Moonee Valley will take some beating for the EDFL's most-improved senior men's club this year.
But can it cap a meteoric rise with promotion to Premier Division?
While the Fog are in their fifth season in Division One since they were awarded the premiership after the COVID-interrupted 2021 campaign, few predicted they would be mixing it with the division's heavyweights in 2026.
Coach Andrew Horne, who is in his second season at the helm, said a combination of key recruits and improvement among the existing players had lifted Moonee Valley to third position on the ladder with three rounds remaining.
"We knew on the back of last year that we had to bring a few new people to the club in terms of recruits and whatnot, but you always have belief in what you're trying to implement and if you get the right people to the footy club and off-field being very stable as well, we were hoping that we'd hopefully climb pretty quickly," Horne said.
"Off-field was set up (well) obviously the years before I got there, Moonee Valley in the (under-)18s had been pretty successful. The junior program is very big as well. I think they've got close to 16, 17 teams.
"So, I thought it had the makings of a club that should be on the rise, and hopefully if I could add a few things to it, along with some recruits, we could move up quickly."
The Fog have locked in a finals spot in the competition's second tier for the first time since 1999, when they claimed the flag.
They entered this year with four consecutive eighth-placed finishes and a 20-50 win-loss record during that period.
This season, they have won 12 of 15 games and sit just one game behind ladder leader Oak Park, while they are equal on points with West Coburg (second) and Craigieburn (fourth).
Moonee Valley knocked off the Burgers on Saturday and also claimed the scalp of the Kangaroos in Round 7, underlining its flag credentials.
While Horne's side has been beaten by the Eagles twice, their rivals would be acutely aware of the danger the Fog pose ahead of September.
"Obviously it's always nice to play finals. They had a couple of challenging years before I was there, so it's just so good to see," said Horne, who was a member of Strathmore's 2014 top-flight premiership.
"They've got a really good following, Moonee Valley, and seeing a lot of the supporters and a lot of people who put in the hard work really happy, and a lot of smiles on faces, it's what it's all about and we're really enjoying it.
"We haven't been able to beat West Coburg since I've been at the club.
"It was good and especially to get it away from home was important.
"I think it just adds a bit more belief and a bit more trust through the group. We just keep finding ways to get it done."
Horne heaped praise on the club's big-name signings, with the likes of Nathan Williams, Sean Callander, and Haidyn Shade enjoying outstanding seasons, while Mitch Clarke has 48 goals to his name.
"They've been first-class on and off the field. Their buy in and their willingness to help around the footy club and do Auskick and other things. But they're not the only ones. It's a really good group and such a coachable group. It's a really fun place to be at the moment," Horne said.
"Obviously winning helps, but even last year when the wins weren't coming, it's somewhere you want to be, and I think the new recruits are enjoying it, and everyone's having a lot of fun."
Of the existing talent, skipper and reigning best-and-fairest winner Callum Clinnick has led from the front with a remarkable 13 mentions in the best from 15 games.
"He's been very consistent," Horne said.
"He's stepped up to be captain this year as well. He's probably the barometer for the team in terms of the way he goes about it. His ability to crack in and show up contest after contest. He leads by example and off the back of that, others follow."
Luke Denny has also been a consistent performer, while Richard Potter has combined superbly with Clarke and helped himself to 38 majors.
Moonee Valley faces another big test this weekend when it tackles Oak Park at Ormond Park before clashes against Avondale Heights and Tullamarine to complete the regular season.
In another boost, Horne has signed on for a further two years, tying him to the Fog until at least the end of 2028.
"I'm not planning on going anywhere at this minute," he said.
"It's a pretty exciting place to be and hopefully we can finish in that top three and give ourselves the best chance."
