GNFL 2024 season preview: Northampton ready to run the league again after breaking the drought

They finally broke their premiership drought after 19 long years, and now Northampton have to adjust to being the team with a target on their back.

Dropping just two games, the Rams had a season for the history books last year with claiming the title, Josh Kennedy coming back to play for his old club and Flynn Dillon claiming the JJ Clune Medal, grand final best on ground and the club fairest and best award.

Club president Damian Harris said the team had been up and about and were ready for the 2024 season.

“Very positive vibe still, everyone’s really keen, they’re obviously nervous, they don’t want to have a premiership hangover but everyone’s not overconfident,” he said.

“They’re not just rolling into another year of football, they know what’s expected.”

Northampton finished second on the ladder last year and made it to the grand final after stunning Brigades in the qualifying match.

Now this year they come in as the reigning champions and likely favourites to repeat, which is an adjustment for the club.

“It’s going to be tough because we usually are the ones trying to chase the top sides and all of sudden we’ll be chased,” Harris said.

“It’s a new way to be and I think the boys are looking forward to it.”

While the league side reached the pinnacle, the women’s fell short of a grand final berth, but Harris expects them to be right back in the mix.

“They’ll give it another crack; they’re always really, really keen, they’ll have a crack don’t worry about that,” he said.

The colts are an important part of every club and Harris praised the work the coaches have done bringing the young players up to league standard.

“It’s looking really, really good and special mention to Grant ‘Diesel’ Milentis and Kristen ‘Bluey’ Maver, who’s a legend from our club,” he said.

“The work that they’ve done in bringing the colts through is just awesome, they have done very well them two.”

The Rams will begin their title defence with a premiership rematch against Railways on Saturday in Northampton.

GLENN BARNDON’S PREDICTION: FIRST

As reigning premiers, Northampton are hard to go past and will be arguably even stronger with the inclusion of powerful midfielder Dylan Ralph, along with a complete season from star ruckman Flynn Dillon and the return from injury of the talented Alby Dean.

Their AFL stars also remain; however they may be without mobile ruckman Josh Cripps, who was outstanding in key games and finals. Cripps has returned to East Fremantle, while midfielder Beau Walker has gone to Towns.