Bold predictions for the 2023 Essendon District league season
From new teams shaping as contenders to the big guns looking to stamp their authority, here’s some of the key things to look our for in the EDFL men’s and women’s 2023 season.
Essendon
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The arrival of a new Essendon District league season means new questions that need to be answered.
At the very top in the Men’s Premier Division, the top-four from 2022 including premiers Strathmore, runner-up Aberfeldie, Keilor and Pascoe Vale again appear to be the teams to catch.
But the Mores have undergone an off-season of change with Marty Allison stepping into fill the role left by the outgoing Matt Horne.
Along with Horne’s departure, several key figures from last season’s premiership side have decided to continue their football journeys elsewhere or call time on their careers – although the high quality junior program will continue to keep the club around the very top.
That’s where Aberfeldie, who will again be led by former VFL star Adam Marcon, will hope to take advantage after an off-season with significant ins.
Pascoe Vale has been impressive with its off-season movements while the genius of Mick McGuane will again have Keilor right in contention.
Then there’s East Keilor. A club on the rise that has shaken up the top tier with their strong recruiting, much to the displeasure of some.
The Cougars finished fifth last year and with more smart moves in the summer could easily close the gap on the top-four.
Maribyrnong Park and Greenvale were below their usual standards last season and should shown signs of improvement.
Avondale Heights and Essendon Doutta Stars flirted with relegation last season and will be hopeful of different seasons.
Airport West are the promoted side and the key question is, can they make the jump and not fall straight back down.
In the women’s Premier Division, Keilor are a powerhouse and will take some stopping once again.
They conquered all before them last season and they’re likely to do so again.
It will also be interesting to see how Strathmore performs under Ron Sikora after its promotion to the top tier.
There will be plenty of interest in the Men’s Division 1 competition as fans keep an eye on how the club’s two newest teams – Deer Park and St Albans – fare.
Many have tipped Deer Park to win the flag in a canter after an impressive recruiting haul but don’t discount last season’s runner-up West Coburg who again look to be an improved side.
But you can also expect Hillside, Rupertswood and Roxburgh Park to be right in the mix for finals contention.
Before the ball has been bounced, it appears to be a tightly contested season where every four points is vital.
Meanwhile, Division 2 is bolstered by the return of East Sunbury to the field.
The Thunder sat out of last season and have put together an impressive list together and should challenge for finals.
And it appears they’ll be trying to chase down Oak Park looking to bounce back from last year’s grand final heartbreak.
FIVE BOLD PREDICTIONS
East Keilor breaks into the Premier Division top-four
Deer Park goes undefeated in maiden EDFL season
East Sunbury play finals in return season
Back-to-back premierships for Keilor’s women
Airport West win Division 2 women’s premiership
MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Clubs: Aberfeldie, Airport West, Avondale Heights, East Keilor, Essendon Doutta Stars, Greenvale, Keilor, Maribyrnong Park, Pascoe Vale, Strathmore
Reigning premier: Strathmore
2022 league best-and-fairest: Will Jury, Strathmore
2022 leading goalkicker: Matthew Clark, Keilor
DIVISION 1 MEN
Clubs: Craigieburn, Deer Park, Glenroy, Hillside, Keilor Park, Moonee Valley, Roxburgh Park, Rupertswood, St Albans, Tullamarine, Westmeadows, West Coburg
Reigning premier: Airport West
2022 league best-and-fairest: Tyson Young (Airport West), Shaun McKernan (Tullamarine)
2022 leading goalkicker: Josh Covelli (Hillside, 75 goals)
DIVISION 2 MEN
Clubs: Burnside Heights, Coburg Districts, East Sunbury, Hadfield, Northern Saints, Oak Park, Sunbury Kangaroos, Taylors Lakes
Reigning premier: Keilor Park
2022 league best-and-fairest: Cooper Keogh (Coburg Districts), Jordan Hughes (Burnside Heights)
2022 leading goalkicker: Mark Sabatino (Hadfield, 53)
WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION
Clubs: Aberfeldie, Hillside, Keilor, Maribyrnong Park, Moonee Valley, Oak Park, Strathmore, Westmeadows
Reigning premier: Keilor
2022 league best-and-fairest: Gemma Wright (Westmeadows)
2022 leading goalkicker: Olivia Manfre (Keilor, 31)
DIVISION 1 WOMEN
Clubs: Burnside Heights, Essendon Doutta Stars, Gisborne, Greenvale, Pascoe Vale, Sunbury Kangaroos, Sunbury Lions, Tullamarine
Reigning premier: Strathmore
2022 league best-and-fairest: Eloise Freeman (Strathmore)
2022 leading goalkicker: Alisa Magri (Greenvale)
DIVISION 2 WOMEN
Clubs: Aberfeldie 2, Airport West, Coburg Districts, Greenvale 2, Maribyrnong Park 2, Moonee Valley 2, Westmeadows 2
Reigning premier: Tullamarine
2022 league best-and-fairest: Cheyene Macumber (Airport West)
2022 leading goalkicker: Emily Gipp (Airport West)
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