagles booted more than 20 goals throughout the season. The future looks bright for Whittlesea as it pushes back into the top flight, with all three teams playing off in grand finals this year. The Eagles’ reserves were just beaten on grand final day, while the under-19s claimed the premiership convincingly – with a host of the side’s leading players getting a taste of senior football this year.
Most NFL best and fairest votes: Andrew Fairchild (14 votes)
Leading goal kicker: Andrew Fairchild (59 goals)
Team of the Year representatives: Matt Dornauf, Andrew Fairchild, Jordan Ormerod, Dale Saddington
LALOR – Runner-up (14 wins, 1 draw, 5 losses)
Lalor again showed great improvement in Steve Marshall’s second season as coach, falling agonisingly short of its first premiership since 2007. In an even competition, the Bloods were the most consistent side in Division 2 – losing just three games after Round 7. Unfortunately, they just couldn’t overcome Whittlesea in any outings throughout the season – losing four close contests, including the grand final. Shane Jacobs was a standout in his first season at Lalor Reserve, winning both the competition and Lalor best and fairest awards, as well as being named the Division 2 Coaches Player of the Year. The 31-year-old was a ball magnet and also finished the year with 22 goals. He claimed Lalor’s best and fairest from Jarrod King and Ben Curtiss – with Curtiss the club’s best player in its narrow grand final defeat. Todd Hughes took his game to another level at full forward, booting 81 goals, which included bags of four goals or more on 16 occasions. Jason Dowell continually shut down the opposition’s best forward, while Scott Dowell’s versatility was a key throughout the Bloods’ run to the grand final. A number of youngsters also cemented their place in the senior team with Jhye Baddelley-Kelly elevated to the leadership group, Jackson Freebairn playing 18 games and Jake Langborne and Ddara Baksh showing they have the ability to cut it at senior level. Despite falling short at the last hurdle, 2015 should be looked back upon fondly by all at the Lalor Football Club.
Most NFL best and fairest votes: Shane Jacobs (26 votes)
Leading goal kicker: Todd Hughes (81 goals)
Team of the Year representatives: Scott Dowell, Todd Hughes, Shane Jacobs, Jarrod King, Harley Ryan, Steve Marshall (coach)
HURSTBRIDGE – 3rd (12 wins, 8 losses)
After four seasons spent narrowly staving off relegation, 2015 was a year of significant improvement for Hurstbridge. In Michael Ryan’s first season as playing-coach, the Bridges featured in their first Division 2 finals series their triumphant 2003 campaign. Although bundled out of the finals in straight sets following a second-place finish, the foundations have been laid for Hurstbridge to build upon in future seasons. Many of the club’s recruits delivered with dominant seasons, with Jarrod Tilley, Tyron Loader and Brayden Shaw all finishing in the top three of the club’s best and fairest, while Chris Burton led the Bridges goal kicking with 49 majors and Hayden Farrelly was strong in defence. The club’s talented youngsters continued to improve throughout the course of the season, with Tom Simpson named in the Team of the Year, while Riley Reading, Jack Furlong and Lachlan East took another step forward in their development. Despite losing both finals by over five goals, Hurstbridge’s 53-point win at Whittlesea in Round 18 should serve as a reminder that the club will again be a major contender in 2016 should it keep its playing list together.
