Division Two Grand Finals, Division One Prelims, Premier Semi’s

THE FOOTBALLER DIVISION TWO GRAND FINALS DIVISION ONE PRELIMINARY FINALS PREMIER DIVISION SEMI FINALS

September 6-7, 2025

CONTENTS

6 Women’s Premier Review 10 Men’s Division Two 18 Rupertswood Feature 24 Men’s Division One 32 Men’s Premier Division 44 Airport West Feature

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PG.12

PG.32

EDITOR & DESIGNER

PARTNERSHIPS

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHY

Eli Duxson

Tara Murray, Luke D’Anello, Luke Mathews, Ben Parker, Evan Tudor, Michelle Dunstan

Duncan Seller

All images supplied by Sporting Moments by Shaun

SHARKS CLAIM MAIDEN WOMEN’S TITLE

By Tara Murray

Hillside has claimed its first EDFL senior women's premiership in the most remarkable circumstances.

“I knew it was the full back and I knew it was the fairytale story to have a three-peat, I thought it was lined up for that.

After leading for most of the day, the Sharks premiership hopes came down to the final kick of the day.

“It’s a bit ironic that the hand that broke in the first contest of the season against Oak Park, was the hand that saved the day.

The Kangaroos won a free kick about 20 metres out from goal with the side five points down.

“It was a bit symbolic there, which was nice.”

The Sharks came into the grand final as underdogs against a Kangaroos outfit looking to make history.

The siren went meaning the shot at glory and a third straight premiership would come with the final kick of the day.

The kick went straight into Ash Thorneycroft, who was standing the mark, giving the Sharks the ultimate prize, 3.4 (22) to 2.5 (17).

Sharks coach Blaise Ferraro told Star Weekly he only had one thing going through his head as Nunn had the ball.

He said it wasn’t surprising to see Thorneycroft with that little bit of extra effort to make sure she got a hand on that kick.

In Round 1, Thorneycroft broke her finger on that same hand in the first contest of the year against Oak Park.

“My first thought was making sure that it’s not 50,” he said. “I was making sure that Ash didn’t run over the line.

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Ferraro said he was fairly confident heading into the game that his side could find a way to get across the line.

“We had done everything that we needed to do,” he said. “There was a bit of calmness about that.”

The Sharks did most of the attacking in the first half and kicked the only three goals of the first half.

Ferraro said they knew that the Kangaroos were going to come. It proved to be a similar story to 12 months ago, but on that occasion the Kangaroos were in front and had to hold off Aberfeldie.

“We just had to make sure that we didn’t panic,” Ferraro said. “No matter what

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AIRPORT TOYOTA PREMIER GRAND FINAL REVIEW

happens, you know that they are going to come and you have to absorb that pressure.

“Get a break and reset from there. They came in the third quarter and managed to hold them off just long enough to hold a three score lead heading into the last.”

Ferraro said they wanted to score in the second half but couldn’t get it out so they were resigned to holding on for dear life.

He said they played like that last year and had played in some tight ones against the Kangaroos in the past two years.

Ferraro said he always thought they had done enough heading into the final quarter to get the win.

The premiership win is two seasons in the making after finishing on top last season and then going out in straight sets.

Ferraro said the hurt of last year really drove them this year.

“They were really devastated that they didn’t make it last year,” he said. “It was a lack of experience.

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“Through the year they took a few knocks and they had to rebound, it really held them in good stead to not to freak out and panic.”

Madalyn Kelly kicked two goals for the Sharks, while Emily Paterno kicked the other.

Annalise Wilkie was awarded the best on ground medal.

“She has been fantastic all year for us,” Ferraro said. “She wasn’t happy with her season last year, even though she came top five in the league best and fairest.

“She put in a mountain of work. Really put her head down and definitely the hardest worker on the track.”

It was a spread of contributors for the Sharks to get the job done. Ferraro said that was one of the differences from last year to this year.

The Sharks Reserves side fell just short in the grand final in the second straight year.

“The buzz around the club was fantastic,” he said.

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By Evan Tudor

GRAND FINAL PREVIEW All roads lead to Highgate Recreation Reserve for the 2025 Strathmore Community Bank Division Two grand final.

Only Westmeadows and Rupertswood remain, who will be premiers?

It was nearly a year ago to the day that Westmeadows was on the Division Two grand final stage against Taylors Lakes.

The result wasn’t to be, and the Tigers walked away with the feeling that nobody wants to experience on grand final day.

Now they’re back and looking to redeem themselves and do one better after what has been an astonishing season, searching for a first senior premiership in 41 years.

The Tigers have certainly been an impressive force this 2025 season despite a very slow start.

Opening the season with a 37-point loss to Coburg Districts would’ve had flattened the Westmeadows community after an offseason of optimism.

They went on to heap a mammoth 33.14 (212) on East Sunbury, picking up their first win of the season by 172 points. Had the Tigers found their winning ways?

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No. The joy was short lived as they faced Glenroy and went down by 26 on Anzac Day. Rupertswood was next in line and the Tigers sailed away 21-point winners, only for the Northern Saints to send Westmeadows to a 23 record just seven days later.

But finally, Westy had found their winning form.

The yellow and black outfit went on to win their next 10 matches. The longest winning streak by any side this season.

There were a few hiccups to close off the regular season, but that didn’t stop Westmeadows from storming over Keilor Park by 29 in last Sunday's preliminary final.

That’s how they’ve ended up here in the decider.

But if Westy has had one wild ride here, then what Rupertswood has been through is even more interesting.

Rupo only joined the EDFL in 2021 and are yet to win a senior premiership in the EDFL. Contesting in the Division One competition, the Sharks narrowly missed relegation with a 2-9 record in a Covid-disrupted season.

