Belmont Lions’ stunning return to the GDFNL finals has been recognised, with Andy Walsgott and Brent Vermeulen named joint Team of the Year coaches.
In their second season in charge at Winter Reserve, they have guided the Lions to their first finals series in nine years after a ninth-place finish in 2023.
The Lions’ 14-4 home-and-away record is the club’s best return in its 50-year history, earning it a qualifying final berth against Werribee Centrals.
After a 50-point win on Saturday, the Lions will face East Geelong for a spot in their first grand final since their lone senior premiership success in 2007 in this weekend’s second semi-final.
Two Lions players were selected in the team: veteran forward Ben Evans and Barwon Heads recruit Brad Michell.
They’re among twelve first-time selections, including former AFL duo Billie Smedts (Thomson) and Luke Dahlhaus (Anakie).
Also making their debut appearance are East Geelong trio Jaydan McLauchlan, Ben Crombie, Jack Dickson, Thomson’s Charley Dononue, Anakie’s Oscar Barter, Winchelsea’s Jordan Gould, Corio’s Herschelle Carr, and Werribee Centrals young gun Carmelo Saliba.
Nine players return from last year’s team: Centurions stars Michael Culliver and Tyler Crennan, Bannockburn duo Kieran Fulton and Luke Bowdern, Thomson’s Steve Salajan, Winchelsea’s Fin Parish, Inverleigh’s Adam Donohue, Corio’s Toby Bennett, and East Geelong skipper John McIntyre, who was named captain of the team.
Corio star Matty James earned selection, having previously made the team when he won the Whitley Medal in 2018 and was runner-up in 2018.
For Fulton, it’s his sixth selection, Donohue’s fifth, and third for Crennan and McIntyre.
Nine clubs were represented, with North Geelong, Geelong West, and Bell Post Hill overlooked.
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