After the staggered start to the season last week when the Thirds easily handled Masala Dandenong out east, it’s a return to footy for all as the Senior and Reserve Men and our Women’s team begin their seasons.

The Thirds continue their season hosting fierce rivals Elsternwick at home, in a game which will be livestreamed. At the same time the Women head to East Malvern to take on De La Salle in a replay of the practice game they played last month. Later on, the Reserves and Seniors head to Ringwood to also repeat a practice match fixture when they take on Aquinas.

THIRDS - 9.20am vs elsternwick

A swathe of changes from the side that rolled over Masala Dandenong.

Marmalade duo Checkers and Srey make their debuts for the Animals, with Checkers also taking charge of the side as coach for the first time. Cados, Rodgo, Bailey, and Will Taylor also make their club debuts

The duo of Nic and Nick in Glanville and Rodway continue to hold court down back with the help of Jarra Davis, meanwhile Junior Singh will also be looking to add to his impressive debut last week,

Captain George Burgess goes from the forwards into the midfield this week, with Lachie Killeen moving off the wing to join him in the square, with James Greaves taking his place on the outer flanks of Bennttswood. Daniel Thorson had an impressive start to his Animals career and he stays in the middle despite moving forward early last week.

women - 9.20am vs de la salle

After an enthralling pair of games in 2023, De La Salle are the opponent the women kick their 2024 campaign off against looking to build on last years finals berth.

5 debutants feature for the side, with Maddy Jansz, Chelsea Brown, and Georgie Dillon all starting, the latter two on either wing on what is a characteristically narrow flank at the Dairy Bell. Meanwhile Ingrid Cain and Emily Severin will start from the bench with team stalwart Sheridan Harris.

League B&F winner Ashton Billing will continue to reprise her power role in the ruck, feeding the ball to clearance queen Jas Ardern. The pair joined by captain Ebony Ratcliffe and Olivia Walker.

Down back, a move to the final line of defence for the ever-reliable Emma Johnson as she joins Shannon Harris and the debutant Maddy Jansz. Meanwhile former club B&F Nyari Grzyb makes her return from injury in a new role.

Up front, another promising return from injury sees J thrown forward to provide speed and spark at the feet of new Full Forward Grace Ambrosini. Grace played in the drought-breaking win against Canterbury last year before returning to Canada.

reserves - 11.40am vs aquinas

The preliminary finalists look to make their charge towards a new division’s flag featuring four debutants.

The backline houses two in Sam Hart and Stavros Andronicos, whilst Alex Luttrell starts at half forward and Mason Laursen will impact from the bench.

After an absolute clinic in the Thirds last week, Zac Kearns moves in to the twos midfield to provide some flair around the hard-working Anthony Smith and Lachie Hicks.

Matt Price will look to dominate a new division as the key forward again, with experienced tall Kieran Jenkins making his return after injury cut short his 2023. They have the mercurial Dan Hill to join them off the bench.

The match sees the debut of new coach Gerard Clarke as coach of the Reserves as well.

Seniors - 2pm vs aquinas

A return to Division 2 football for the first time since 2018, with only 9 players in the 22 featuring in the senior side in that year.

Just the two debuts at 2pm with a lot of excitement around the inclusions of Tasmanian James Marshall and the man from the border in Tom Ferguson.

Marshall joins fellow proud Tasmanians Matt Hill and Bailey Hunt across the centre line, as the latter two look to create elite run on the outside.

The last time Baxter Newbegin was in Division 2 he was a ToTY backman, so naturally he will start this season forward to utilise his elite marking ability with fellow talls Jono Greensides and Connor Xipolitos.

Down back, shutdown backman James Rippon will have familiar partnes in Joden Crothers and Kieran Mair, whilst Sam Davis is the sole Davis to start the season off the half back flank.