2025 Premier Division Grand FInals

THE FOOTBALLER PREMIER DIVISION GRAND FINALS

September 20, 2025

CONTENTS

6 Men’s Division One Review 10 Men’s Premier Division 21 Team of the Year 24 Leading Goal Kickers

PG.6

PG.12

PG.24

EDITOR & DESIGNER

PARTNERSHIPS

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHY

Eli Duxson

Luke D’Anello, Luke Mathews, Ben Parker, Evan Tudor

Duncan Seller

All images supplied by Sporting Moments by Shaun

HILLSIDE HEADS TO PREMIER DIVISION

By Ben Parker

Hillside will be playing in Premier Division for the first time in club history following its remarkable win over Oak Park in Saturday’s Strathmore Community Bank Division One grand final.

With the Kangaroos looking to clinch a second bout of premiership success in just three years, the favourites ultimately fell short.

As the sun began to set on Coburg City Oval, it was the Sharks who capped off a remarkable day to swim away with a thrilling 22-point victory and claim the premiership for 2025.

With a hot footy bobbling around, players hardly had a second to act before opposition pressure was felt.

The day was no doubt sweetened and celebrated even more because of the feats of vice captain Josh Covelli, who four minutes into the final quarter, sensationally kicked 100 goals in a year for the second consecutive season.

The fans were quick to jump the fence, and they flocked to the Hillside forward line to celebrate the moment.

In what was one of the greatest days in the history of the Hillside Football Club with the Reserves also winning, they are now off to the top flight.

While it’s the holy grail for Hillside, it’s heartbreak for Oak Park as they fall agonisingly short of tasting premiership success and capping off a brilliant season.

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It was on from the start with both sides opening their accounts in ruthless fashion.

In a low-scoring opening term, the Sharks made the most of their opportunities in front of the sticks, highlighted by a mercurial running drop punt goal from the boundary line by captain Zak Wunhym four minutes into the contest.

The Roos were proving to be wasteful in front of goal, and this pattern extended into the second quarter with the minor premiers recording just two goals from 12 scores at half time.

On the other hand, the Sharks were making the most of their opportunities and held onto a mere one-point lead going into the third term.

The second half was poised to be a thriller, and it was the Sharks who made the Roos pay with a three-goal-to-one effort in the premiership quarter.

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HILLSIDE HEADS TO PREMIER DIVISION

Josh Covelli and Khalil Kaakour set the game alight five minutes into the third term, with Kaakour converting a loose ball in front of goal after a bone-crunching, “WWE-like” tackle from Covelli on Oak Park’s premier defender, Lachlan Stredwick.

In the final quarter of the season, Hillside were firmly parked in the driver’s seat and simply had to stave off a pressing Oak Park.

The magical moment for Josh Covelli came at the four-minute mark of the final term.

After receiving the footy at the top of the goal-square, Covelli rolled around onto his dangerous left foot and booted through goal 100 of the season.

It made for a remarkable scene, and gave the Sharks a tidal wave of surging momentum for the remainder of the final quarter.

It was always going to be a challenge for the Kangaroos to come home after this, and with that said, the Sharks went on to claim victory and capture senior men's premiership success for the first time since 2013.

Hillside’s hunt around the contest and pressure rating was a defining element of the match, with the Sharks dominating at stoppage and strangling the Roos all day with their intensity.

David McWilliam Medal for best-on-ground honours.

He racked up a pivotal 27 disposals, 11 tackles, and booted through two critical goals in what was a low-scoring affair.

Kaakour also recorded a whopping 27 team involvements for the day, highlighted by his 11 tackles and 12 pressure acts.

Fort Caruso was also exceptional and produced a match-defining performance, with his impact in and around stoppage a key takeaway from the game.

He had 27 disposals, 20 of which were contested, to go along with nine clearances and seven tackles.

In what was a disappointing day for the Roos, Josh Hotchkin and Paul Pascu were both among their best yet again.

Hotchkin toiled away in the ruck contest all day, and had another exceptional outing with 24 disposals and 51 hit outs.

As well as this, Pascu was relatively quiet for his standards but was still able to have his usual dynamic impact at times.

He battled hard and produced a solid performance with 16 disposals, seven tackles, and a goal.

They won the clearance count by 10, 48-38 and were relentless in winning the ball back off turnover.

Ultimately, it was the Sharks' pressure which was the standout.

They had 52 more tackles than Oak Park and posted a final figure of 86 tackles to the Roos' 34.

Aligning with this, Hillside produced a final pressure rating of 200 for the day, with Oak Park only mustering a mere figure of 91.

These figures aren’t surprising, with the Sharks' hunt and endeavour on full display for onlookers.

Khalil Kaakour put a stamp on what has been a brilliant first season with the Sharks with a performance that saw him take home the

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By Luke Mathews

GRAND FINAL PREVIEW Strathmore and Keilor will square off in a blockbuster Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division grand final at Windy Hill this Saturday.

