#InFocus | LILYDALE

Lilydale secretary Vicki Hottes spoke to EFL.org.au ahead of the Falcons’ 2017 campaign…

2017 Leaders

President – Anthony Simmons

Senior Coach – Ben Neagle

Senior Captain – TBA

What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?

Our focus is just continual improvement from professionalism, individual player to administration. We can certainly all get better.

What has the pre-season been like so far for the club? Is there any group that has really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits, etc.)?

Our younger leaders have been terrific all pre-season. 

Lachlan Wilson, Ryan Harvey, Callum Morrison, Richard Wyles and Jarrod Healy have continued to grow as leaders and we are confident they will continue to become fantastic players for our club.

Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?

We have changed our name to Lilydale Football and Netball Club. 

We started with one netball team in 2016 and we want to embrace this sport as part of our club. This year we will have at least three teams. 

We have a football manager this year – Tim Wilson, which is great for the club and he will co-ordinate the football department. 

We also hope to have a women’s team in 2017.

If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?

Physical development of our young players mixed in with consistency as a group.

Who are the players who you think will have a break-out season, who may have gone under the radar in the past as far the being known across the EFL community?

Grant Hill and Andy Preston always go under the radar. We hold them in such high regard in our four walls. We are just hopeful our young brigade can take another step this year.

Where does the club see itself in three years’ time?

Hopefully in a healthy position on and off the field, well-resourced and a place that can attract really good people.

Finally, who in your division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?

Second division is such an even competition, I think Wantirna South would have to go in as favorites after playing off in last year’s grand final and have looked like they have gained some handy inclusions over the pre-season.

Lilydale kicks off its 2017 season on Saturday 8th of April, hosting the Waverley Blues at the Lilydale Sports Oval.