HAMPDEN interleague coach Nick O’Sullivan says the addition of two new clubs will lift the league’s standing on the country Victorian stage.
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O’Sullivan was upbeat about Portland and a merged Hamilton club entering the HFNL for season 2013.
Portland yesterday announced it would apply to play in the HFNL having received “overwhelming” backing from club members. The Tigers’ decision followed that of Hamilton and Hamilton Imperials, who on Tuesday confirmed they would merge and shift leagues.
The football restructure expands the HFNL to 10 teams and leaves the Western Border league with just six.
O’Sullivan yesterday said he had reapplied for the Hampden interleague coaching job, having already spent two years at the helm.
He said he believed Hampden, ranked seventh in the Victorian Country Football League, could emerge as a genuine top-four contender.
“I really believe we can rise to the top four, which we were years ago,” he said.
“Hamilton and Portland have to jump on board and add to that.
“The boys we played that represented the league the last few years have been fantastic, the endeavour has been brilliant.
“As long as the new fellas apply themselves in the right manner, I’m sure we can push ourselves higher.”
O’Sullivan said he would run interleague training sessions at Portland and Hamilton if he won the coaching job again.
He said having new players trial would “increase the depth and increase the excitement” of the Hampden interleague program.
Hampden will take on Sunraysia in 2013 and a win would promote it to sixth.
Another win, in 2014 against either Mornington Peninsula or Ovens and Murray, would lift it into the top four.
“It’s not going to be the answer, just because (Portland and Hamilton) come in we won’t instantly be a top-four VCFL league,” O’Sullivan said.
“But it will enhance our chances of getting into the top four down the track.”
A 10-team Hampden league was the hot topic in football circles yesterday.
The three clubs declaring their future intentions has allowed pundits to open debate about how strong Portland and a merged Hamilton side would be.
Portland president Rodger Hampshire said he was realistic on-field football success might take a few years.
“But in saying that, we’ve had some players indicate they may not go on next year if we remain in the Western Border league.
“But they’ve also indicated they’d be excited to be a part of the Hampden league. We think financially we can match it, it’s on-field, recruiting wise (that’s a concern).”
Hampshire said the Portland netball ranks had also backed the shift into the Hampden league.
Hampden league president Bob Guiney said Portland and a merged Hamilton club would be “a great fit for the league”.