Saturday’s match will be a replay of the 2023 decider, as well as the semi final matchup of two weeks ago.

The Mores will be gunning for their first premiership since 2022, with victory on Saturday marking the club’s eleventh A-grade flag in their history.

Nick Ash’s side had a shaky end to the regular season with losses to Aberfeldie and Airport West, however have regathered and won their two finals comprehensively.

The side has been boosted by the returns of Kyle Weightman and Matthew Allison, with the pair kicking five goals between them in the qualifying final victory over Aberfeldie.

Keilor has been the most dominant side across the competition during the last three seasons and will be looking for back-to-back premierships.

A win for the Blues would also mark a fifth premiership for legendary coach Mick McGuane as well as a fourth premiership for Kane Barbuto and Mason Thomas.

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The reigning premiers had an almost faultless home-and-away campaign once again, however lost to Pascoe Vale in Round 15 before losing again to Strathmore in the semi final.

The big watch this week will be how the Blues line up on Saturday with several superstars under an injury cloud heading into the grand final.

Defender Brad Xavier hobbled off with a leg injury in the third quarter on Sunday and will be touch and go to be fit for the decider.

Jay White is in a similar situation after the defender injured himself in the preliminary final win, however he did return to the field albeit for rotation purposes.

The Blues could regain superstar Nick O’Kearney after he missed the preliminary final with a broken nose, however will still be missing Cody Brand and Josh Honey.

Saturday’s clash will be the fourth time these sides have met in 2025 with Keilor winning the first two, before the Mores turned the tables on them just two weeks ago.

It was a nine-goal third quarter blitz that helped seal the win with Nick Ash’s side able to challenge Keilor’s backline like no one else has in 2025.

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SCB PREMIER DIVISION GRAND FINAL PREVIEW

Strathmore’s contest work and accuracy in front of goal helped the side get the job done with the Mores +30 in contested possessions, and scored from 50 per cent of their entries.

Trent Dumont starred in the 40-point win collecting 30 possessions and booting two goals, while Luke Jarrad and youngster Chris Scerri were also very impressive.

The skipper Barbuto was Keilor’s best with 21 touches and two goals, while sharpshooter Chris Kosmas continued his dominance over Strathmore with another four goals.

Coach Mick McGuane said his side were clearly outplayed at the contest and their defensive transition was as bad as it’s been for the year.

The reigning premier was able to make some changes in time for Sunday’s preliminary final which saw the side win the contest and clearance battle.

The key matchups will be at either end of the ground which will likely decide who takes home the cup in 2025.

Allison hasn’t missed a beat after returning in the gold and navy, kicking five goals in their two finals.

The Blues could recall Billy Johnson to help sure up their defence or throw Reuben William back who starred in the Blues' preliminary final win over Strathmore last year.

The midfield battle will be an intriguing watch this Saturday with several superstars set to lock horns in the middle of the ground.

Barbuto was back to his brilliant best last weekend with 28 disposals and 12 clearances and has led his side superbly once again in 2025.

The Mores engine room has been led by Dumont with the midfielder averaging 28 disposals in 2025 and has been in fine form to end the season.

Whichever side can grab the ascendency out of the middle on Saturday will likely go a long way in helping them hold up the cup.

Keilor will have to find an answer for Liam Cavanagh with the veteran dominating in the three clashes against the Blues in 2025.

The defender picked up 36 touches in Round 3, along with 33 disposals in Round 12, and 27 in the semi final.

The Blues forward line was firing on all cylinders last weekend with Jermarl Daly kicking six goals, however they’ll need to find a way of holding Cavanagh accountable and stifling his influence.

The Strathmore backline will also need to find an answer for Kosmas with the utility booting 24 goals against the Mores in six clashes across 2024 and 2025.

At the other end of the ground, Keilor will need to find a match up for Matthew Allison.

The Blues have had the number one defence in 2025, however could be undermanned this Saturday with Xavier and White under an injury cloud.

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UNDER 18.5 PREMIER DIVISION GRAND FINAL