Most NFL best and fairest votes: John Kreuzer and Jarrod Tilley (10 votes)
Leading goal kicker: Chris Burton (49 goals)
Team of the Year representatives: John Kreuzer, Tyron Loader, Tom Simpson, Jarrod Tilley
FITZROY STARS – 4th (11 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses)
Following successive grand final defeats, 2015 proved to be an indifferent year for the Fitzroy Stars in Travis Hodgson’s fourth, and final, season as coach. The Stars played finals for the fourth consecutive year, however for the first time failed to win at least one final. Ultimately, Fitzroy’s long battle just to earn a top four place took its toll and the Stars were unable to produce their best in the first semi against Whittlesea. After a strong Round 1 win over Hurstbridge, injury and inaccuracy in front of goal saw the Stars fail to string together successive victories for much of the first half of the year. As a result, the 2013 and 2014 runner-up sat outside the top four from rounds 7-17, only jumping back in courtesy of a final-round win over Panton Hill, coupled with a Thomastown loss to Lalor. Peter Hood was the club’s best player throughout the year, teaming up with big man Clinton Edwards to combine for one of the best ruck-rover combinations in the competition. John Hayes continually worked magic inside the forward 50 and finished the year as the Stars leading goal kicker, just ahead of captain Djaran Whyman, who had to overcome a number of hamstring issues during the year. Daniel Francis was solid in his first year back from Hurstbridge, while Jai Burns and Coree Thorpe also enjoyed good years. After taking a step backwards for the first time in four years, the Stars will be looking to bounce back under a new coach in 2016.
Most NFL best and fairest votes: Peter Hood (22 votes)
Leading goal kicker: John Hayes (54 goals)
Team of the Year representatives: Clinton Edwards, John Hayes, Peter Hood
THOMASTOWN – 5th (11 wins, 7 losses)
Desperately unlucky to miss out on a finals berth, but an almighty season all the same in the club’s first season back in Division 2. Sat inside the top four for 17 of 18 rounds, but unfortunately fell to fifth in the final week of the year following a Round 18 loss to Lalor. With 11 victories in 2015, the Bears won more matches in their first season back in second division than any other promoted side from Division 3 ever has. Among their victories was an incredible seven-game winning streak to start the year, which included triumphs over finalists Whittlesea, Hurstbridge and the Fitzroy Stars. Ultimately it was a shock home loss to Mernda in Round 10 that cost Thomastown a place in the finals – with that result proving to be the Demons’ only win for the year. Matthew Ferraro had a strong first year at Main Street Reserve, kicking 62 majors to finish second behind only Todd Hughes on the goal kicking table. After winning just about every Division 3 award on offer in 2014, Matthew Cupo showed he is just as capable at a higher level, while Daniel Chadwick and James Rizzolio offered great support in the midfield. Meantime, Lukas Fellows showed big improvement in defence and was named in Thomastown’s best players more than any other player throughout the year. The evenness of the Thomastown side was outlined by the fact the club finished fifth despite having just one player named in the Team of the Year and a leading vote tally of just seven votes in the competition best and fairest award. With a total of 41 players playing a senior game in 2015, Dean Sinclair’s side has now had a good taste of Division 2 football as it prepares to take another step forward next season.
Most NFL best and fairest votes: Daniel Chadwick and Matthew Cupo (7 votes)
Leading goal kicker: Matthew Ferraro (62 goals)
Team of the Year representatives: Matthew Ferraro
DIAMOND CREEK – 6th (7 wins, 1 draw, 10 losses)
While 2015 was a second-successive year without finals, Diamond Creek showed solid improvement under new coach Craig Hayes in his first year at the helm. The Creekers finished with two more wins than in 2014 and were far more competitive in their defeats. With wins in four of their last six matches, the mood around camp should be optimistic heading into the 2016 pre-season. Hayes wasn’t afraid to mix and match his side throughout the year as he experimented with his selected 22 each week. 45 players were used in the senior side, giving Hayes a chance to see which players he can build his side around moving forward. Many youngsters impressed in their senior opportunities, among them Lochlan Brannelly and Tyler Barnes who both showed glimpses of the exciting talent on display at the club. Third in the 2014 best and fairest count, Chris Moloney enjoyed another consistent season to claim the club champion award. Hugh Kavanagh was restricted to just nine games but was again a standout when available, Jai Norman was a strong target up forward, while Jedd McQueen was a welcome addition back to the club. Perhaps the club’s best result of the season was its shock 13-point upset of Fitzroy Stars at Ben Frilay Oval in Round 15.
