EDFL: Players to watch in Division 1 and 2 finals named
Finals footy is back in the Essendon District Football League for the first time in three years this weekend. Here are the players who could shape their team’s destiny.
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Essendon District Football League clubs can’t wait.
Finals footy is back for the first time since 2019.
It will all start with the Division 1 and 2 action starting on Sunday.
Here are the players we think can make a difference in your team’s premiership race.
DIVISION 1
Joel Brown, Airport West
A premiership player in 2018, Brown knows what it will take to help the Eagles possibly earn promotion to Premier Division in just three weeks time. Has consistently appeared among his side’s better players.
Michael Dalrymple, Tullamarine
As consistent as they’ve come for Tullamarine this year. He has appeared among the Demons’ best on 10 occasions.
Lynden Dunn, West Coburg
Returned from a broken jaw in the final game of the home and away season. The ex-AFL man will be key in West Coburg’s hopes off chasing a premiership.
Abdikhane Fitaax, West Coburg
A star in defence for the Burgers. A former club best and fairest, Fitaax is one of the more exciting defensive talents in the competition.
Ned Gentile, Airport West
Clearly his side’s leading goalkicker for the season with 64 majors from 17 games including two double figure bags. His back half of the season has been sensational kicking multiple goals in every game. Has six goals from two matches against Tullamarine this season.
Anthony Liberatore, Tullamarine
His running power could prove pivotal when bodies start to tire around him. A really classy midfielder who compliments his teammates nicely.
Shaun McKernan, Tullamarine
The Demons possibly couldn’t have asked much more from the former AFL player in his first season back at the club. Hsa 59 goals to his name for the season and will be right in league medal contention. What a sight it will be if he lights up Windy Hill in the coming weeks.
George Nabbout, Westmeadows
Has enjoyed a strong season with 47 goals and shapes as a potential matchwinner for his side.
Ivan Pavlovic, Airport West
An elite lockdown defender who can play on opposition forwards of all sizes. Did a number of Tullamarine star Shaun McKernan in the previous meeting between the two sides. Injury ruined his 2021 season but looms as a match winner in the division’s best defence.
Anthony Prestia, Tullamarine
Should be in the mix for Team of the Year selection later this year, despite missing several games. But when he has played he has been brilliant.
Omar Saad, Westmeadows
A brilliant forward who has already shown this season he can win games off his own boot. Could he come back to haunt his former side?
Daniel Sinnott, Airport West
While other teammates might garner more attention from the outside, Sinnott’s importance to his side can’t be undersold. It would be hard to pick when he’s played a bad game.
Dominic Spagnolo, West Coburg
Started the year in the reserves, playing the first five games, but has thrived in the senior team since. In nine games played, he’s been named in the best eight times.
James Vistarini, Tullamarine
A former league best and fairest, Vistarini has slotted in seamlessly after arriving at the Demons from Taylors Lakes who were relegated to Division 2. His versatility has previously been important against the big sides.
Mohammed Yassine, Westmeadows
One of the exciting young guns of the competition. Brings energy to the contest with his youthful exuberance.
Tyson Young, Airport West
Clearly one of the best players in the competition. After spending 2021 in the Premier Division with Greenvale, Young has returned to the club and booted 41 majors. His class brings matchwinning ability.
DIVISION 2
Robbie Castello, Keilor Park
Winning a senior premiership in his first season back with the Devils is on the cards for Castello. His experience and class could be well above anyone else in the coming weeks.
Damien Cavka, Keilor Park
The former AFL man will have an important role to play for the minor premier. His ball winning ability and wonderful skills should see him emerge as a big factor in how far his side goes.
Brad Cox, Oak Park
An Oak Park junior who will be desperate to bring some senior success to the club for the first time since 2009. He has consistently appeared in the best for the Kangaroos in 2022.
Blair Cronin, Oak Park
The Kangaroos’ best source of goals this season with 46 majors from 13 games. If he’s not marking the ball, he can bring it to ground for his teammates.
Anthony De Lorenzi, Oak Park
Already doing wonderful things in senior footy at a young age. The next few weeks could see Di Lorenzi put himself in the limelight.
Sebastian Gatherer, Burnside Heights
Since the halfway mark of the season, Gatherer has been brilliant. Arrives at finals footy in form after a best on ground display against Taylors Lakes last weekend.
Daylan Kempster, Keilor Park
The Devils co-captain has been in brilliant form throughout the season and should be among league medal contention. He can get the job done in all parts of the ground.
Cooper Keogh, Coburg Districts
If Keogh is up and firing, Districts will believe their in with a shot of winning any game. It’s no surprise the gun midfielder’s return from injury earlier in the season sparked a form turnaround for the Lions.
Theodore Sapountzis, Burnside Heights
Has helped fill the absence of former forward Josh Covelli with 38 goals. Provides a strong target forward of the footy for the Bears.
Vincent Schiavello, Keilor Park
The general in defence for the Devils. Consistently leads by example and allows his footy to do the talking. Will provide a calm hard if the pressure goes up another level.
Ryan Smith, Oak Park
His back half of the season has been as good as anyone’s at Oak Park. Has gone to another level in his second season at the club.
Bailey Wileman, Coburg Districts
Has enjoyed a strong season for Districts with nine mentions in the best. Can go forward and kick a goal.
DIVISION 1 FIXTURE
Second semi-final: Airport West v Tullamarine — Sunday 2.15pm at Windy Hill, Essendon
First semi-final: West Coburg v Westmeadows — Sunday, 2.15pm at Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn
DIVISION 2 FIXTURE
Second semi-final: Keilor Park v Oak Park — Sunday, 2.15pm at Greenvale Recreation Reserve
First semi-final: Coburg Districts v Burnside Heights — Sunday, 2.15pm at Sewell Reserve, Glenroy
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