The next season came along and so did a new form of Rupertswood footy.

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SCB DIVISION TWO GRAND FINAL PREVIEW

Finishing with a 10-8 record, the Sharks were unlucky to finish out of the four, narrowly missing out on a finals berth.

But 12 months later that finals berth came.

Rupertswood progressed all the way to the preliminary final but were unable to snag a grand final ticket.

The 2024 season wasn’t the greatest of years for the club with a huge list turnover, with the Sharks subject of relegation after finishing in the bottom two that season.

That brings us to their 2025 stint in Division Two. It’s been nothing short of a strong year for the Sharks, with five straight wins kicking off their season.

After an abandoned match threw a spanner in the works for the side, they first tasted defeat in Round 7 when the Northern Saints also handed them a crucial reality check.

From there on, they went 7-4 and strung together some good performances including wins over Burnside Heights, Northern Saints, and Glenroy with respective margins of 84, 77, and 22.

Their fourth-place finish meant they had to take the long route to the preliminary final in order to qualify.

But that didn’t faze Rupertswood who put an end to Coburg Districts' dreams by 25 points.

Last weekend, Rupo defeated minor premiers Glenroy for the third time this season, this time by 41 points in a preliminary final.

With last week’s win over the Roys under their belt, Rupo carries some big confidence heading into this one.

But Westmeadows has one of the strongest line-ups in the division, so there will be no holding back on Saturday.

Jordan Kosteas and Ryan Capron find the most footy at the club with the pair averaging over 30 disposals per match.

Aaron Evans is on a three-goal average and leads Westy’s goal scoring with 51 majors. He is also taking the most marks with a nine per game average that promotes fast ball movement.

In the defensive aspect we have Nathan Sparks who lays down nine tackles a match, his most being 14 against Rupertswood in Round 11.

But will Rupertswood make history and win the premiership from fourth? they have the talent to do so.

One of the Sharks’ best assets is Jackson Cardillo, and he’ll be one to keep an eye on.

With a division-leading 16 best on ground listings to boast, Cardillo is racking up teamleading stats everywhere.

He’s their leader for disposals (32), clearances (nine), and tackles (eight), while also getting the ball inside 50 four times a game.

Fraser Phelan-Smith has been a scorecard standout in 2025 and hasn’t missed since Round 3. With a three-goal average and 51 season majors to his name, to what extent will he have an impact on Saturday?

Matt McDonald and Clayton Bonello will be a duo to watch with both earning nine best-on listings after match averages that knock on the door of 20 possessions.

With both Westy and Rupo displaying lineups like these, we could be set for a very close contest.

Overall, it’s been a season of highlights and memories for both teams.

Westmeadows and Rupertswood would both be very deserving premiers. But as we know, only one can win.

It should be a cracking contest to cap off a magnificent season of Division Two football.

Come 5pm on Saturday, we will know who will write their name in the history books.

They aren’t necessarily men who attack on the scoreboard, but their presence is felt.

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UNDER 18.5 DIVISION TWO GRAND FINAL

SUNBURY KANGAROOS President: Marc Bullows Coach: Ewen Hildebrand

1 Sebastian Sanderson

BURNSIDE HEIGHTS President: Scott Seward Coach: Liam Cauchi

2 Oscar Giacomelli

2 Angus Ross

3 Hayden Sant

3 Sebastian Ellis

4 Ryan Campey

4 Riley Doyle

5 Nathan Pliaskin

5 Connor Bowden

7 Matthew Stevenson

6 Harry Bergamasco

8 Siddhant Narang

7 Cody Baker

9 Liam Dean

8 Cameron Willaton

10 Jamie Charlesworth

9 Mitch Waters

11 Ethan Dalla Rosa

10 Justin McConnell

12 Hudson Ferris

11 Jordan Hermelin

13 Oliver Stevenson

12 Joshua Harris

17 Tristan Borg

13 Matthew Burnett

20 Aiden Walgers

14 William Conduit

21 James Baillie

17 Jake Conduit

25 Aidan Dogan

18 Flynn Medhurst

26 Deegan Marchant

21 Cam Hildebrand

27 Ashton Odzovski

22 Lachie Crump

28 Dean Vaughan

23 Lachlan-Jay Wass

30 Toby Pullens

24 Taj Susnjara

32 Jayden Aiton

25 Rhylee Lofts

33 Koby Abela

28 Aaron Tucker

34 Anthony Dessmann

29 Tyler Baba

35 Keenan Portelli

32 Nate Curll

36 Billy Cameron

33 Liam Jeffreys

37 Kade Condello 38 Dante Iuele 40 Nathan Morais 42 Aiden Crocker 43 Marcos Miguelez Gallardo 68 Rocco Fiorio

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RESERVES DIVISION TWO GRAND FINAL

COBURG DISTRICTS President: Allan Chandler Coach: Marcus Michienzi

GLENROY

President: Murray Nilsson Coach: JJ Cristaudo

4 William Banks

1 Daniel Sebeh

6 Declan Doherty

2 Adrian Sabatino

13 Jordan Ashby

3 Ahmed Assaad

14 Mitchell Heales

7 Jayden Mizzi

15 Taine Beattie

8 Ali Abou-Eid

19 Conor Doherty

9 Jordan Forte

25 Sebastian Jansen

10 Aaron King

26 Joel Cauchi

12 Joseph Nader

30 Nicholas Heales

14 Timothy Garisto

32 Jesse Kempen

15 Adam Hassoun

34 Sebastian Eaton

16 Ali Samie

35 Daniel Di Qual

17 Joel McDonald

36 Liam Tsamasiros

21 Mahmoud Taleb

42 Maddy Martin

21 Cody Bowers

43 Jack Zivkovic

22 Eric Cristaudo

45 Gautier Vecchie

23 Torey Crosta

48 Joshua Park

24 Aboud Taleb

49 Ryan Caundle

25 James Nader

52 Hady Hegazy

30 Omar El-Ladekani

56 Gianni Mckenzie

33 Matt Laskowski

57 Giordan Kuret

34 Christopher Barakat

64 Benjamin Fosbrooke

35 Daniel Barakat 36 Jacob Albazi 37 Luke Sullivan 39 Zain Yassin 43 George Abdallah 52 Kyle Doherty 67 Khaled Taleb 73 Ahmed Taleb 81 Ali khairbak

