2019 SEASON PREVIEW: Aspley Hornets

So close, yet so far for Aspley in 2018 as the Hornets aim to go one step further this year. 

2018 SUMMARY

A Preliminary Final appearance against eventual premier Southport was as far as the Hornets could manage in 2018, falling just short of a Gran Final appearance after a strong season. However, they made major strides from their 2017 efforts, leaping from sixth to third by season end. Major off-season recruits such as former AFL players Jono Freeman and Jake Spencer – the latter two making the NEAFL Team of the Year – provided an exceptional lift to the side, but the stalwarts of the brown and gold continued to dominate the competition. Co-captain Matthew Payne claimed his third NEAFL MVP award, while fellow co-captain Ben Warren was also selected in the competition’s Team of the Year. Freeman lead the side’s goalkicking tally, and club legend Reece Toye revelled in a career-best season.

WHAT’S NEW IN 2019?

AFL Queensland Hall of Famer, 30-year servant to the game and six-year Hornets coach John Blair retired ahead of the 2019 season, with former assistant coach Daniel Webster taking the reins. With such a legendary figure of the club departing, it will be fascinating to observe how the club adjusts to the change. The retirement of Andrew Swallow will have a similarly significant impact on the club’s performance, both on and off-field, but the acquisitions of hard-working small forward Billy Murphy from VFL side Box Hill, and former Lion and Hornets junior Liam Dawson among others will go some way to offset the transition.

FIRST MONTH

2018 saw Aspley slump to a 0-3 start to the season, so the club will be looking to get on the front foot this time around. A couple of tricky fixtures in the first fortnight beckons for the Hornets, battling finalists Sydney University away from home, before a Preliminary Final rematch against reigning premier Southport at home. The Hornets would love to at least nab one win in these first two weeks, but they will absolutely be looking to nail down the full eight points.

The remainder of the month sees them take on Brisbane at home, which is by no means an easy task. With the Lions’ senior side becoming all the more competitive with big recruits in both the trade and draft such as Lachie Neale, Jarryd Lyons and Ely Smith, it will in turn force more quality AFL-listed players back to the NEAFL. Aspley’s bye round then precedes a clash with 2018 wooden spooner Redland away from home.

2019 WILL BE A HIT IF…

The Hornets can find their feet in the top four early on and remain there. Last year, the Hornets struggled to get to their best until late in the season, going from 7-7 to 13-7 in the tail end of the year. Without long-time coach John Blair and runner-up best and fairest Andrew Swallow around anymore, fans will be extremely interested in how the side is able to gel and find form early. Having ascended to a podium finish last year, the Hornets should be aiming to replicate or better that result in 2019.

2019 WILL BE A MISS IF…

The youth doesn’t step up. The crux of the Hornets’ line-up is built on the shoulders of the veterans, players like Matt Payne (33 years old), Reece Toye (30), Ben Warren (30) and Jake Spencer (29). Aspley needs its 21-25-year-old cohort including James Ives, Daniel Henderson, Brandon Batchelor, Freeman and new recruits Murphy and Dawson to ease the burden these players currently hold, for not only their 2019 campaign, but for the seasons beyond.

STAR POWER

Aforementioned stars of the competition; three-time MVP Matt Payne, potential all-time games record-holder Reece Toye, former NEAFL representative captain Gav Grose, powerful forward/midfielder Ben Warren and dominant ruckman Jake Spencer bring significant firepower all across the ground. Not only do these players provide immense contribution on game day, but their wealth of experience and leadership is a major reason to be optimistic for the Hornets this season. Throw in the likes of new co-captains James Ives and Jackson Allen, and the Hornets seemingly have winners all over the ground.

ROOKIE WATCH

The good news for Aspley is there are a few talented young guns ready to take the step up and cement their place in the NEAFL side. Jack Coghlan, Luca Mason and Jasper Craven have experience at NEAFL level with the Hornets and will relish more game time in 2019. Former Lions Academy member Jack Tomkinson is a 202cm and 106kg ruckman who generates excitement in his long-term potential, as does former Swans Academy member Dylan Smith. The 19-year-old will look to follow in the footsteps of another Swans Academy graduate Will Gowers, who won the club’s Rising Star Award last season.

TO KICK THINGS OFF

Round 1 – April 6

Sydney University v Aspley Hornets at Henson Park, 12pm