Most NFL best and fairest votes: Lochlan Brannelly and Hugh Kavanagh (6 votes)
Leading goal kicker: Jai Norman (32 goals)
Team of the Year representatives: Jedd McQueen, Jai Norman
PANTON HILL – 7th (4 wins, 14 losses)
Panton Hill finished the season with two less wins than in 2014, but the club was never truly threatened with relegation given Mernda’s woes. A 4-14 didn’t truly reflect the Redbacks’ performance in Joffa Byron’s first year in charge, with three losses registered by under a goal and a further three by less than 19 points. The highlight of the season was a gripping come-from-behind win over eventual premier Whittlesea in Round 2. Trailing by 38 points at half time, the Redbacks came home with a wet sail to win a thriller by two points. The club’s three other wins all came against bottom-placed Mernda, demonstrating improvement will be required in 2016. Tyler Scarce backed up his 2014 competition best and fairest season with an equally dominant campaign – finishing in third place for the award this year. Mitchell Anderson was crucial at centre half back, not only shutting down his opponent but also creating many attacking plays from defence. Alex Dines and Daniel Haynes proved to be more than handy recruits, while Ben Finnin returned after a one-year absence and again led the club’s goal kicking.
Most NFL best and fairest votes: Tyler Scarce (21 votes)
Leading goal kicker: Ben Finnin (35 goals)
Team of the Year representatives: Mitchell Anderson, Tyler Scarce
MERNDA – 8th (1 wins, 17 losses)
A year to forget for Mernda, who ended the 2015 season with just one win next to its name. The end result was relegation back to Division 3, just 12 months after playing off in the Division 2 preliminary final. After losing a host of key players in the pre-season, and former skipper Rohan Davies back flipping on a potential move back to the club, 2015 always loomed as being a challenge for the Demons. The writing was on the wall after a tough opening three weeks and from there the club was never able to get its season kick-started. Mernda struggled to find a target to kick to inside forward 50, with Thomas McEwan winning the club’s goal kicking award with just 13 majors. The club’s only win came in Round 10, amazingly, against then ladder-leader Thomastown. The Demons did match-up well against the Bears during the year, falling just short of a second win when beaten by a solitary point at Main Street Reserve in Round 16. Captain Les Adams led by example all the way through the season and was Mernda’s sole representative in the Team of the Year. Krys Douglas also enjoyed a strong season and was one of four players to play every game, along with Liam Gray, Christian Cawsey and McIntosh. Mernda will move back to Division 3 in 2016 with a new coach at the helm after Jason Ford was announced as successor to Brett Wilson. The club will be hopefully Ford can emulate Wilson’s feat of claiming a premiership in his first season as coach, which he achieved in 2012.
Most NFL best and fairest votes: Les Adams (8 votes)
Leading goal kicker: Thomas McEwan (13 goals)
Team of the Year representatives: Les Adams
DIVISION 2 – 2015 REVIEW
Grand Final
Lalor 14.10 (94) def by Whittlesea 14.13 (97)
Best and Fairest
1st – Shane Jacobs (Lalor) – 26 votes
2nd – Peter Hood (Fitzroy Stars) – 22 votes
3rd – Tyler Scarce (Panton Hill) – 21 votes
4th – Jarrod King (Lalor) – 15 votes
5th – Andrew Fairchild (Whittlesea) – 14 votes
Leading Goal Kicker (home and away only)
1st – Todd Hughes (Lalor) – 76 goals
2nd – Matthew Ferraro (Thomastown) – 62 goals
3rd – Andrew Fairchild (Whittlesea) – 57 goals
4th – John Hayes (Fitzroy Stars) – 53 goals
5th – Chris Burton (Hurstbridge) – 46 goals
Coaches Player of the Year
1st – Shane Jacobs (Lalor) – 30 votes
2nd – Peter Hood (Fitzroy Stars) – 29 votes
3rd – Tyler Scarce (Panton Hill) – 24 votes
4th – Les Adams (Mernda) – 21 votes
4th – Mitch Anderson (Panton Hill) – 21 votes
