The 2024 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to new Strathmore coach Nick Ash who provides some insights on their 2024 campaign.
2023: 3rd (12W, 5L, 1D, 140.41%)
Coach: Nick Ash (first season replacing Marty Allison)
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Our biggest focus over the course of the preseason has been bringing the connection back between all three senior sides as well as the connection between our senior and junior teams and coaches."
LIST SHAPE
"We don't tend to go down the path of over recruiting, we have always looked to promote from within and back in our junior players coming through the ranks.
"In saying that we were lucky this year, through connections and player relationships, to land a couple of recruits and also have some returning juniors coming back to the club. So, with the promotion of our juniors into the senior system and a couple of players coming on board, we have filled all areas of need.
"Overall list shape is in a good spot with a great mix of young and experienced players."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Players that have stood out through preseason and we are keen to see have a big year are Kade Mueller – who is still eligible for Under 18s and was captain of the Calder Cannons last year – Isaac Brill, who was plagued by injury last year and has done a power of work to get his body right, and Cooper West, who, for such a young kid, plays like a 200-game veteran."
2024 OUTLOOK
"Our goals for this year are to build on our connection right throughout the playing group, implementing a strong game plan, and seeing consistent improvement and development. Also building on relationships with all club coaches, club members, supporters, and sponsors."
ON THE RECORD WITH NICK ASH
You’ve obviously stepped up into the head coaching seat, what was your primary focus in ensuring a smooth transition?
First and foremost, getting around the existing playing group and re-signing the list. We have a fantastic footy manager who did a power of work on this front which made it a really smooth and easy transition. And then it was onto locking in assistant coaches.
A lot of players run through the side in 2023 with injuries a key factor, are the graduating Under 18.5 crop bound to challenge for selection should there be opportunities?
I think we played 46 players at senior level last year, giving exposure to a lot of the boys. From the development from that exposure last season, and into another preseason this year, the growth in these young players has been huge. So, out of adversity, comes opportunity.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Athan Tsialtas
Biggest pest at the club?
We have a few putting their hands up at the moment, but to narrow it down to one is a little hard to do at present.
Who might be viewed as the coach's pet?
Again, a little bit like the biggest pest question, a number of the boys are having a strong preseason in this area, but it's a long season and I'm sure someone will rise above the pack by season end!
One opposition player you’d love on your side?
Someone like a Matt Watson from Pascoe Vale, who has been a very consistent player over a long period of time.
Flag tip outside of Strathmore?
Keilor
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Cale Du Plessis (Point Cook Centrals), Trent Dumont (Port Adelaide), Sam O'Loughlin (Carngham Linton), Nick Ingleton (Macorna), Zen Sell (Tullamarine), Todd Oakley (Preston Bullants), Shaun McKernan (Bundoora) & Luke Holian (East Fremantle).
Out: Xavier Allison (Wangaratta Rovers), Tom Condon (Parkside), Jack Condon (Parkside), Lachlan Johnson (Old Scotch), Nash McRae (Oak Park), Archer Payne (Therry Penola), Joseph Rahme (Northern Saints), Will Ryan (Coburg Districts), Ellias Farah (Oak Park), Joseph Chalhoub (Oak Park), Blair Huggins (South Barwon), Finn Hanegraaf (University Blues), Elliot Mahoney (St Kevins), Jack Duggan (Woodend-Hesket), Luke Cuffe (Woodend-Hesket), Lachlan Ford (Inglewood), Bailey Ward (Therry Penola) & Nicholas Fluke (Hillside).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was another off season of change in the coaching ranks for the Mores with Nick Ash stepping in for Marty Allison, while some big names came in and out of the club. Despite this, Strathmore are well and truly poised to be competing for the ultimate prize again. They'll be without a home base until mid-season with resurfacing works at Lebanon Reserve so their Good Friday clash against Keilor will again be played at Joe Brown Oval – a great test to see where they stack up against a side going into the season as arguably unbackable premiership favourites.
Ladder Prediction: Double chance territory (top three).
2024 FIXTURE