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STRATHMORE COMMUNITY BANK DIVISION TWO GRAND FINAL

WESTMEADOWS President: Will Kosteas Coach: Ash Flavel

RUPERTSWOOD President: Chris Wilson Coach: Brad Fox

1 Jarrod Petersen

1 Mitchell Johnson

2 Blake Jarram

2 Logan Johnson

3 Marcus Mammoliti

3 Clayton Bonello

4 Ryan Capron

4 Angus Price

5 Korey Flavel-Wood

5 Jackson Pranauskas

6 Mitchell Church

6 Tom Cardillo

7 Nathan Sparks

7 Jackson Cardillo

8 Hugo Jenkins

8 Adam Bartrop

9 Jake Hatton

9 Lachlan Shore

10 Jordan Taglieri-Sclocchi

10 Matt McDonald

12 Riley Hearne

11 James Fox

14 Shaun O'Grady

14 Tom Markey

15 Jordan Hollow

15 Evan Ricupero

16 Aaron Evans

16 Lachlen Fish

17 Brayden Sudaro

17 Joel Flanigan

19 Harley Gleeson

18 Aaron West

20 Jordan Kosteas

20 Jackson Stafford

23 Alessio Saitta

21 Owen Sloan

24 James Taglieri-Sclocchi

22 Matthew Brown

26 Daniel Spencer

23 Fraser Phelan-Smith

27 Michael Portelli

24 Daniel Kavanagh

31 Jake Sweerts

28 Andrew Brennan

32 Nick Mathewes

30 Aaron Grubb

34 Michael Mayne

31 Bailey Verrall

30 Sean Evans

34 Thomas Phillips

36 Ben Drummond

36 Mitchell Johnston

42 Jake Butcher

37 Ned Crotty

48 Gabe Guida

39 James Jones

66 Ryan Stingel

49 Jack Burnell

99 Jackson Iulianella

54 Jack Young

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RUPO SEARCHES FOR FIRST SENIOR EDFL FLAG

By Luke D’Anello

Rupertswood co-coach Brad Fox has pointed to a three-game losing run mid-season as the turning point which has catapulted the club into the Strathmore Community Bank Division Two grand final.

The Sharks will face Westmeadows in Saturday's decider at Highgate Recreation Reserve and enter the clash in red-hot form, having won seven of their past eight games.

They conquered minor premier Glenroy by 41 points in last weekend's preliminary final to punch their ticket to the season finale.

Eyeing a finals appearance in the third tier after being relegated from Division One last year, Rupertswood knocked off the Roys in Round 8 to establish themselves as a contender.

But losses to Coburg Districts (four points), Westmeadows (three points) and Keilor Park (65 points) between Rounds 10 and 12 left the Sharks with a hurdle to overcome to take down the competition's leading sides.

"You hope for it (a grand final berth) but, no, making finals was the first ambition," Fox said of the club's expectations for 2025.

"We felt as the season was developing that we were going to be pretty competitive and I

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think the Round 8 victory against Glenroy, which was their first loss for the season, gave us renewed or tighter focus that the grand final is a realistic achievement.

"But we then had a bit of a flat spot where we lost three games in a row - one by four points, one by three points on the siren, and a drubbing by Keilor Park at Keilor Park.

"That gave us probably a really good turning point to just refocus on what we're here for and what are the standards that we're going to adhere to. The boys did a standards session, where they set six standards they wanted to embrace.

"Since then we've come out with a number of tremendous wins. We stumbled against Hadfield at Hadfield (in Round 17). We had a fair injury list that particular day and we didn't play well, but other than that the last seven or eight weeks, I honestly couldn't have wished for much better from them."

Fox is in his second season at the helm and has prioritised youth after Rupertswood lost a long list of key players after their 2023 preliminary final appearance under former coach Arron Bray in Division One. The Sharks were one of two teams relegated after a four-win campaign last season.

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RUPO SEARCHES FOR FIRST SENIOR EDFL FLAG

"When I got to the club, we just had 17 senior players depart from a team that played in a preliminary final," Fox said.

"I knew we had talent in the younger group because I'd coached a lot of them in their juniors, but we needed to develop our middle group as well - guys who perhaps hadn't been considered as being senior footballers under the previous regime. A lot of them were just dying for an opportunity.

"Some of the personal improvements from guys who have been consistent senior players this year is a real credit to them. They saw there were spots available and they just worked and worked and worked to get better at their craft, to get fitter, to get stronger, to get faster, and to improve their skills. A player like Aaron Grubb is an example of that."

Star forward Fraser Phelan-Smith has lit up the finals series with back-to-back best-afield performances.

He booted six goals against Coburg Districts in the elimination final and backed that up with a four-goal haul against the Roys.

Fox said the versatile young gun, who has 51 goals to his name from 19 games this season, had also filled roles in the ruck and midfield.

"Fraser's always been very talented. He's athletically gifted as well," Fox said.

"I think we've collectively learnt how to play best around Fraser. A lot of people don't realise how young he is. He's 21. As a 21-yearold, he's still learning his craft. He's still learning to use the tools that he's got at his disposal now that he's got a man's body and a really strong athletic profile.

