The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Maribyrnong Park coach Brodie Holland who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 1st, Division One premiers, (14W, 2L, 283.2%)
Coach: Brodie Holland
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Overall we were looking to re-establish ourselves with a similar game plan, similar way to play, but we just want to obviously take it to the next level. Playing with a bit more speed is something we're looking to do, and being really consistent with the things we learnt last year. I'm talking about our training standards and culture, and just making sure we're working hard as footballers and being accountable. Those were the things we discussed the year before that fell away – our training standards, accountability, and our care for actually getting things right. I think we did that but obviously in Premier you need to do all those things again and do them even better.
"I think we trained like a Premier Division team last year anyway in terms of loading and intensity, it's just maintaining that and continuing on."
LIST SHAPE
"We played without a genuine ruck last year and got away with it so that was one thing that we needed to find pretty quickly and they're not too easy to come by. We did land a couple, we're not sure how much we're going to see of them – Lochlainn Simpson from Wodonga and Sam Green from Clarence and Port Melbourne VFL last year. Sam's been playing at Bullants in the VFL this year and Lochlainn will no doubt play his fair share of games there as well. So we could still be at times in that same predicament but it'll depend on what happens with those guys.
"We were looking for a key forward all pre-season and it didn't come out, we landed several key backs which is probably going to mean one of them will have to go forward. In the midst of all that, Ned Ryan, young fella who played with us last year has really stepped up as a key position forward and a second ruck option. We're looking forward to seeing what he can do.
"There have been lots of changes, we lost eight or nine premiership players, but we've replaced them with guys that are similar types of players. We're probably a better kicking side than we were last year. We're taller, and given we get one of those rucks in, we'll be able to get our hands to it first which we weren't able to do in Division One.
"We've definitely cleaned up in a few areas, we're rock solid in defence, it would've been nice to land one more tall forward, but we've got height there. It's just a matter of getting the balance right.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Harry Summers is one we got from South Launceston in the NTFA and was a Coates Talent League player for Tassie as well, he's only a 19-year-old but he's a smooth-moving left and right footer who can play midfield, on a flank, or a wing, so look out for him.
"Blade Sulzberger is another from Tasmania, he's listed at the Bullants but he's been playing with us so he's one to watch. Inside mid, big body, nice left foot kick as well.
"One that's really stood out for us in the pre-season is Tom Barnett who's a local boy playing senior footy for the first time. He's contracted at Coburg in the VFL. He's a 6'5" key back and very mobile, certainly precocious, beyond his years. We've got high hopes for him as well."
CLUB INITIATIVES & ACTIVITIES
"We're just really big on our values, we have four words we stand for at the footy club, we want to instill that and that will filter through to our juniors as well. It's about being respectful around the place and making sure that we look after our club, coaches, volunteers, and do our fair share as a junior or senior player to make sure the club runs efficiently. We're instilling those values and want to get involved in the community.
"One thing I've always been big on is bringing good people in, so it's really important when we recruit we bring high quality people in and not just high quality players, and make sure the people we are bringing in are the type of people that can influence the culture in a really positive way and not just influence the on-field stuff.
"That tends to bring a really strong, positive, and respectful environment where people thrive with their footy."
2025 OUTLOOK
"We can break the shackles this year. I think we had a lot of pressure on us to get it done last year but this year we can develop young players and put the club in the right direction. I think we're a good enough side to push for finals if we can get it right. We've got enough quality there to suggest we can do it, a lot of clubs would suggest we'll finish bottom two or three and that's OK, we know what we've got.
"We're really excited about being a bit of an underdog this year and not having to hold that pressure going into each game. We're pretty confident we can be super competitive in every game."
ON THE RECORD WITH BRODIE HOLLAND
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
From a player's point of view – Jordan Anastasakis. He really instills the selflessness around the footy club, drives accountability, and wants to get everything right.
Volunteer - Tony Fisher. He's been around forever, there are so many that do a great job but he's been around since I was first at the club.
MVP of the gym?
Jai Brinkkotter.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Alex Barba.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Rook Barry, we've got a lot but he's probably the quickest of the quicks!
Who’s Mr. Reliable week in and week out?
Scott Clarke.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
Shop early. You've got to get in and get the work done early in every aspect. In contest, being accountable, get in fast.
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Callum Moore (Aberfeldie). Probably the type of player we need!
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
They're all exciting in their own way but Round 1 for us is big. Against Abers under lights at home, unfurling of the flag, should be a big crowd, look no further!
Flag tip outside of Maribyrnong Park?
Aberfeldie.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Kyle Baker (Woodend-Hesket), Alan Uhi (Sunshine), Jonathon Nicolazzo (Therry Penola), Jack Catalfamo (Airport West), Lochlainn Simpson (Wodonga Raiders), Sam Green (Bundoora), Jack Nicholls (University Blues), Jack Colgrave (Old Scotch Collegians), Logan Geddes (Donald), Harry Summers (South Launceston), Jack Gerardi (Yarraville Seddon Eagles), Jayden Whitehead (Koroit), Jaye Bowden (Glenorchy District), Willy Lutula (Lilydale), John Navara (Keilor Park), Alistair Hardie (Waverley Blues), Jai Davies (University Blues), Blade Sulzberger (North Launceston).
Out: Scott Mcguinness (Westmeadows), Jai Davies (Old Geelong), Charlie Crosby (Old Geelong), Christien Ward (St Bernards), Thomas Janetzki (Moonee Valley), Seth Christmas (Yarraville Seddon Eagles), Noah Hura (Prahran FC), Joel Brooks (Old Xaverians), Finn Walshe (Uhs-Vu Afc), Henry Pickering (University Blacks), Darcy Knights (St Bernards), Luke Kilty (Keilor Park), bevan holder (Brunswick), Jordan Noonan (Brunswick), Nicholas Kilty (Keilor Park), Lachlan Garrett (Merrifield), Zach Ibrahim (St Kevins OB), Damon Scerri (Merrifield), Luke Riccardi (St Bernards), Johnathon Gambaro (St Kevins OB), Zac Bateman (Essendon Doutta Star), Lucas Edmonds (Port Fairy), James Kayrooz (Banyule), Matthew Gaul (Noosa), Will Bell (Oak Park), James Restuccia (St Bernards), Bronte Campbell (Horsham), Darcy Griffin (Barwon Heads).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Maribyrnong Park is back in the top flight and ready to make an impact. Strong talent has gone in and out of the side over the off-season, captain Matt Gaul among them, but this Lions list may be stronger than the one they had in their last Premier Division campaign. In what's set to be a well-balanced competition, Brodie Holland's side will feel they can do some damage, but where they'll fit in remains to be seen.
Ladder Prediction: Mid-lower table.
