Jason Davenport says his appearance in North Shore’s final-round meeting with Lara at Windsor Park is about more than just helping the Seagulls stay off the bottom of the ladder.
With AFL club GWS Giants, where Davenport is head of development, enjoying the pre-finals bye, the former Seagulls coach was happy to say “yes” when president Maryian Szponar contacted him about his availability.
“It was really interesting to chat to him on the phone,” Davenport said.
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“He was full of praise with regards to how the club’s tracking, and that’s obviously dismissive of results.
“But they felt there’s been a real shift in energy and enthusiasm and engagement off-field in particular.
“The club, he feels, is in a pretty strong position compared to its latter position, so that was really encouraging.”
Davenport, who turns 40 next Thursday, played 28 AFL games with Port Adelaide after spending two years at Geelong without playing a senior match.
He joined North Shore on his return to Geelong in 2014, and coached the Seagulls for three years before taking a development coaching role at Carlton at the end of 2017.
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Davenport played his last of 92 games in blue and gold in 2022.
“It’s not about necessarily going down and getting the win, but it’s more about just being competitive and showing that North Shore is still capable of being a part of the Geelong footy landscape.”
“I think there’s an opportunity to add a bit of composure and probably a calmness to the game, and being able to help not only on-field, but also support the coaches off-field.
“Most importantl,y it is just about letting the hair down and having a run around and having some fun.”
A second win for the season over Lara will see North Shore avoid the wooden spoon – a remarkable effort after a cloud hung over the club’s future during the preseason.
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However, the Cats can leapfrog the Seagulls into 11th spot with victory due to a superior percentage.
“I thought to myself, he’s out there, and we’re looking to balance things up, and he’d be an ideal inclusion to help some of the younger guys around the ground with his experience,” Szponar said.
“And he genuinely still loves the club, as much as he hasn’t been around for the last few years because of work circumstances,
“But he’s been invested for a long time.
“I’ve been in contact with him two or three times this year.
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Meanwhile, Szponar said North Shore is expected to secure coach Mark Hounslow for the 2026 season as the club looks to build stability and momentum.
“He’s not locked away at the moment, but at the moment he’s coaching next year, and he will be coaching next year,” Szponar said.
“I’m not even thinking of getting a new coach in. We’re looking at more people to support him.”
Szponar also confirmed that the GFNL would be North Shore’s home.
However, if Bellarine club Torquay decides to accept AFL Barwon’s offer of promotion to the GFNL, the Seagulls would be relegated.
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“As far as I’m concerned, we’re playing GFL,” Szponar said.
“At the moment, we’re going one direction; that’s playing GFL and seeing where we’re at.
“But that’s going to be a three or four-year build.”
X: @krockfootball