"I think we had realistic expectations. You never know what your opposition is going to be like. You've got to control what you can, which is how much development can we get into our young list in the course of 12 months," Fox said.

"The boys have been super committed.

They're a pretty young group, but they do their recovery well, their preparation well, and they socialise well as well.

"All of that is part of the connection that it takes to want to do better and be part of a group that achieves something. Collectively, they've been led well by our leadership group and they've knitted together really tightly to want success, shared success."

Little has separated Rupertswood and Westmeadows in 2025, with the Tigers prevailing by 21 points in Round 4 and by three points in a memorable Round 11 clash, with Ryan Stingel nailing the match-winning goal as the siren sounded.

"We had a winning position that day and we just let it go. We've learnt from that and done quite a bit of scenario play since then to be better in that particular situation," Fox said.

"It's two teams with an exciting brand of football, some really gifted footballers on both sides.

"It will be literally who turns up closest to their best on the day."

"We've always seen rewards from it, but he's really maximised those rewards in the last two weeks."

Fox also heaped praise on co-coach Clayton Bonello, who has contributed 44 goals, fullback Aaron West, and Ned Crotty, who has impressed since returning in the elimination final from a broken finger.

"Unsung heroes" Tom Markey and Matthew Brown have also been important.

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By Ben Parker

DIVISION ONE PREVIEW Hillside and Craigieburn are all set for their clash in this week’s Strathmore Community Bank Division One preliminary final.

The game will be played out at Lionheart Reserve, and in what’s shaping to be an exciting contest, both sides look poised and ready to take their place in the big dance next week.

Hillside come into this bout with both a win and a loss to show for their finals campaign thus far.

They were super impressive in week one, taking down West Coburg in what was a brilliant and classy performance.

After leading for most of the afternoon, they were successfully able to see off a late Burgers challenge and book their place in a qualifying final against Oak Park in the weekend just past.

Oak Park proved too much to handle for the Sharks on Saturday, and the Sharks were dealt a harsh blow as the Roos skipped away to a cruisy 42-point win.

Hillside will be out to make amends and will be confident that they can punch their ticket to Coburg City Oval next week.

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Their opponents this week will certainly prove to be a worthy and difficult matchup, with Craigieburn in the midst of a sizzling finals run of their own.

The Eagles put pay to Avondale Heights in week one with an impressive 23-point victory that no doubt raised the eyebrows of those watching on from the side.

While many may have predicted their run to end there, the Eagles proved otherwise with a gusty 12-point win over the second-placed West Coburg last week.

They bounced the Burgers out in straight sets and will be out to claim another scalp in Hillside this week, on their way to Coburg City Oval.

The last time these two sides met it was the Eagles who defeated the Sharks by a convincing 59 points at DS Aitken Reserve to level the in-season record between the two.

Hillside’s Josh Covelli and Khalil Kaakour will be the two to watch again this week.

Covelli is due for a fill up after he was held goalless last week by a dominant Oak Park defence. Sitting on 93 goals for the year, no doubt Covelli will look to make his presence felt early.

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Kaakour also poses as a serious challenge for the Eagles. The young gun has been impressive throughout the season and is one to keep an eye on.

For the Eagles, usual suspect Jai Robinson is the one who needs to bring his best again.

Robinson was superb in last week’s victory over West Coburg with a performance that saw him named as the Mt Alexander Hotel Player of the Match.

He amassed 45 disposals and 11 rebound 50s in a match-defining performance for his side.

With a spot in the Strathmore Community Bank Men’s Division One grand final on the line, neither side has anything to lose, and this one is set to be a thriller.

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UNDER 18.5 DIVISION ONE PRELIMINARY FINAL

HADFIELD

President: Alan Kerr Coach: Marae Moustafa

HILLSIDE

President: Lindon Way Coach: Emmanuel Caccamo

1 Mousa Said

1 Riley Hodgson

2 Ali Seifeddine

2 Dominic Calabro

3 Otif Moustafa

3 Anthony Calabro

4 Adem Taleb

4 Riley Bramich

5 Moussa Mourad

5 Bailey Piacentini

6 Samir Mohamad

7 Cameron Sinclair

8 Omar Said

8 Isaac Landers

9 Dawoud Said

9 Nour Janzerli

10 zein taleb

10 Samuel Caccamo

12 Ishaq Taha

11 Jayden Kilty

14 Ronan Rousakis

12 Mitchell Harmer

15 Mahammed Ali

14 Isaac Abbay

16 Humza Moustafa

15 Steven Peteinarias

19 Ali Mustafa

17 Darcy Conway

21 Zach Hildebrandt

18 Jackson Harmer

23 Noah Hussein

19 Nicholas Cassar

25 Ahmed Taha

20 Brodie Dowell

30 Luke Ceddia

21 Jonathan Biciar

40 Adham Taleb

23 Eiron Galpaya

42 Mohammed Mustapha

25 Darcy Edwards

71 Tarek Hussein

27 Jonathan Denic

77 Saad Mostapha

28 Neziah Mora-McDonald 34 Emanuel Krepapas 35 Lucas Beniwal 47 Matthew Meocevic 57 Jarrod Gray

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RESERVES DIVISION ONE PRELIMINARY FINAL

