2019 RECAP
Under first-year coach Lance Whitnall, the Eagles twice defeated minor premier East Keilor in the finals series to claim their second Division 1 premiership in four seasons and earn promotion back into Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division.
Whitnall's side established itself as a fast-paced and high-scoring unit, scoring less than 100 points in only four games (all losses) in 2019.
Their home record was particularly impressive, only dropping one game at DS Aitken Reserve for the entire year.
BEST & FAIREST TOP FIVE
1st - Jesse Davies
2nd - Billy Morrison
3rd - Brock Chircop
4th - Ben Fynch
5th - Liam Middleton
GOAL KICKING TOP FIVE
48 - John Bellino
41 - Shannon Smith*
32 - Brock Chircop
29 - Brent Gordon
25 - Caelan Anderson
DAVID McWILLIAM MEDAL
Division One Grand Final Best-On-Ground
Billy Morrison
DIVISION ONE TEAM OF THE YEAR
Ben Fynch (full back)
Brock Chircop (forward pocket)
Billy Morrison (ruck)
Jesse Davies (rover)
*players not returning in 2020
2020 PREVIEW
Coach: Lance Whitnall (2nd season)
LIST CHANGES / LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Callum Langborne (Broadford), Dylan Humm (Laurimer) & Marco Tripoli (Shepparton United)
Out: Nathan Reichelt (Roxburgh Park), Shannon Smith (Mernda), Glenn Robertson (Kinglake), Bryce Kimuliatis (Mernda), Jacob Austin (Mernda), Nick Watts (Parkside), Aaron Vendramini & Shane Hickson (both Westmeadows) & Bryson Scales (Hillside)
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Things did not go well for Craigieburn when last in the EDFL's top flight, producing a winless season back in 2017.
On a positive note, the Eagles' transfers activity did not see many key players leave the nest over the summer but by the same token, there doesn't appear to be much coming into the side, either.
For that reason, these Eagles will probably start the year as the favourite for the wooden spoon, but if Lance Whitnall is able to field a settled line-up from week to week, then they're every chance of collecting their fair share of wins this season.