Old Eltham Collegians coach Matthew Sleeman says his side is eyeing a Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 finals spot in 2021.
After a promising inaugural season in the NFNL in 2019, the Turtles are striving to climb up the ladder.
Speaking to NFNL.org.au, Sleeman said that while development was crucial this season, the club was also setting its sights high.
“We have a very young list, so obviously [a main focus] is developing that list,” Sleeman said.
“We’ve implemented some leadership programs to develop the leadership skills of the players across the whole list.
“In terms of on-field [goals], we are looking to play finals in both grades.”
Still fielding a young side, Sleeman has brought in experienced players to bolster the ambitious club.
Ruckman Matthew Dean has joined from third division rival Mernda, and has impressed his new coach on the track, while Clay Crimmins has crossed from Greta.
2010 West-Preston Lakeside premiership player Luke McKenna will also play on for the Turtles in 2021, after joining the club last year.
McKenna played 124 senior games for the Roosters between 2009 to 2017. He spent the 2018 and 2019 campaigns with Echuca in the Goulburn Valley League and was named in the competition’s top 50 players list for the 2019 season.
Jack Fitzgerald has impressed Sleeman with his body of work during pre-season as he pushes for more midfield time.
“One of our younger players Jack Fitzgerald has been really good,” Sleeman said.
“He mostly played in the backline in 2019 but has really stepped up his fitness levels from there.
“He’s put a request in to play more midfield time. He got his chance in the first practice match and played really well. I think he’s going to be a player that really impresses this season.”
The club will enter the new season with a new captain, Luke Bower. Sleeman says Bower has all the attributes to lead the club in its push for a finals berth.
“The way he plays as soon as he steps on the field, he does all the right things,” Sleeman said.
“He’s a good leader. He’s got a good presence around the field as he’s really vocal.
“Off the field he’s great around the club. He’s jumped on sponsorships this year making sure they’re all sponsored for the year.
“He makes sure the boys are doing what they need to do off and on the field.”
Old Eltham will go into the new season with plenty of optimism after notching a gutsy win in its first practice match over VAFA outfit Ivanhoe OC.
“We had 7-8 from our senior team out of the side, so it was good to get the win,” Sleeman said.
“It was close, but we ran over the top of them in the last five minutes which was good to see.”
The Turtles also played away to AFL Outer East side Healesville ahead of its Round 1 clash against Heidelberg West at Heidelberg Park under lights on Friday April 9.