TAYLORS LAKES President: David Darcy Coach: Nathan Sposato

3 Nick Mcintosh

MOONEE VALLEY President: Michael Milne Coach: Tom Wilson

3 Blake Townsend-Booth

4 Blake Briz

4 Jai Anderson

8 Aaron Sawdy

10 Jack Noonan

13 Kyle Blandford

11 Darcy Brooks

17 Anthony Davoli

13 George Koukounaras

18 Ben Spargo

15 Jacob Saccuti

19 Stephen Tieppo

20 James Scheriani

20 Lachlan Mcmullin

22 Thomas Clark

21 Nathanael Smith

27 Justin Lumsden

23 Trent Reilly

29 Jason Denny

24 Kristian Barresi

30 Joshua Chiaramonte

30 Tyler Rogers

31 Adam Zanevra

31 Oliver Lake

37 Patrick White

33 Torey Larizza

39 Jack Milne

35 Nicholas Miokovic

41 Patrick O'Donoghue

37 Samuel Kosmak

42 Joshua La Rocca

40 Yanni Apostolidis

43 William O'Connell

44 Sonny Briz

46 Matthew Ratcliffe

64 Daniel Klonowski

47 Will Pasinati

66 Corey Moore

48 Benjamin Coote

70 Connor Roach

51 Oliver Hutchesson

74 Thomas Boyce

57 Jordan La Rocca

78 Dylan Sorpreso

60 Sam Desira

82 Jason McCormack

61 Laurie Nichols

92 Claudio Campos

63 Thomas Janetzki 64 Luke Brock 65 Connor Ahern 70 Adam Russell 72 Michael Bourke 83 Jin Low

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Official sponsors of the Essendon District Football League

STRATHMORE COMMUNITY BANK DIVISION ONE PRELIMINARY FINAL

HILLSIDE

President: Lindon Way Coach: Mo Kaakour

CRAIGIEBURN

President: Dom Micallef Coaches: Jack Carlyon & Cale Bettanin

1 Zak Wunhym

1 Chace Gordon

2 Tyson Gill

2 Jai Robinson

3 Lachlan Henson

3 Jordan Lobosco

4 Lucas Failli

5 Dayne Middleton

5 Riley Miksa

6 Hayden Polley

6 Robert Castello

7 Ricky Zwagerman

7 Tristan Rudic

8 Luke Reichelt

8 Noah Asciak

9 Jacob Aquilina

10 Fortunato Caruso

10 Jamie Gorgievski

12 Gabriel Cristiano

11 Jakeb Bruni

16 Ryan Lojko

12 Harry Albon

17 Natale Caruso

15 Jono Pestrucci

18 James McNaughton

16 Joshua Collins

19 Jack Tarr

20 Nathan Stewart

20 Lachlan Pettigrove

25 Tadhg Boyle

22 Milad Almatrah

26 Nathan Reichelt

23 Josh Covelli

31 Cade Gordon

24 Ryan Schiavone

32 Benjamin Radford

25 Khalil Kaakour

33 Samuel Laffan

27 Theo Peteinarias

35 Blake Polley

32 Kelvin Knight

40 Michael Conlan

35 Nicholas Karakyriakos

47 Daniel Perry

45 Jaksyn Grant 47 Sulaiman Elleissy 51 Jackson Heidrich 55 Nick Fluke

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By Luke Mathews

PREMIER DIVISION PREVIEW Keilor will be looking to qualify for their third grand final in a row when they take on Strathmore at Section Road.

Strathmore proved last week they are the real deal, defeating Aberfeldie by 55 points in difficult conditions at Sewell Reserve.

Strathmore’s accuracy in front of the sticks when it counted was the difference with the Mores kicking 18.8 from their 51 entries.

In their two meetings earlier in the year, Keilor won on Good Friday by 55 points, and backed it up with another 29-point victory in Round 12.

Sam Hayes gave Strathmore’s midfielders first use with 77 hit outs and 20 disposals.

In their second meeting the Mores did put up a much stronger fight, however it still wasn’t enough to get them over the line.

Strathmore did win the contested possession battle, however it was the Blues' dominance at clearance that set up the win with an extra 11 stoppage clearances for the match.

The reigning premiers won the territory battle with +19 inside 50s for the match which proved to be the difference in the end.

In the Good Friday clash, it was the Blues' ability to punish Strathmore off turnovers that led to the comprehensive victory.

Blair Wyllie won the ruck battle around the ground grabbing 24 disposals, while Jermarl Daly was excellent with three goals and 19 disposals.

The Mores were able to win the clearance and contest battle, however the reigning premiers managed to kick 12.2 from their 78 turnovers which was over 70 per cent of their score.

Brock Egglestone had no trouble finding the footy finishing with 27 disposals and 14 tackles, while Mitch Purcell booted three goals.

Nick O’Kearney starred with 37 possessions and nine clearances, while Chris Kosmas was a handful for Strathmore’s backline kicking seven goals.

Expect Saturday’s contest to be a tough defensive battle as the two sides boast the best defences in the competition, with Keilor averaging 57 points conceded per game, while Strathmore averages just 68.

Liam Cavanagh was rock solid in defence picking up 36 disposals and 10 marks, while

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For Strathmore to win they’ll need to find a way of kicking a winning score.

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The side has received a huge boost in recent weeks with forwards Kyle Weightman and Matthew Allison both returning from Coburg VFL duties.

Together with Corey Grindlay, Athan Tsialtas, and Purcell the forward line teamed up to kick 15 goals combined and put Aberfeldie to the sword.

For Keilor to win they’ll need their forward line to do something similar.

Cody Brand has been on fire all season, kicking 57 goals from his 15 games to sit second on the leading goal kickers tally.

Kosmas looms as the wildcard this Saturday and could be the difference at Section Road.

The forward started like a house on fire kicking 19 goals in his first three games for the year, and has taken a liking to Strathmore in recent years with 19 goals across two years.

The sharpshooter’s form dropped off in the middle of the year, however has picked up in recent weeks with 13 goals in his last three matches and will be hoping for something similar this Saturday.

Aberfeldie will meet with Airport West in a do or die semi final at Salesian College.

Despite going in as favourites against Strathmore last week, the Rillas were stunned and went down by nine goals.

