All the key factors ahead of the 2024 EDFL season
The Essendon District Football League Division 1 season looks set to be one of the most competitive in years. Here’s everything from the ins and outs of every club to our verdict.
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How will the 2024 Essendon District Football League season shape up?
Will Maribyrnong Park or West Coburg lead the way to premiership glory?
Or will one of the chasing pack spring a surprise.
It’s been a busy off-season across the competition and we’ve got everything you need to know.
CRAIGIEBURN
Coach: Shane Jacobs
In: Spencer Briggs, Damien Allen, Mitchell Wilson, Nathan Reichelt, Luke Reichelt, Jesse Davies, Caleb Sofield, Taylor Griffin, Matthew Shortis, Matt Noden, Ibrahim Hazim, Candan Roulston, Nathan Martin.
Out: Daniel Ray, Sam Rexhepi, Aiden Fyfe, Travis Keating.
We say: The Eagles finished sixth last season, still three games outside the finals race, but there was plenty of optimism especially after the way they finished the season. Retaining majority of the list was key and they should be able to close the gap on the top-five. The Reichelt brothers and Davies along with ruck Spencer Briggs are big recruits.
HILLSIDE
Coach: Chris Daley
In: Fort Caruso, Nat Caruso, Jake Gatto, Habib Hosni, Robbie Castello, Zain Yamak, Michael Portelli.
Out: Bailey Ryan, Jack Gusman, Rusi Komaita.
We say: It’s been a busy off-season for the Sharks under new coach Chris Daley as they look to take another step towards the top of the ladder. They’ve brought a lot of quality players into the club who should provide experience in the big games while the continued development of younger players will be key. Set to play an exciting brand by foot, Hillside could carve up opposition sides if given the chance.
KEILOR PARK
Coach: Leigh Coles
In: Mitch Meredith, Lindon Bektash, Cooper Bryant, Kyall Parker, Trent Coles, Daniel Ruscigno.
Out: Jake Napoli, Jake Gatto, Vincent Schiavello, Tyler Killick.
We say: It’s been an off-season of change at the Devils after former coach Paul Guicas moved on and Coles took over. Many onlookers are expecting the 2022 Division 2 premiers to find themselves in a relegation dogfight and struggled in their Good Friday against Hillside booting just one goal. Some quality players have departed the club in the off-season and finding players to replace them will be the biggest challenge.
MARIBYRNONG PARK
Coach: Brodie Holland
In: Brodie Romensky, Lachie Plowman, James Kayrooz, Will Young, Finbarr Warren, Lachlan Armstrong, Rook Barry.
Out: Joseph Stapleton, John Roumeliotis, Andre Jaycock, Hammerling, Zachary Morris, O’Neill Moncrieff, Noah Milton, Tom Stapleton, Ethan Jackson.
We say: After being relegated from the top tier last season, the Lions have hit the reset button with the appointment of Holland for his second stint with the club. There’s been an even number of ins and outs but with a quality list, Marby should be towards the pointy end of the ladder this season. There will be a close watch on how Plowman goes at local level.
MOONEE VALLEY
Coach: Ian Denny
In: Jason Denny, Luke Brock, Luke Denny, Jai Anderson, Michael Diamandis, Jay Marocchini, Adam Zanevra, Scott Polycarpou, Harrison Fry, Anthony Accadia, Andrew Robinson, Lachlan McDonald, Ahmed Dabdoub.
Out: Beau Clarke, Patrick O’Donoghue.
We say: The Fog appear set for a finals push in 2024 after finishing eighth last year. Importantly, they’ve managed to keep much of the 2023 list together and have added several important players. They’ll have greater depth this season which could play a key role in their bid to play finals footy.
OAK PARK
Coach: Todd Clark
In: Paul Pascu, Oliver Aitken, Tom Lay, Josh Ksiazek, Liam Molloy, Joe Townsend-Booth, Kane O’Halloran, Rory MacGregor, Adam Clemente, Jeremy Hill.
Out: Jack McCartney, Ryan Smith, Taj McCartney, Clayton McCartney, Blair Cronin, Travis Anderson, Scott Gilliland.
We say: Enter the season as the unknown after taking out Division 2 last season in powerful fashion. There will be some changes to the premiership side with some retirements and recruits to help bolster the club’s ranks. We’ll get an early indication of where they sit in the battle for survival. But Clark’s side should have the depth to maintain their Division 1 status into 2024. Molloy’s return to the
ROXBURGH PARK
Coach: Ross Terranova
In: Liam Bartolo, Adam Smrdelj, Zane Terranova, Adrian Lamanna, James Bird, Scott Poynter, Ethan Xerri.
Out: Nathan Reichelt, Luke Reichelt, Nathan Carroll, Cooper McPharlane.
We say: Under their new coach, it’s important the Magpies have been able to bring some new faces through the door in the off-season. The losses of Carroll and McPharlane impact their scoring power. Roxburgh Park started last season well before falling away and they’ll be determined to avoid a similar fate this season.
RUPERTSWOOD
Coach: Brad Fox
In: James Fox, Ethan Fitzpatrick, Daniel Royal.
Out: Jackson Cardillo, Omar Taleb, Zak Saad, Sonny Phelan, Bailey Verrall, Dean Galea, Brent Swallow, Jacob Chanine, Dylan Podolczak, Jakeb Coles, Jordan Tentonello, Brock Landt, Lucas Mendola-Webb, Shaun Stewart.
We say: It has been a turbulent off-season for the Sharks who have seen a host of star senior players walk out the door. New coach Brad Fox has a big challenge on his hand but if there’s one thing to look forward to it’s the opportunity which is going to be created for the club’s younger players.
ST ALBANS
Coach: Zammy Muhtari
In: Zach Hijazi, Brandon Coletta, Tyler Bell, James Krstin, Jake Vicic, Bryce Hindell, Chris Floros, Biar Biar
Out: Nil.
We say: St Albans are in a strong situation to play finals footy once again this season. Having retained its core sore list for the 2024 season, Muhtari’s side looks primed for at least another top-five push. Coletta is one of the more impressive signings in the entire competition and has been strong throughout the pre-season. St Albans should be right in the premiership mix.
TULLAMARINE
Coach: David Connell
In: Jake Long, Mason Taylor, Brad Horgan, Taj McCartney, Nicholas Papakalodoukas, Michael Sikora, Dylan Birdo, Luke Rowland, Dillon Kane, David Stretton.
Out: Dylan Watts, Dean Simmons.
We say: Connell returns to the top job for a second time and he’s brought in a swag of recruits to help bolster the Demons. After winning six games last season, Tulla should be an improved performer who should rise into at least the middle of the pack where wins will be crucial and anyone capable of beating another.
WEST COBURG
Coach: Daniel Barnes
In: Billy Abou Eid, Muhammad Saad
Out: Noah Weihrauch, Pat Martin
We say: The Burgers were on track for last year’s premiership before Deer Park went up a gear in the finals series. Again, you’d expect them to be right among the mark with a high quality side. Weihrauch’s departure to Essendon Doutta Stars leaves a hole to fill on the wing but under new coach Barnes they’ll be at the pointy end of the ladder.
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