2025 SEASON PREVIEW: Strathfieldsaye FNC
2025 Strathfieldsaye Season Preview
The ever-consistent Strathfieldsaye are preparing for a 2025 season that will no doubt have them around the mark in Senior Football once again. While the Storms Netball program is on the rise with young up and coming talent throughout their squads.
Football Preview
After a solid 2024 campaign, that saw the Storm lose a Preliminary Final to eventual Premiers, Sandhurst, Strathfieldsaye heads into the new season with plenty of optimism under the continued guidance of senior coach Luke Freeman, now entering his second year at the helm.
The Storm will look to build on the foundations that make the Club a consistent powerhouse within the BFNL.
A number of key inclusions headlined Strathfieldsaye’s off season but none more so than returning Premiership player, Sam Heavyside who after a stint at Kerang returns to Tannery Lane chasing another BFNL Premiership.
A former Storm Junior, Coates Talent League player and VFL Player, Heavyside Brings versatility through midfield as well as vital leadership and experience that will prove invaluable for the Storms young playing list.
Other key additions include:
- Hunter Lawrence – Former Storm player returning from Nullawil
- Jed Brereton - Former Storm player returning from Airport West in the EDFL
- Jordan Wilson - Former Storm player returning from Colbinabbin
- Jye Formosa - Longwood
- Harry Welch – Imperial
- Charlie Simpson – Monash Blues in the VAFA
Notable departures from Tannery Lane include:
- Matt Harvey – Broadbeach AFC
- Lachlan Gill – South Adelaide in the SANFL
- Caleb Ernst – Coburg VFL via Pascoe Vale
From the Coach
Having completed a full year in charge, Coach Luke Freeman is feeling more settled and confident as the Storm prepare for Round 1.
“It’s definitely easier going into the second year,” Freeman said. “We’re flowing on from the previous year and a lot of the structure and game styles we had in place will remain very similar in 2025 which has helped the group settle quicker.”
Strathfieldsaye’s preseason hasn’t been without its challenges, with Freeman noting a few injury setbacks with players spending significant time in rehab.
“Preseason has been interesting – we’ve had a few injuries and a few in regular rehab, but overall the boys have trained well and are starting to gel nicely again.”
With the BFNL continuing to tighten in competitiveness, Freeman is under no illusions about the task ahead for Strathfieldsaye.
“We want to be competitive throughout the season. It’s good for the competition when every week presents a challenge, and that’s the environment we’re working in.”
“Our goals are to win enough games throughout the year so that when we’re 100%, we can make a run towards Finals. We want to be in a strong position later in the season to have a real crack.”
Several emerging talents are poised to take the next step at Tannery Lane after gaining valuable senior experience in 2024. Young guns Riley Mulquinney, Dec Lowther, Jed Daniels, and Siologa Siu have all impressed across the preseason and are expected to consolidate their roles in the senior team.
“All four had a taste of senior footy last season and have responded with strong off-seasons, putting them in prime position to become regular contributors in 2025.”
“We’ve seen growth in each of them, and they’re definitely in the mix to play big roles this year.”
With a good blend of experience and emerging talent, and the stability of a second-year coach, Strathfieldsaye are shaping as a side to watch once again in season 2025.
Netball Preview
After a highly successful 2024 campaign where all they claimed a A-Res Premiership, the club enters 2025 with optimism, determination, and a drive to build on that momentum.
With a strong preseason under their belts, including an intense block of CrossFit training before moving into ball work, the Storm netballers are fitter, hungrier, and more connected than ever.
This season marks the beginning of a new chapter with Jess Mangan stepping into her first head coaching role. While it's her first time leading from the front, Mangan has taken to the position with energy and confidence while continuing her playing career.
Adding to the Storm’s cohesion as unit is the fact that they had minimal player turnover in the off-season with only Lucy Spalding, a BFNL A-Res Medallist, taking a break from playing while remaining at the Club.
From the Coach
A first time Head Coach, Jess Mangan has been extremely well supported in her new role, saying “It’s been a really good initial couple of months,” Mangan said. “There’s been a lot of support from the club and particularly from Steph Freemantle. She’s been brilliant, and the handover’s been seamless.”
Mangan will juggle coaching duties while continuing to play, and she’s already set clear goals for the group: “We want to keep developing, push each other, and be competitive in every grade. The ultimate aim is to get back into finals – and give it absolutely everything we’ve got.”
Mangan was quick to compliment the culture that Strathfieldsaye is building noting that “Culture is a big focus in 2025.The girls are looking great. We’re building something really solid together,” she said. “There’s a lot of care and drive in the group, and that makes all the difference.”
The Storms internal development has been impressive with 5 of the 12 players picked for the BFNL 17 & Under Rep Team coming from Tannery Lane. Players picked were Ady Neilson, Chloe Tweed, Eden Pollard, Lexie Fennell & Lucy Paton.
The internal growth is also evident through a player like Lainey Pollard.
A dynamic midcourter who can play both Centre and Wing Attack, Pollard is already impressing with her work ethic and maturity.
“Lainey’s coming along in leaps and bounds,” Mangan said. “She’s one to watch this year for sure.”
A Look Ahead
The Storm kick off 2025 against South Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval before hosting Sandhurst in a Good Friday blockbuster.