Airport West recorded a breakthrough elimination final victory over Deer Park, defeating the Lions by 30 points to extend their unbeaten streak to four games.

Despite going down, Ned Gentile was terrific with 34 touches and three goals, while Matthew Hanson managed 19 disposals.

In the second clash, the Rillas were once again too strong in the contest which proved to be the difference in the end.

Both teams scored heavily off turnovers for the match, however +27 contested possessions were too much for the Eagles midfield to handle without Hanson and Tyson Young.

Anthony Horomidis stole the show at Clifton Park booting seven goals including the match winner, while Daniel Thompson was rock solid all day with 17 disposals and 12 marks.

Ben Nelson stood up for the Eagles collecting 26 disposals and 12 marks, while Hamish Morrison was very good with 35 touches and eight tackles.

The deciding factor on Sunday will once again be the contest and clearance battle.

The Eagles engine room is the hall mark of the game with superstars Gentile, Hanson, and Young leading the way in 2025.

Aberfeldie is ranked third for contested possessions and second for clearances, however were matched by Strathmore in both areas on Saturday.

If the star-studded Airport West on ball brigade can limit Matt Williamson and Rasinac’s influence on Saturday, then another upset could be on the cards.

In their two meetings in 2025, Aberfeldie have come away with the victory twice, winning by 64 points on Anzac Day and escaping with a nine-point victory in Round 12.

In their first meeting, the Rillas dominated every facet of the game with +36 contested possessions, +19 clearances, and +17 inside 50s.

Callum Moore was at his brilliant best with four goals and 21 touches, while Stefan Rasinac dominated with 30 disposals and seven clearances.

THE FOOTBALLER | essendondfl.com.au

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UNDER 18.5 PREMIER DIVISION ELIMINATION FINAL

MARIBYRNONG PARK President: Greg Hughes Coach: Rocky Iannello

1 Tom Coughlan

ABERFELDIE

President: Sean Howard Coach: Frank Lombardo

1 Lachlan Gustincich

2 Samuel Day

2 Joseph Sita

4 Mitchell Iannello

4 Cody Kotoski

5 Nathan Evans

5 Robert Asllanaj

6 Nash McMahon

6 Samuel Lyons

8 Harry Fitzgerald

7 Spencer Hutchinson

10 Finn McAvoy

9 Connor Burchall

11 Angus Robinson

11 Daniel Lombardo

13 Ned Kavanagh

12 Archer Bastow

14 Julian Russi

14 Christian Vago

15 Cruz Young

15 Max Hoffmann

16 Kai Hutton

16 Mitchell Mason

17 Oliver Jordan

17 Jack Parker

18 Aaron Bruzanetti

22 Nathan Romios

20 Joshua Bell

31 Campbell Stone

22 Luca Vella

33 Marcus Smith

24 Tobias Sutherland

34 jacques Mirenda

25 Ben Kelly

35 Jake Daglis

26 Rowan Tonissen

42 Joshua Petrie

27 Matthew Clarke

43 Jamieson Fleming

28 Massimo Randello

63 Thomas Hales

31 Joshua Coughlan

64 Thomas Lincoln

32 Louis Lees 33 Jesse Steel 34 Dante D'Ovidio 35 Zane Raciti 36 Jack Avsar 37 Peter Vassilakopoulos 63 Kaiden Dimovski 99 Mac Dullard 34

