EDFL: Airport West hoping to fly high in Premier Division

AIRPORT West has cast its recruiting net far and wide in a bid to compete with the Essendon District Football League’s elite next season.

Airport West players celebrate the club’s Division 1 flag triumph. Picture: Mark Dadswell

AIRPORT West has cast its recruiting net far and wide in a bid to compete with the Essendon District Football League’s elite next season.

The Eagles last competed in Premier Division in 2016 and have been working diligently to bolster their list after claiming the Division 1 flag.

But while recruiting is crucial, improvement from the existing group will likely determine the club’s fortunes next year.

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“That’s obviously the key factor. Everyone at this time of year is sort of saying, ‘we need to get some improvement from our existing players’ and certainly when you step up a division you are looking at that and you try and find 10 per cent more in everybody,” coach Geoff Maddern said.

“We’ll continue to be clever with our training, making sure we’re getting improvements and learning and those sorts of things happening.

“Stepping up a grade, you are looking for that lift out of your existing playing group, but we’ve got a young playing group and the step up in grade will be a real challenge.”

Four of the past five Division 1 premiers have survived the drop from the top flight the following year and Airport West is working hard to ensure it is not fodder for its opposition.

Former Brisbane Lions-listed player Reuben William, a member of Footscray’s VFL squad, has joined as an aligned player.

Maddern described the midfielder/half-back as a “pretty exciting prospect” with “elite skills”.

Anthony Daw and Duom Dawam have arrived from Wyndhamvale and can fill roles as key position players or ruckmen.

The pair are friends with star wingman Bior Malual, who claimed the David McWilliam Medal for best afield in the decider.

Utility Anthony Aloi (Hillside) and tall forward Curtis Schultz (Sunbury Kangaroos) have also returned to Airport West, while Nick Zoccale will also play after he was the club’s runner this season.

The Eagles also haven’t lost any players of note at this stage.

“We’re probably looking a lot broader than we have in the past,” Maddern said.

“We’re looking way outside the EDFL and looking at neighbouring competitions.”

Airport West was winless in Premier Division in 2016 but has since qualified for consecutive Division 1 grand finals, beating Tullamarine by 13 points this year.