FAST FACTS
JOINED LEAGUE: 1998 NICKNAME: EAGLES GROUND: MANSFIELD RECREATION RESERVE COACH: JACK HUTCHINS PRESIDENT: RAY ROBINSON PREMIERSHIPS: 2004, 2009 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: T. HOTTON (2007) 2023 FINISH: SIXTH (10-9) 2023 BEST-AND-FAIREST: DIRK KOENEN 2023 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: BEN CHRISTOPHER (47)
PLAYER CHANGES
INS: Billy Hogan (North Heidelberg), Adam Boschevski, Will Christopher, Tim Costigan, Joel Sanford, Tom Gardiner (Knox), James Waters (North Footscray), Matt King (Northern Bullants VFL)
OUTS: Frazer Dale, Lachlan Murphy-Dale (Myrtleford), Tom McDonagh (Wangaratta), Lachie Christopher, Daniel Leggett
It’s all about transition at Mansfield following a first-round finals exit.
The Eagles have not only lost coach Chad Owens, but two of their most prolific ball-winners in the Dale brothers.
Jack Hutchins arrives at the helm in what has been described as a “smooth transition” by football director Bo Christopher as Mansfield seeks another September berth.
“On the back of the unbelievable work Chad did over the last three years putting the structure in place, it’s been easy for Jack; he’s putting in some polish in a few areas,” Christopher said.
“Everyone is so keen for the season ahead because we have so many good people and locals.”
One local tipped for prominence this season is Jayden Howes, who now takes a spot in the Eagles’ leadership group.
Christopher looks forward to seeing the long-serving Howes take on more on-field leadership after “ripping up the track” during pre-season.
While a potential VFL signing has instead committed for 2025, Christopher has suggested youth is the priority heading into 2024.
“Losing the Dale brothers and Tommy will hurt a bit, but we’ve had some great locals returning to the club as well,” Christopher said.
“Our strength is our kids; we’re a very young and fast side, and nobody knows the upside of our young group.
“The growth is going to come from our youth, because we’ve got kids 20 and under with between 50 and 70 games of senior experience.
“Their best football is clearly ahead of them.”
Perhaps there are no truer words in the case of Max Mahoney, who will take on Murray Bushrangers duties alongside his Eagles commitments this year.
He wasn’t the only youngster tipped for a big campaign.
“Max started playing seniors at 15. His transformation has been amazing thanks to hard work,” Christopher said.
“He’s in for a big year, and he’s a quality young man.”