STRATHMORE

President: John Toniolo Coach: Giovanni Mazzeo

ESSENDONDOUTTASTARS President: Kirk Thompson Coach: Spencer Thompson

1 Zak Waters

1 Joshua Whitfield

2 Mitchell Barrett

2 Diesel Docherty

3 Alexander Fish

3 Finn Daffey

4 Alex Tonelli

4 Jake Filia

7 Archie Cottom

5 Keanu Kim

10 Daniel Robertson

6 Ayden Diaz

11 Ryan Maddox

7 Lucas Bellino

12 Ahmad Abdallah

8 Alex Sikora

13 Jett Laidler

9 Will Ryan

14 Jonathan Leeds

10 Max Ibic

15 Levi West

12 Jesse Kirk

16 Jake Bruni

11 Aiden Harris

17 Maddox Armstrong

13 Vaughn Murphy

18 Rydah Anderson

14 James Privitelli

19 Nash Mihailovic

15 Joshua Palmer

22 Nicholas Staropoli

18 Leo Anderson

24 Michael Cross

20 Marlon Arhanic

28 Aidan Hobson

21 Archer Beattie

29 Cody Liersch

22 Will Atkinson

30 Nicholas Page

26 Charlie Tudor

34 Zachary Martin

27 Kruize Kim

39 Noah Pierce

31 Myles Luca

42 Jad Naim

35 Daniel Sexton

45 Izaiah Da Silva

37 Joshua Falla

46 Sebastian Moffett

39 Lucas Myszka

49 Charlie Bruni

44 Dean Roumeliotis

54 Samuel Wood

46 Isa Merhi

61 Christopher Scerri

47 Oscar Sampson

68 Jack Ryan

55 Xavier Murphy

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Official sponsors of the Essendon District Football League

RESERVES PREMIER DIVISION GRAND FINAL

ABERFELDIE

President: Sean Howard Coach: Daniel Mangan

KEILOR

President: Shaun Morris Coach: Stephen Pace

10 Clay Mullins

2 James Veal

14 Aaron Stone

4 Harry Withoos

15 Benjamin Smokrovic

5 Nathan Ellis

16 Cameron McLeod

6 Mitchell Ellis

17 Harry Moore

9 Oskar Haintz

28 Callum Symons

10 Miller Harvey

30 Ryan James

11 William Cameron

33 Lachlan Brown

12 Billy Johnson

34 Konrad Karner

21 Riley Ham

35 Tom Newman

23 Emmanuel Parissis

38 Riley Macdonald

25 Nathan Ryan

40 Jhett Gaskett

26 Parker Sneddon

43 Alec Smokrovic

29 Brock Jacobsen

44 Conner Bassett

31 Thomas Guljas

45 Leon Manago

35 Ryan Hargreaves

46 Nic Walsh

38 Michael Teal

47 Josh Misiti

39 Kobe Long

48 Jack Arceri

40 William Teal

54 Ryan Koenig

41 Jayden Teal

56 Brady Coleman

44 Nathan Ellis

57 Samuel Beckinsale

47 Brodie Catania

58 Daniel Ruscigno

49 Lachlan Sneddon

61 Joshua Docking

50 Connor Vosper

64 Zac Truccolo

53 Fredrick Frew

66 Riley Grant

75 Ashley Reed

67 Cooper Anderson 72 Matthew Caddeo 74 Xavier Young

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STRATHMORE COMMUNITY BANK PREMIER DIVISION GRAND FINAL

STRATHMORE

President: John Toniolo Coach: Nick Ash

KEILOR

President: Shaun Morris Coach: Mick McGuane

1 Trent Dumont

1 Kyle O’Connor

3 Luke Jarrad

2 Corey Ellis

4 Liam Cavanagh

3 Matthew Bartlett

6 Benjamin Holian

4 Kane Barbuto

8 Mitchell Purcell

5 Cody Brand

9 Kade Mueller

8 Reuben William

10 Adam Iacobucci

9 Bradley Xavier

11 Andrew Gallucci

10 Josh Honey

12 Matthew Allison

11 Nicholas O'Kearney

13 Kyle Weightman

12 Billy Johnson

16 Chris Scerri

13 Joel Sadler

17 Hudson Radecki

14 Jamie Papalia

18 Matthew Pellegrino

15 Jay White

19 Brock Egglestone

19 Blair Wyllie

20 Daniel Mighell

21 Riley Ham

21 Corey Grindlay

22 Christos Kosmas

22 Ryan Brodie

24 William Burke

25 Sam Hayes

25 Nathan Ryan

28 Lucas Cavallaro

28 Harvey Wilkes

29 Daniel Mammoliti

30 James Bailey

31 Nick Ingleton

32 Jermarl Daly

32 Athan Tsialtas

33 Mason Thomas

34 Lachlan Plant

34 Harrison Kennedy

35 Cooper West

37 Damon Hollow

36 Tom Denning

43 Joseph Ciranna

38 Max Cirigliano

45 Jovan Petric

41 Jesse Horton

46 Daniel Sargent

45 Will Janky

51 Liam Hude

47 Oscar Mammoliti

55 Christian Olivieri

49 Hugh Allison

81 Kade Long

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THE BEST IN FRONT OF THE BIG STICKS As we approach the conclusion of another fantastic year of Strathmore Community Bank men’s football, let’s look back on the home and away seasons that were and highlight our dominant goal-kickers who lit up the field each week.

Find out who kicked big in 2025 below!

