THEY’VE been around the mark for a few years now but haven’t been able to lift the cup – the Mountain Men are going to change that in 2025.

Bolstered by a new coach in Michael Quirk and a handful of brilliant signings, last season’s runners up believe they have what it takes to go that extra step beyond.

Having retained the majority of that formidable lineup from last year, plus adding in classy and clean ball-users, Quirk said their chances are as good as they’ve ever been.

“There’s a core group who have stepped up to ensure we challenge again,” he said.

“Cy Banks has been leading all of our running, he’s been fantastic through the preseason along with a handful of others.

“Sam Dalbosco has been leading from the front as you’d expect, Luke Quirk has had a solid preseason, it’s the fittest he’s been for a few years.

“Hopefully those new boys who comes to the club will add a bit of class and pace which I think has been lacking over the last couple of years, especially some genuine pace.

“I think they’ll add some experience and some general polish around the contest.

“You add Will Shem, Darcy Chellew and a handful of others, I think we’ll be able to challenge once again.”

While they will be without some key players like ruckman Joe Gray and mid-forward hybrid Declan Bren, Bright will still be as challenging an opponent as any in the league.

They still boast some of the best forwards in the game, with Cooper Thomason the reigning goal kicking champion after booting almost 100 majors in 2024.

Quirk said further improving their scoreboard impact will be the key to victory.

“Our goal will be to make the finals, and reset from there,” he said.

“What I’d like to see is the previous list and new inclusions continue to develop their run and carry, be clean around the contest and have more opportunities in front of goal and convert better in front of goal.

“I think we kicked ourselves out of some games last year just through some poor kicking, so there’s a big emphasis on set shots and rewarding our work up the field.”

Bright heads to Greta for the grand final rematch to kick off their 2025 campaign.

Club Info

Senior Coach: Michael Quirk.

Assistant coaches: Pat Sullivan, Regan Alexander (reserves), Brad Nightingale (reserves).

Arrivals: Pat Sullivan, Wayland Wales, Will Shem, Darcy Chellew, Cy Banks, Jack Woodall.

Departures: Joe Gray, Max Rampling, Declan Bren, Mikka Paulsen.

Players to watch: Cy Banks, Marcus Kintharni, Joe Crawley, Cooper Thomason, Sam Dalbosco.

2024 ladder position: 3rd (runners up).

2025 ladder prediction: 2nd.