With the 2023 season just around the corner, EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Oak Park coach Todd Clark who provides some insights on their 2023 campaign.
2022: 2nd (13W, 3L, 225.42%)
Coach: Todd Clark (third season)
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Our focus has been driven by what we believe were our deficiencies in the grand final. We continue to work on our structure to support our game when challenged. The group love the fitness challenge that comes with pre-season, and there is a healthy level of competitiveness which makes my job a lot easier."
"We know that the quality of Division Two continues to get stronger, so we must stay on the improvement path to ensure we are competitive. Resting on our laurels was never a consideration."
LIST SHAPE
"Our group has largely come through our juniors program, which creates a strong bond to the club and community that has supported their footy journey. This has seen us retain the majority of our group, and give us the opportunity to be specific in our recruitment strategy.
"Adding some strength around the contest and removing the need for players to play out of position, was our focus to help support our youth’s development."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Having our group of 21-24yo play together over the last two years is helping to improve their connectivity. Anthony De Lorenzi and Taj McCartney now have some senior footy under their belts, and they will hit the season running. The Hotchkin brothers are coming off good years in 2022, and their flexibility are key assets for us to draw upon. And Blair Cronin is hungry to make amends for last year, particularly through missing the final series with a thumb injury."
2023 OUTLOOK
"We want to continue to improve as individuals and as a team. The guys break it down and are focused on hitting their KPIs, knowing that good a process will lead to good results. We play footy because we love and enjoy it. That is the excitement of the journey ahead."
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Clayton McCartney (Woorinen), Dale Potter (Westmeadows), Corey Field (Westmeadows), Angus MacDonald (Therry Penola), Isaac Le Plastrier (Strathmore), Harrison Johansen (Maribyrnong Park), Eric Sapac (Manningham Cobras), Nathan Gioffre (Lalor), Augustus Polidano (Lalor), Blake Polidano (Lalor), Lachlan Ronaldson (Diggers Rest), Jordan Bicknell (Congupna) & Benjamin Morey (Coburg Districts).
Out: Mitchell Fitzpatrick (Sunshine), Anthony Ricupero (Northern Saints), James Nader (Glenroy), Ahmed Assaad (Glenroy), Paul Pascu (Glenroy), Dale Powell (Tungamah), Benjamin White (West Footscray), Timothy Liersch (Coorong Cats) & James O'Meara (Strathmore).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
The Kangaroos will likely be going into 2023 as one of the premiership favourites again in Division Two following their grand final loss last year, and minimal list turnover. They will retain all six of their 2022 Team of the Year representatives in Liam Molloy, Ryan Smith, Jedd Taylor, Daniel Rajab, Blair Cronin, and Bradley Cox. With plenty of top-end talent still at their disposal, it's hard to see how Oak Park won't be one of the teams causing problems again come September. They'll face a rejuvenated Taylors Lakes in Round 1.
2023 FIXTURE