PREMIER DIVISION Callum Moore (Aberfeldie – 68 goals) In his return to Aberfeldie footy in the EDFL Premier Division following four years up in Wangaratta, the former Richmond AFL and VFL star was no stranger to the big sticks in 2025, dominating the score sheets week by week, only falling short of scoring majors on two occasions.

His highlight of the season came when he snagged 20 goals in Round 16. His efforts were felt strongly throughout the year. He also slotted seven back in Round 11.

Cody Brand (Keilor – 57 goals) One of the biggest threats to the competition in 2025 was Cody Brand, with Keilor’s consistent kicker never leaving a match without booting some throughout the season.

In just his second year at the club, Brand had his work cut out for him after he missed three

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By Evan Tudor

matches halfway through year. But that didn’t stop him from topping his club’s list with 57 goals after just 15 matches.

Bailey Ryan (Ess. Doutta Stars – 56 goals) It was just the second season that Ryan suited up in the Douttas colours following his switch to the club.

With 32 goals to his name last year, Ryan piled on 24 more to top the charts at Douttas and finish third overall with 56 majors from all 18 games of the year.

Max Rider (Airport West – 53 goals) This young talent was one Airport West’s most exciting to watch in 2025 after he came in from New South Wales following last year’s appearance in the Sydney Swans Academy.

Averaging 15 disposals and three goals per game, Rider was one of the most impressive talents at the club after he reached the 53 goals from 18 matches. His influence was truly felt at the club and was at its highest when he snagged seven goals against Deer Park in Round 18.

Chris Kosmas and Samuel Paea (Keilor & Aberfeldie – 48 goals) Rounding out fifth place in the Premier Division we have a tie between Keilor’s Chris Kosmas and Aberfeldie’s Sam Paea who both

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THE BEST IN FRONT OF THE BIG STICKS

booted 48 through the regular season and join their respective teammates who round out the top two of this list.

Kosmas wasn’t afraid of the big sticks in 2025 as he went on to average three majors a match with frequent big-bags of five and the occasional six and seven goals contributing to his efforts. He also scored seven across the finals series and will look to make a strong statement in Saturday's grand final.

Paea was able to amass his 48-goal amount after just 14 games played this year. The 2024 Werribee premiership player returned to his home roots after last year’s season of success in a quest to create something similar at Aberfeldie. His season highlight came when he was unstoppable in Round 7 and slotted 17 goals.

DIVISION ONE Josh Covelli (Hillside – 89 goals) Our highest goal-scorer across the entire Strathmore Community Bank Men’s 2025 season is Hillside’s Josh Covelli who slotted a staggering 89 majors from 17 regular season matches.

On the Sharks’ list since 2022, Covelli was an unstoppable force all year and didn’t miss a beat from Round 1 to Round 18.

Jesse Martini (West Coburg – 51 goals) Jesse Martini cemented his second-place finish on the Division One goal-kicking ladder after a dominant season of football at the Burgers that saw him bring up 51 majors.

Kane O’Halloran and Damien Petrone (Oak Park & Taylors Lakes – 41 goals) An equal-third finish for these men from the Kangas and Lions sees them share honours at 41 goals each.

Kane O’Halloran was a very consistent force for the Oak Park line-up proven by his ability to score majors in all-but-one regular season outing.

Damien Petrone’s first year at Taylors Lakes was a huge success with impressive matchaverages of 12 possessions and three goals.

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Cooper McPharlane (Rox. Park – 38 goals) Rounding out the top five for Division One this year is Cooper McPharlane from Roxburgh Park. Determined as ever, McPharlane gave it his all and was a strong contributor to the Magpies line-up week after week.

DIVISION TWO Jack McNamara (Coburg Districts – 71 goals) Our Division Two goal-kicking leader is Coburg Districts’ Jack McNamara who has been an unstoppable force all season with an average of 19 disposals and five goals per match.

Aaron Evans (Westmeadows – 51 goals) One of the most consistent in front of the sticks all season has been Westy’s Aaron Evans who brought up the half-century in Round 18.

Nick Bruno (Northern Saints – 50 goals) Also reaching the half-century is Northern Saints’ Nick Bruno who had a very fast start to the season.

He opened his campaign with 21 goals by the end of the sixth week and showed no signs of slowing down. Bruno continued this form right through the season in which he kicked 10 goals across the closing two games for the Saints.

Mark Sabatino and Mitchell Streiff (Glenroy & Sunbury Kangaroos – 42 goals) We round off the top five with two men who were able to snag 42 goals this season in entertaining campaigns.

Glenroy were a threatening side all season and Mark Sabatino’s form was one of the reasons for this. Averaging just over two goals a match, Sabatino’s best came when he kicked eight against Hadfield in Round 7.

Mitchell Streiff produced various goal-kicking masterclasses to reach this impressive total of 42. The Kangaroos skipper was on fire when he slotted 15 majors across a threeweek period during the season.

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