EDFL: Ibrahim Taha, Luke Sultana tipped to make big impact for Airport West
Two young guns signed by Airport West have been tipped to create an “exciting” partnership as the Eagles aim for an EDFL premiership.
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The reopening of player transfers was the second coming of Christmas for Airport West.
The Eagles have officially started to process a large number of recruits who were unveiled in the off-season with former VFL talent Fabian Brancatisano, who arrives via East Keilor, the first player through the door.
Brancatisano was quickly followed by inside midfielder Aaron Di Matteo who was lured from Taylors Lakes after the Lions relegation to division two.
Former Brisbane Lion Reuben William has also joined the club after he signed a two-year deal.
Tyson Young will again be in the nest after he returned from a brief stint at Greenvale where he earned Premier Division Team of the Year selection.
While the big names might be attracting all the attention, Eagles football manager Julian Zoccali said he was excited by the potential partnership inside 50 between young duo Luke Sultana and Ibrahim Taha.
Sultana has crossed from Rupertswood where he finally got back on the field in 2021 after two straight injury interrupted years.
Meanwhile Taha, who Zoccali described as “one of the competition’s best young players”, has crossed from division one rivals West Coburg.
“It’s been an exciting off-season for our club,” he said.
“We’re really pleased with the group we’ve been able to pit together because we felt there was some unfinished business at the end of last year.
“I think we’ve got a terrific opportunity to see two young guys in Ibrahim and Luke shine at this level. They’re both super talented players who can play up forward and go through the midfield.
“If they can put it together, there’s no ceiling on what they could achieve together.”
Despite putting together a playing list capable of challenging for the 2022 premiership and promotion to the top flight, Zoccali was quick to note the recruiting efforts of fellow clubs.
Craigeburn, who were relegated from the premier division, has welcomed Jake Carlisle to the club after he called time on his time.
Former Brisbane Lion Justin Sherman will coach the club.
Meanwhile, Shaun McKernan will pull on the boots for his junior club Tullamarine.
“The quality of players coming into the EDFL — across all three divisions — is a hallmark of the competition,” he said.
“I think it will definitely help to lift the standard and it gives people a lot to look forward to.”
Other players to commit to Airport West for next season include Jack Formosa (who has not played since the club’s 2017 grand final), Connor Frantic-Glen (Rupertswood), James Paraskevopolous (Keilor) and Kevin Klix (Melton).
The Eagles will play Rupertswood in the opening round on April 2.
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