The 2024 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Moonee Valley coach Ian Denny who provides some insights on their 2024 campaign.
2023: 8th (6W, 12L, 93.78%)
Coach: Ian Denny
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"A big focus as always is on our kicking and skills, but specifically working on exiting defensive 50 and entering forward 50 more efficiently."
LIST SHAPE
"We've recruited well bringing across skilful players which will support our work on the outside of the contest."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Blake Townsend-Booth is an Under 18 player moving into senior football who is very skilful. His Cousin Julian Hinton is also coming up and is a very mature defender with football smarts.
"Harry Fry has crossed from Aberfeldie and is a top line player at Premier Division level who will be a standout. Luke Denny has not missed a training session and is keen to impress back in the EDFL."
2024 OUTLOOK
"A few teams are going all out for ultimate success – so the desire to play finals is with every team in this competition and we are no different."
ON THE RECORD WITH IAN DENNY
You had a slow start to 2023 but looked really good once you got going, what changed and how do you mitigate that this year?
With a turnover of list, it's always hard to get continuity within the team while people find their best fit for the team. With more turnover we are hoping we can eradicate that more quickly this season.
It was a busy off-season in the recruiting space but what impact do you see your graduating Under 18.5 players making considering the strong season they had?
We lost three players to a Premier Division club which was disappointing, but I hope they get an opportunity there as they would have got one with us. However, we still have a few who can impact, two of which have been mentioned previously.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Blake Townsend-Booth.
Biggest pest at the club?
Ben Coote.
Who might be viewed as the coach's pet?
Costa Detsikas.
One opposition player you’d love on your side?
Jamie Gorgievski (Craigieburn).
Flag tip outside of Moonee Valley?
Maribyrnong Park
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Jason Denny (Airport West), Luke Brock (Old Paradians), Luke Denny (Point Cook), Jai Anderson (Point Cook), Michael Diamandis (St Bernards), Jay Marocchini (North Brunswick), Adam Zanevra (George Town), Scott Polycarpou (Dimboola), Harrison Fry (Aberfeldie), Anthony Accadia (PEGS), Andrew Robinson (Point Cook), Lachlan McDonald (Ocean Grove) & Ahmed Dabdoub (West Preston-Lakeside).
Out: Thomas Clark (Avondale Heights), Zayas Leonedas (Avondale Heights), Thomas Reymers (Therry Penola), Beau Clarke (Simpson), Marcus Currenti (Avondale Heights), Jaycob Doyle (West Footscray), Michael Chiaramonte (St Bernards), Oliver Reimers (St Kevins), Harry Larobina (St Bernards), James Loeliger (Essendon Doutta Stars), Tasman Kearney (Brunswick), Sebastian Baullo (Therry Penola), Erel Mehmet (Therry Penola), Koby Lack (PEGS), Patrick O'Donoghue (King Valley) & Nicholas Paladino (Roxburgh Park).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Moonee Valley needed to get a bit more active during the off-season to push themselves up the ladder and they've done exactly that bringing in some players who've experienced top-flight footy. It'll be competitive as usual in Division One but how far the gap between the top and middle sides will be is unclear. Moonee Valley showed glimpses of their potential outside of a slow start and will expect to be pushing up the ladder.
Ladder Prediction: Mid-table, pushing up.
2024 FIXTURE
