THIS season may be remembered as the year Balwyn and Vermont put a definitive gap between the top two teams and the rest of division 1.
Once again the talk of excessive financial demands by players has dominated the off-season and, despite good news stories like Croydon last year, it looks as though only the Tigers and Eagles can maintain the ability to cater for the competition's top players.
I'm tipping a return to the top by Daniel Harford and his Balwyn Chargers, but a showdown with Vermont on grand final day could provide a contest to remember.
In division 2, Montrose has made some good gains, while the Waverley Blues, Rowville and Bayswater will be lurking. The big question is whether Mooroolbark can make an immediate impression in a higher division.
Division 1
BALWYN
Coach: Daniel Harford
Prediction: Premiers
No doubt another strong season coming up for Harford and his classy unit. Good additions in Ben Holland, Peter Summers, Guy Richards, Rennie Ghilchrist and Roderick Crowe. Will start flag favourites.
BLACKBURN
C oach: Steve Cochrane
Prediction: 5th
On the up in recent years and should figure in finals with some good additions, including Joshua and Zac Vansittart from Northern Bullants and Nathan Ryan from Perth.
CROYDON
Coach: Morris D'Alessandro
Prediction: 3rd
The fairytale might not eventuate again after a number of off-season losses, but writing the Blues off is a big risk. They have been building their stocks for some time and might shine through this year.
EAST BURWOOD
Coach: Nick Tennant
Prediction: 8th
A few losses, a few gains, but finals are still out of reach for the Rams. Tennant is a great coach and no doubt the club continues to develop quality talent. The Rams will need to string wins together.
EAST RINGWOOD
Coach: Chris Cogan
Prediction: 10th
A real push towards promoting youth and building for the future with survival in the top flight a key priority. Back on their home turf they can't be underestimated, but the Roos aren't good enough for the top five.
KNOX
Coach: Tyson Lane
Prediction: 7th
There are plenty of fresh faces, including Luke Williams from Casey Scorpions, but it's still a big ask to win against the top teams. Sure to spring a few surprises, but the middle rungs of the ladder are likely finishing positions.
LILYDALE
Coa ch: Simon Rourke
Prediction: Wooden spoon
Has had heavy losses to Mitcham and Coldstream in particular, but a good gain is Ben Neagle (South Adelaide). Hard to see where consistent wins will come from to mount a genuine threat. The drop may be a sharp one.
NOBLE PARK
Coach: Mick Fogarty
Prediction: 4th
Adrian Little, Heath Black, David Velardo and Dean Kelly are gone and, though a few players are returning, no flag is in sight for the Bulls - far too much experience has departed. On the upside, there are handy additions from the VFL and finals will be on the radar.
NORWOOD
Coach: Kevin Tibaldi
Prediction: 9th
Too many losses to allow contention for finals, but if the Norsemen can unveil a couple of surprise recruits you never know. There's a great junior program and perhaps this year will present opportunities for kids to step up.
SCORESBY
Coach: Dale Bower
Prediction: 6th
Stephen Finlayson and Ben Goddard are out, but as always the Magpies have arguably the best kids coming through. Can't help but feel the Magpies will be in the finals mix.
SOUTH CROYDON
Coach: Ben Delarue
Prediction: 11th
In the top flight and determined to stay there, but the Bulldogs will face tough challenges. There is fantastic experience in the right places, but the lack of speedsters might hold them back. The learning curve will be steep.
VERMONT
Coach: David Banfield
Prediction: Runner-up
Coming off yet another premiership, there's no doubt the Eagles will want more success. Hard to find any weaknesses, though Dean Stephen is a loss (to Montrose). Victor Siciliano is joining from Port Melbourne, but Balwyn may have a bit more depth.
Division 2
BAYSWATER
Coach: Bernie Dineen
Prediction: 4th
Reports have them a bit light on at training, but when the real stuff starts the Waters won't be far off the pace. Always a good thing to get better as the season rolls on and finals are a possibility.
DONCASTER EAST
Coach: Jason Hardwick
Prediction: 6th
Much quieter compared with last season's hype. Can be great on a good day and woeful on a bad day. Not good enough for the real action at season's end.
DONVALE
Coach: Dean Greig
Prediction: 8th
Will be one team that many will watch with interest. Still a long way from pushing the top couple, but you can be assured the Vales won't be too far away from the middle rungs.
MONTROSE
Coach: Mark Garthwaite
Prediction: Premiers
Has good recruits, especially Dean Stephen (back from Vermont). A lot to like about the coach and a club heading in the right direction. Maybe this will be the breakthrough year for one of the most consistent teams over the past two decades.
MOOROOLBARK
Coach: Bernie Ryan
Prediction: 9th
Up a division after squashing the opposition last year and with a goal of being competitive. The Barkers will win their fair share, but some tough lessons will also be learnt.
MULGRAVE
Coach: Hayden Stanton
Prediction: 5th
A few big names to replace will see the Lions slip back a notch. A hard match-up at home, but lack of consistency might be the big hurdle.
RINGWOOD
Coach: Peter Beaven
Prediction: Wooden spoon
Hard to see where Ringwood will find enough wins to stay out of the bottom couple. Always looking for young talent, but overall not big enough.
ROWVILLE
Coach: Kristian Bardsley
Prediction: 3rd
A quality coach and the biggest junior program in the EFL support an improving senior program. Good up front and hard as nails in the middle, the Hawks will be there when it matters most.
WANTIRNA SOUTH
Coach: Rod Mitchell
Prediction: 7th
Plenty of movement along Burwood Highway between a few clubs. The Devils might struggle for finals form.
WAVERLEY BLUES
Coach: Scott Hunter
Prediction: Runner-up
A great developing club that has worked its way up from the lower divisions. Ready to go the next step, the Blues will be a force in 2010 and could take all before them.
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