Named: The EDFL rising stars to keep an eye on this season

It’s been an impressive start to the season for 20 of the Essendon District league’s most promising young talents. We take a look at who you should keep an eye on.

Cooper Anderson has made an impressive start to the season.

The 2025 Essendon District Football League season is four rounds old and already new names are beginning to emerge as future stars.

With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at 20 rising stars worth keeping an eye on for the rest of this year.

Harry Albon, Craigieburn

Took the competition’s Mark of the Year last season. Now after returning to the Eagles after spending 2024 with the Calder Cannons, Albon is ready to play a key part in his side’s finals push.

Cooper Anderson, Aberfeldie

Won the praise of the coaching staff during pre-season and has gone onto lock down a place in the senior side across the opening month of the year.

Thomas Barnett, Maribyrnong Park

After graduating from the Calder Cannons program, Barnett has made an impressive start to the season with four straight mentions in the best. The key defender has been promoted to Coburg’s VFL senior list.

Tom Barnett in action for the Cannons. Picture: Chris Kidd

Shawn Bowden, Sunbury Kangaroos

Has made an impressive start to the season with eight goals in the last three games. Shaping as a point of difference inside 50.

Jake Bushell, Oak Park

Has become a senior regular in the last three seasons and is looking to have a career best season.

Sebastian Carta, Pascoe Vale

Carta is a consistent part of Leigh Tudor’s senior line-up and now in his second season of senior footy is looming as one to keep an eye on.

Pasquale Curcio, Coburg Districts

Described as a “towering speedster” Curcio has started the season in good touch with seven goals. His forward pressure is a feature of his game.

Ethan Dalla Rosa, Burnside Heights

Stepping into senior footy for a first full season, the rising star has put together an impressive opening as coach Cole Harvey continues to unearth hidden gems.

Marcus D’Angelo, Burnside Heights

The young midfielder has taken on some more responsibility with the loss of key teammates from last season but he is already thriving.

Hugo Jenkins, Westmeadows

The young forward has joined the club from Strathmore and is shaping as one of the most exciting talents with 12 goals from four games including one haul of eight.

Connor Leeflang, Airport West

Now in his second season for the Eagles, the Tasmanian has emerged as a consistent player in the senior side under coach Brent Taylor.

Thomas Legudi, Essendon Doutta Stars

The former Calder Cannon has emerged as an astute signing for the Stars after making an impressive start to the season.

Amin Naim, Strathmore

He’s earned a place on the Northern Bullants list this season and if he plays enough EDFL games, he could help propel the Mores further into premiership contention.

Christian Olivieri, Keilor

The exciting forward made his senior debut in round one and appears to have locked away a place in Mick McGuane’s side.

Luca Papsis returned to Moonee Valley at the start of the year.

Luca Papsis, Moonee Valley

Has returned to the Fog for 2025 after more than 50 senior games at Avondale Heights. One of Division 1’s most promising players.

Emilio Rinaudo, West Coburg

The promising defender is seeking to build on an impressive 2024 season where he made the Division 1 Team of the Year. An emerging leader at the Burgers.

Chris Scerri, Strathmore

Made his senior debut early in the season but has gone onto break into the Northern Bullants’ VFL side.

Luke Smith, Roxburgh Park

Made the move to the Magpies at the start of the season. Smith is regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in the competition.

Mahmoud Taha, Pascoe Vale

Among a promising young core at the Panthers. He’s consistently hit the scoreboard to start the year for his side.

Austin Warden, Tullamarine

The smooth moving defender continues to catch the eye with his ability to break the game open with his left foot.