PREMIER C MEN’S

A look into Prem C for 2023, do you see what I see?

After wading through two pandemic interruption-filled seasons, Premier C footy was back in full swing in 2022. Now with a full season under their belts, the clubs will be primed for another tilt at the crown, this is how they’re shaping up.

Hampton Rovers 2nd | 15 wins | 5 losses

The Rovers sat sixth on the table when play was called in 2021 and improved massively to finish second in 2022, unfortunately falling just one point short of a Grand Final. But the Rovers should not be discounted in the slightest, they’ve shown they can rise in quick time and are a real chance to go one better in 2023. Anthony Quon’s side will open their campaign on the road against Marcellin.

Marcellin 8th | 7 wins | 13 losses

Simon Abrahams side weren’t exactly where they wanted to be at the conclusion of last season but did show signs of improvement going from four wins in the shortened 2021 season to seven in 2022. They may not have given the finals a shake last year, but let it be known that their best can still worry all their opponents in Premier C, don’t be surprised if they make a run in 2023. Marcellin kick off their season at home when they welcome the Rovers.

Mazenod 3rd | 13 wins | 7 losses

Over the past couple of seasons prior, the Nodders were a consistent ‘there abouts’ side, but in 2022 they finally made the leap and really announced themselves to the division. Peter Banfield’s side got exactly what they bargained for, finishing third and falling out of the finals in the first round by just seven points to eventual Grand Finalists Old Geelong. Keep your eye on Mazenod to be up there again in 2023, they’ll head out to PEGS Sporting Fields in Round 1 to face the freshly promoted PEGS.

Old Camberwell 4th | 10 wins | 5 losses (Division 1 runners up)

They finished fourth in Division One last season, but that did not stop the Grammarians from making a dream run to the big dance, earning them promotion to Premier C. Although they’ll come in at the bottom of the food chain, they have recent form on their side along with the ability to achieve big things late in a season, look for them to shake up the competition in 2023. Old Camberwell will open their season at Gordon Barnard Reserve against Old Carey.

Old Carey 9th | 1 win | 15 losses (Premier B)

After what was a tough and forgettable season 2022 that saw them sing the song following just one of their 16 outings in Premier B, Old Carey will be chomping at the bit to sink their teeth into some Premier C action in the hopes of stringing some wins on the board. Aaron Bailey’s men will be a determined group in 2023, as they set out in their hunt for redemption. The Panthers will begin the hunt on the road against Old Camberwell.

Old Ivanhoe 5th | 12 wins | 8 losses

They were consistently finishing in postseason contention but fell short of a finals berth by percentage in 2022. Although Jarrod Gieschen’s soldiers know they’re good enough to avoid such bad luck this time around. It’s known they can take care of business against lowerranked opponents, but they’ll need to start getting it done against the big boys this year to get back in the finals race. Old Ivanhoe face Parkdale on the road in Round 1 and will look to make a statement.

Ormond 7th | 10 wins | 10 losses

Considered by many as a premiership contender and a real challenge to play against prior to the 2022 season, Ormond didn’t quite live up to the lofty expectations. This will fuel their fire for this season though as coach Greg Hoskin readies his troops for another fight with the top dogs and some new challengers. Ormond will get the Round 1 bye to assess their competition before getting their first chance to prove they’re still in their window of contention in Round 2 against the Hampton Rovers.

Parkdale Vultures 6th | 11 wins | 9 Losses

The Vultures were strong defensively in 2022, but unfortunately fell one win short of contending for that fourth finals ticket. Owen Lalor will be looking for improvement in his squad who won their last three games last season, they’ll look to be stout at both ends this year. Parkdale will battle it out with Old Ivanhoe in Round 1 at Gerry Green Reserve.

PEGS 1st | 16 wins | 1 loss (Division 1 premiers)

Fresh from a Division premiership run in which they only dropped one game for the year, PEGS earned a rightful promotion to the Premier C division. They were dominant last season on both ends of the field and with Andrew Horne at the helm, will be looking forward to more of the same in 2023. Take PEGS as an early outsider to contend. They’ll host Mazenod in Round 1.

Round 1 Tips

Parkdale v Old Ivanhoe

Old Camberwell v Old Carey

Marcellin v Hampton

PEGS v Mazenod