essendondfl.com.au | THE FOOTBALLER

UNDER 18.5 PREMIER DIVISION QUALIFYING FINAL

STRATHMORE

President: John Toniolo Coach: Giovanni Mazzeo

1 Zak Waters

ESSENDONDOUTTASTARS President: Kirk Thompson Coach: Spencer Thompson

1 Joshua Whitfield

2 Mitchell Barrett

3 Finn Daffey

3 Alexander Fish

4 Jake Filia

4 Alex Tonelli

5 Keanu Kim

7 Archie Cottom

6 Ayden Diaz

10 Daniel Robertson

7 Lucas Bellino

11 Ryan Maddox

8 Alex Sikora

12 Ahmad Abdallah

9 Will Ryan

13 Jett Laidler

10 Max Ibic

14 Jonathan Leeds

12 Jesse Kirk

15 Levi West

13 Vaughn Murphy

16 Jake Bruni

14 James Privitelli

17 Maddox Armstrong

15 Joshua Palmer

18 Rydah Anderson

21 Archer Beattie

19 Nash Mihailovic

22 Will Atkinson

22 Nicholas Staropoli

26 Charlie Tudor

24 Michael Cross

27 Kruize Kim

28 Aidan Hobson

37 Joshua Falla

29 Cody Liersch

39 Lucas Myszka

30 Nicholas Page

46 Isa Merhi

34 Zachary Martin

47 Oscar Sampson

39 Noah Pierce

55 Xavier Murphy

42 Jad Naim 45 Izaiah Da Silva 46 Sebastian Moffett 49 Charlie Bruni 54 Samuel Wood 61 Christopher Scerri 68 Jack Ryan

THE FOOTBALLER | essendondfl.com.au

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UNDER 18.5 PREMIER RESERVES PRELIMINARY FINAL

KEILOR 2

President: Shaun Morris Coach: Darren Milburn

1 Brody Tranquillo

STRATHMORE 2 President: John Toniolo Coach: Anthony Hall

6 Charlie Lees

4 Noah Ion

9 Aidan Ramanauskas

9 Jem Munir

10 Lucas Andropof

11 Riley Fletcher

14 Jordan Hogan Bugg

12 Benjamin Veal

16 Jake Bruni

13 Bailey Milburn

17 Maddox Armstrong

15 Will Kerry

26 Spencer Johnson

16 Jack Strudwicke

27 Lucas Pane

17 Isaac Faure

31 Archer Koo

19 Billy Thomas

33 Samuel Hall

23 Nicholas Towner

36 Pericles Konstantinidis

24 James Vella

37 Sam Clough

26 Lucas Paton

38 Charlie Greaves

28 Andres Fernandez

40 Ahmad Abdul Wahed

33 Billy Darmanin

42 Jarrod Nicol

34 Noah Grochowski

43 Felix Viti

35 Aydan Boyce

45 James Staropoli

36 Joel Carbis

47 Charlie Farrugia

37 Eden Alikakos

49 Declan Flatman

38 Harry Blyth

58 Liam Oreo

39 Archie Connell

63 Marco Di Iorio

41 Jack Calvert

69 Zac Mozjerin

42 Matthew Abed

75 Mousa Taleb

43 Aurelio Di Lizia

80 Alexander Dukic

44 Joshua Serra

83 Aidan Nathanielsz

45 Carter McFayden 47 Jamie Mastrakoulis 52 Adam Kheir Beik 61 Ashton McMenamin 88 Cameron Scheele THE FOOTBALLER | essendondfl.com.au

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RESERVES PREMIER DIVISION ELIMINATION FINAL

KEILOR

President: Shaun Morris Coach: Stephen Pace

2 James Veal

AIRPORT WEST

President: Pauline McShanag Coach: Anthony Aloi

1 Jesse McVeigh

4 Harry Withoos

3 Seth Robinson

5 Nathan Ellis

9 Darcy Broom

6 Mitchell Ellis

10 Jackson Connor

9 Oskar Haintz

11 Joel Condon

10 Miller Harvey

13 Ethan Broom

11 William Cameron

14 Jack Brooker

12 Billy Johnson

15 Daniel Tornese

14 Jamie Papalia

16 Dean Antony

23 Emmanuel Parissis

17 Justin Cappelletti

25 Nathan Ryan

19 Musa Hussain

29 Brock Jacobsen

20 Steven Rizzo

31 Thomas Guljas

21 James Paraskevopoulos

35 Ryan Hargreaves

22 Heath Condon

38 Michael Teal

24 Alistair McChristie

39 Kobe Long

25 Christian Mazza

40 William Teal

28 Antonio Patamisi

41 Jayden Teal

30 Angus Murphy

44 Nathan Ellis

31 Nicholas Schiemer

46 Daniel Sargent

36 Josh Boyle

47 Brodie Catania

37 Dante Buscema

49 Lachlan Sneddon

40 Harry Rogers

50 Connor Vosper

41 Cooper McMullin

51 Christian Oliveri

42 Corey Barbaro

53 Fredrick Frew

43 Troy McDonald

75 Ashley Reed

44 Anthony Aloi

81 Kade Long

45 Andrew Vaiano 48 Ben Frendo 63 Jack Challis 69 James Yarnton

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essendondfl.com.au | THE FOOTBALLER

