Luca Muratore continues to shine in season 2024 for Airport West

Airport West’s remarkable push for finals is being led by an unexpected name as a rising star continues to fire in front of goal as a gun mid-season recruit finds his best.

Luca Muratore has been one of the biggest improvers this season.

At the start of the EDFL Premier Division season, not many would have expected Luca Muratore to be leading the goalkicking after 15 rounds.

The Airport West rising star has 37 goals in 15 games to lead all comers, currently sitting one ahead of Keilor’s Cody Brand, having been held goalless in just one game.

This year is just Muratore’s second in the EDFL top flight after returning to the Eagles after a year with Keilor before Covid.

He starred on the weekend with four goals to lead his side to a vital 15.15 (105) to 7.11 (53) win over Greenvale to close the gap on the top-five to just half-a-game.

Eagles coach Brent Taylor said Muratore had been able to put together a strong season despite facing “injuries and niggles” during pre-season.

“The best about him is he can have an impact on a game in multiple ways,” Taylor said.

“He’s really good on the lead and can mark it above his head but he’s also capable of having an impact once it hits the ground. He’s someone who is very difficult to match up on.

“We’ve actually been able to throw him in the middle of the ground in the last four weeks or so, he’s given us an extra gear with his pace and power.”

Undefeated in their last five games, Airport West’s midfield has been a key reason for their side’s form.

Led by former VFL guns Matt Hanson, who joined the club this year, and Tyson Young, the group is producing the type of footy Taylor thought would come.

“It was all about developing that connection and getting to know each other,” he said.

“You throw in Ned Gentile, Josh Buchanan and now Luca in parts, we think we’ve got a really nice balance in there to win the ball in several ways.

“They’re really starting to demonstrate a better understanding of each other’s game we always felt would come. Like every part of the side, we brought a lot of new guys in and it was going to take time for that chemistry to grow.”

Wardell Lual enjoyed a standout game for Airport West.

Another player growing into their new surroundings is Wardell Lual.

A mid-season recruit from Werribee VFL and Noble Park, the rebounding defender played his best game since joining the club.

“He came to us through a connection with Matt Hanson and Bior Malual,” Taylor said.

“Quite a handy pick up. The first two games were quite wet and probably didn’t allow him to play the game we know he can.

“Saturday was perfect. He defended first and then came off and was able to give us some real drive.”

Airport West will next take on the might of Keilor in a true test of its finals credentials.

“They’re the pinnacle of Premier footy,” Taylor said.

“It’s a good opportunity to see where we’re at win, lose or draw.”