SCOOP: Joe, super effort last year to make the grand final and acquit yourselves well against the Bloods. How did the group process the season and grand final loss?
JOE CARMODY: On the whole a very encouraging year for us particularly in the area of individual growth. We were in the grand final up until very late in the game against a quality side in Melton. Plenty of upside to be drawn from the season moving forward.
S: What did you learn about the group in your first year and where you're at in the pecking order?
JC: Hard working with a willingness to get better. There's plenty of talent and quality youth at our club. Just knowing we can compete against any opposition gives us great confidence and belief.
S: East Point remain unbeaten at home since Round 16, 2023 (vs Sebastopol) - your club aside, which team (if any) do you feel has an old school, home ground advantage?
JC: Sunbury! As a player and a coach, I’ve been on the end of a few hidings over the years. You must defend or risk chasing the game on the big ground.
S: More players at East Point (15) averaged 16 or more disposals per game in 2024 - Sunbury (14), Ballarat (14), Melton (13), Darley (10). Is there anything to see here? What do those numbers tell you?
JC: A combination of a few things - the way we play, i.e. controlled possession. It also tells us we can win our own ball, trust the depth and the system.
S: While scoring power at East Point has been a feature for a number of years now - you must be rapt with the way the group embraced your team defence strategy after restricting Melton to 39 inside 50's in the Grand Final? Says a lot for the group's chances ahead of your second year in charge.
JC: The team defence remains a work in progress. While we showed signs of fatigue late in the season we didn't concede numbers of any major concern. It was more so we were unable to score as heavily on the back of that team defence as we would have liked.
S: You lose promising young forward Strahan Robinson and the experience of Jordy Taylor - who picks up the slack?
JC: On Strahan's replacement option - we do like a fourth marking option forward so we're leaning to Joe Fraser, Ryder Lavery or Joel van Meel as the three (likely) rotating ruck options to spend time forward. If we go small Isaac Hucker or a promoted U/19 player could find their way in a pocket for example. And Jordy's replacement - well Liam Canny (21yo) is ready to go. We're confident he's going to be a super player for us over a long period. Joe Dodd will also see more minutes through the midfield as a result of Taylor's departure.
S: You had the fewest number of players (32) of all last year’s finalists represent the club at senior level. Do you think it will take a similar "favourable' run with injury that will determine your fate - i.e. another grand final appearance or are you blessed with the luxury of the soldier in, soldier out theory?
JC: Lots of players were stiff to miss out last year but we stuck with the younger group to get more games into them rather than throwing them around. Hopefully that decision has built confidence levels on the back of the faith we have shown in them getting the job done.
S: Tell us about the newbies at the club and their likely roles....
JC: Jack Romeril - fit utility - not sure how much we'll see of Jack given his work commitments. Matt Romeril - Half-back / Mid option. Sam Romeril - Wing option that will allow Liam Canny to move into an on-ball role for us.
S: Given the longer season are you likely to rotate your midfield guns through the bench or stick with the 2024 theory of resting them forward?
JC: Well Matty and Jordy (Johnston), Jacko (Merrett) and Jacob (Brown) work it out between themselves if and when they decide to come off. Matty has proven how dangerous he can be resting forward with seven goals against the Lakers last year.
S: Who is likely to give Joel Van Meel a lending hand with the ruck duties this season? His output and willingness to compete in 2024 was something else....
JC: Yes, Joel's contribution played a large part in us making it as far we did. As for relief, Ryder Lavery (19yo) and Joe Fraser (21yo) will be given an opportunity when Joel needs a spell resting forward or off the bench.
PLAYER INS:
J. Romeril (Skipton), S. Romeril (Skipton), M. Romeril (Skipton)
PLAYER OUTS:
J. Taylor (Qld), S. Robinson (Port Fairy), T. Conlan (VAFA)
VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:
N/A
PRACTICE MATCH SCHEDULE:
March 22- vs Strathfieldsaye (A)
IMPROVERS TIP (OUTSIDE OF EAST):
JC: Redan
FLAG TIP (OUTSIDE OF EAST):
JC: Darley