RESERVES PREMIER DIVISION QUALIFYING FINAL

ABERFELDIE

President: Sean Howard Coach: Daniel Mangan

10 Clay Mullins

STRATHMORE

President: John Toniolo Coach: Mark Hassall

9 Kade Mueller

14 Aaron Stone

11 Andrew Galluci

15 Benjamin Smokrovic

15 Lucas Scerri

16 Cameron McLeod

18 Matthew Pellegrino

17 Harry Moore

24 Brodie Hassall

25 Benjamin Williamson

27 Haidyn Shade

28 Callum Symons

29 Daniel Mammoliti

30 Ryan James

30 Timothy Lai

33 Lachlan Brown

34 Lachlan Plant

34 Konrad Karner

37 Ben Figliola

35 Tom Newman

38 Max Cirigliano

38 Riley Macdonald

39 Kobi West

39 Thomas Pound

40 James Sala

40 Jhett Gaskett

42 Cale Du Plessis

43 Alec Smokrovic

46 Andrew Pellegrino

45 Leon Manago

47 Oscar Mammoliti

46 Nic Walsh

50 Cooper Cuthbertson

47 Josh Misiti

52 Jake Waters

48 Jack Arceri

54 Harry Johnston

54 Ryan Koenig

56 Luca Mollica

55 Jordan Lombardo

57 Finn Hanegraaf

56 Brady Coleman

58 Keegan Radecki

57 Samuel Beckinsale

60 James Sayers

58 Daniel Ruscigno

61 Mitchell McLean

61 Joshua Docking

62 Tom Goss

64 Zac Truccolo

64 Oliver Dennehy

66 Riley Grant

66 Taylor Moxon

67 Cooper Anderson

68 Andrew Vavra

72 Matthew Caddeo 74 Xavier Young THE FOOTBALLER | essendondfl.com.au

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STRATHMORE COMMUNITY BANK PREMIER DIVISION ELIMINATION FINAL

ABERFELDIE

President: Sean Howard Coach: Clay Illman

AIRPORT WEST

President: Pauline McShanag Coach: Brent Taylor

2 James Peters

1 Ned Gentile

3 Ben Ronke

2 Ben Nelson

4 Matthew Williamson

3 Brendan Godden

6 Callum Moore

4 Ty Macumber

7 Jackson McDonald

5 Joel Brown

11 Nic Watson

6 Hamish Morrison

12 Stefan Rasinac

7 Tyson Young

16 Cameron McLeod

8 Clayton Rogers

18 William Brikic

9 Jack Keogh

19 Anthony Horomidis

10 Luca Muratore

20 Jack Middleton

11 Matthew Hanson

21 Luke Davis

12 Daniel Sinnott

22 Brodie Newman

14 Max Rider

23 Daniel Thompson

15 Connor Leeflang

24 Josh Kemp

17 Justin Cappelletti

25 Benjamin Williamson

18 Joshua Buchanan

27 Liam Spear

19 Musa Hussain

28 Callum Symons

21 James Paraskevopoulos

29 Samuel Paea

23 Lachlan Di Sebastiano

31 Jai Bahnert

25 Christian Mazza

32 Jack Mapleson

26 Cooper Janevski

36 Jean-Luc Velissaris

28 Luke Sultana

37 Samuel Medland

29 Mick Edwards

39 Thomas Pound

31 Ben Bozinovski

40 Jhett Gaskett

32 Koolyn Briggs

41 Ben Parker

33 Jacob Bygate

44 Conner Bassett

34 Isaac Cullen

46 Nic Walsh

39 Darcy Broom

70 Matt Weber

41 Cooper McMullin

75 Hamish Bird

42 Corey Barbaro

THE FOOTBALLER | essendondfl.com.au

41

STRATHMORE COMMUNITY BANK PREMIER DIVISION QUALIFYING FINAL

KEILOR

President: Shaun Morris Coach: Stephen Pace

1 Kyle O’Connor

STRATHMORE

President: John Toniolo Coach: Nick Ash

1 Trent Dumont

2 Corey Ellis

3 Luke Jarrad

3 Matthew Bartlett

4 Liam Cavanagh

4 Kane Barbuto

6 Benjamin Holian

5 Cody Brand

8 Mitchell Purcell

8 Reuben William

9 Kade Mueller

9 Bradley Xavier

10 Adam Iacobucci

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

68 Andrew Vavra

THE FOOTBALLER | essendondfl.com.au

43

AIRPORT WEST: LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS

By Luke D’Anello

Airport West coach Brent Taylor says his club is aiming to follow the mantra of Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division powerhouse Keilor and invest heavily in the next generation of talent.

The Eagles are contesting their first finals series in the top flight since 2013 and defeated Deer Park in last weekend's elimination final to set up a sudden-death semi final against Aberfeldie on Sunday.

They were hit hard by injury in the first half of the season, forcing them to expose several young players to Premier Division, but recovered from a 4-8 start to win five of their last six home-and-away games and finish fifth.

Taylor pointed to the fact Airport West's senior and reserves teams were still alive, while five of their junior teams played finals.

The Eagles claimed the 2022 Division One flag, finished seventh in Premier Division in 2023, and sixth last year.

Taylor was hopeful the club's rise would make it an attractive destination for prospective recruits.

"We've been building this for two years. We've improved every year since we've been back

44

up in Premier, so it's an exciting opportunity for the club and you certainly feel that energy and vibe around our football club at the moment," Taylor said.

"We're on the right path. I've come from Talent League where it's all about development and junior pathways, and making sure you get that step right.

"Mick McGuane and Keilor footy club have probably been the pinnacle of that, and have really shown how to model that. That's something we aspire (to) and a club we look up to. I think that's the right model, and it's something we're certainly looking at building over the coming years."

Taylor maintained faith during Airport West's difficult run, with the growth of its young players a positive.

He said competitive showings against Keilor and Aberfeldie in Rounds 11 and 12 provided hope they would be a force when their stars returned.

Tyson Young, Clayton Rogers, Koolyn Briggs, and Mick Edwards are among the key players who have missed large chunks of the campaign.

essendondfl.com.au | THE FOOTBALLER

PG

AIRPORT WEST: LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS

"I was pretty confident once we got some of the crew back that we'd be able to get going," Taylor said.

"What I was really pleased with was we were able to get our pressure up, and we've changed our DNA a lot. Last year we were pretty big on clearance and territory. I actually think we've been able to move the ball from our back half really well, so our ball movement's really improved in the second half of the year, and that's all come about because we've given some opportunity to some youngsters.

"Now we've got some of those key, experienced leaders back, we're starting to see it all come together at the right end of the year."

Max Rider, who is in his first season at the Eagles after crossing from UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs in the AFL Sydney competition, has been outstanding.

Rider has kicked 56 goals from 17 games – equal third in the competition – and contributed three in Sunday's win over Deer Park.

"He's a young superstar. We got the three Sydney academy boys through my contact Robbie Chancellor. I worked with him at the Western Jets. He was coaching one of the sides up there in Sydney. Through that we got them down to our footy club," Taylor said.

Taylor also lauded the efforts of another recruit from Sydney in Hamish Morrison, who has impressed across half back in recent weeks, while 19-year-old forward Cooper Janevski has also been important.

The Eagles went down to Aberfeldie by nine points in Round 12 after leading at threequarter-time.

Abers were soundly beaten by Strathmore in the qualifying final, setting the stage for an intriguing contest at Salesian College.

"I'm really excited for this one," Taylor said.

"I was with their (under) 17s team in 2017 or 2018. I actually coached a lot of the boys in that side, so I'm really looking forward to this contest. I have a lot of respect for the Aberfeldie Football Club and their people.

"It was a close contest last time. I thought we were stiff not to get there in the end. They got the last couple in the last five minutes, but it was probably one of the games where we saw some of our youngsters stand up.

"I'm really looking forward to this challenge and seeing if we can reapply the same pressure and ball movement that we were able to produce against Deer Park on the weekend."

"Max is only 19 years of age. He certainly looks a lot more mature and older. I rate him extremely highly. He's a hard match-up.

"We kind of had to find a replacement for Luca Muratore after he wanted to ply his trade at VFL, and Max has certainly stood up in that role. He's able to give us a really contested look ahead of the footy, but also when the ball hits the ground, he's really agile. So he's quite a hard match-up as a medium-sized forward."

Former VFL champion Matthew Hanson has had another ever-consistent season, along with skipper Ned Gentile, who has 34 goals to his name.

THE FOOTBALLER | essendondfl.com.au

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