CALIVIL United are coming back in 2025 more mature and ready to compete for finals.
Newly appointed senior coach Sam Maher has stepped up from assistant coach and is excited to take on the challenge.
“It’s an exciting opportunity that I’ve been thinking about for a while now and I’m grateful that I’ve been given the chance,” he said.
“I’m lucky that former coach Anthony Dennis had done it for a few years and was happy to give someone else a go.”
Maher said the team is building on last season’s progress to come out strong from the start.
“Last year we were pretty young and had a new list from 2023 with a bit of turnover,” he said.
“As we progressed through the season, we got a little bit more composed and got to know each other a bit better so we were able to shorten our lapses a bit and play some better footy toward the end.
“This year we’re focusing on midfield depth, and we’ve managed to pick up quite a few good midfielders which will help us this year and we’ll keep on improving on last year.
“We’re working on our team first mentality and being predictable to one another within our structures.
“We’re making sure our ball movement is good and that we’re making the right decisions where we can.”
Jake Lawry is back from injury this season while Blair Richards will remain out for recovery.
“They’re both very good players and were out most of the season with injuries,” Maher said.
“Lawry is a previous best and fairest so he’ll be a very handy inclusion in the lineup.
“He’ll provide a bit of experience and leadership to the team that was probably sorely missed last season.”
Maher is excited for Cody Thompson, Lewis Fisher, Tallis Miles and Lachie Petri after strong efforts in preseason training.
Joined league: 1977
Ground: Calivil Recreation Reserve
Premierships: 8 (1998, 2003- 2008, 2017).
Senior coach: Sam Maher
2024 ladder position: 6th
2024 best & fairest: Sam Maher
2024 Leading goalkicker: Ben Baker
Ins: Jayden Leach, Will Hamilton, Calum Binnie, Lachie Palmer, Will Rodda, Dylan Goulding, Josh Scott, Tallis Miles, Lachie McAllister, Josh Connolly, Lewis Williams, Henry McCarthy, Tommy Rakoula, Zac Petri.
Outs: Darcy Thompson, Jacob Mulquiny, Patrick Cunningham, Ethan Mulqueen, Hamish Wall, Justin Hynes.
Player to watch: Henry McCarthy
Recruited from Heathcote this season, Maher expects McCarthy to perform well in the midfield.
“He’s been really good in training; he’s strong over the football and has some good skills,” Maher said.
