We reveal the top performing young guns in the EDFL of 2023

The Essendon District league is full of young talents and hidden gems. We reveal the top young guns starring this season.

The future is now in the Essendon District Football League.

In season 2023, some of the league’s best young guns have taken major strides in their development.

We take a look at those who have impressed.

Harry Albon, Craigieburn

Made his debut early in the year and went onto play 15 games and be named in the best five times.

Nicolas Aleksovski, Deer Park

Hasn’t been impacted by a change of competitions with the rising star booting 33 goals for the season so far.

Nicolas Aleksovski of Deer Park. Picture: George Sal

Oskar Balta, Essendon Doutta Stars

Balta has played all 17 games for Barry Prendergast’s side this year and is growing with every game.

Ben Bozinovski, Airport West

Been one of the Eagles’ best this season in an impressive year after crossing from Keilor.

Ethan Caffari, Taylors Lakes

Playing a key role for a club on the rise. Caffari has taken his game to another level this season.

Jackson Cardillo in action. Photo: Hamish Blair

Jackson Cardillo, Rupertswood

An exciting player who has consistently been among his side’s better players this season.

Nathan Colenso, Keilor

A new recruit at the start of the season who has excelled in Keilor’s stacked line-up. In seven games, he has 15 goals.

Nathan Colenso of Keilor. Picture: Hamish Blair

Salvatore D’Angelo, Northern Saints

Having stepped up from the 18s, D’Angelo hasn’t looked out of place in an impressive Saints line-up.

Anthony De Lorenzi, Oak Park

Continued on from where he left off last season, De Lorenzi will play a key role in Oak Park’s premiership hopes.

Costa Detsikas, Moonee Valley

Booted 36 goals from 17 games this season, having been held goalless just once.

Matt Foley, Strathmore

A consistent in the Mores side this season with 11 games. Does a job every week.

Airport West’s Ned Gentile. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Ned Gentile, Airport West

Hasn’t shied away after the step up to Premier Division and has impressed once again.

Max Griffin, Maribyrnong Park

Griffin has been a shining light for the Lions in a difficult season and should find himself right in the mix for his side’s best-and-fairest.

Pascoe Vale’s Aaron Hilton. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Aaron Hilton, Pascoe Vale

Continues to grow as a player for the Panthers and remains as a senior regular.

Jason Kenneth, Greenvale

Made the move from Westmeadows in the off-season and has impressed in the top tier. His rise in the coming years will be exciting to watch.

Jayden Kretiuk, St Albans

A former under-18s captain for the club has become a core member of the senior side.

Michael Ktona, Aberfeldie

Been limited to just 10 games this season, but when he’s available he makes a difference for Abers.

Jett Ladewig of Greenvale. Picture: Hamish Blair

Jett Ladewig, Greenvale

Has impressed during his first season with the club, playing 15 games and being named in the best seven times.

Kade Long, Keilor

To earn eight senior games while still being eligible for under-18 footy at Keilor is a sensational achievement.

Gabriel Loukomitis, East Keilor

A regular in the Cougars senior line-up this season after crossing from St Bernard’s in the off-season.

Gabriel Loukomitis of East Keilor. Picture: Hamish Blair

Keighton Matofai-Forbes, Keilor

Joined the club from Hillside at the start of the season and has enjoyed opportunities in the senior side with 16 goals in six outings.

Pat McCallum, West Coburg

A consistent performer in the Division 1 powerhouse. McCallum could be an exciting prospect come finals time.

Jack McCartney, Oak Park

Has enjoyed a fine first season of senior footy with 15 games to his name.

Otif Moustafa, Hadfield

Debuted at just 15 last season and has gone onto earn more senior opportunities in 2023 with 14 games.

Josh Neralic, Burnside Heights

Made the move from Hillside before the season and has been brilliant. Named in the best every second game.

Max Panagiotopoulos, Aberfeldie

Has shown he’s capable of hitting the scoreboard this season, often playing some of his better footy against finals contenders.

Jovan Petric in action for the Western Jets. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Jovan Petric, Keilor

Limited just four games due to his Coates Talent League and VFL commitments, when Petric has been available he has dazzled for McGuane’s side. Has 22 goals in four outings including 11 against Avondale Heights.

Blake Polley, Craigieburn

Debuted earlier in the year and consistently held his spot in the side, going onto play 15 games.

Michael Portelli, Westmeadows

Portelli has established himself as one of the Tigers’ best players with 10 mentions in the best this year.

Roxburgh Park’s Luke Reichelt. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Luke Reichelt, Roxburgh Park

Won his club’s best-and-fairest last season and has gone onto enjoy another standout year in 2023.

Bailey Ryan, Hillside

What a player this young guy is. Earned a VFL debut thanks to his form with the Sharks. A real match winner.

Noah Scott, Pascoe Vale

Made his senior debut at the age of 16 earlier this season and has gone onto play five games when available.

Ayden Skroce, Coburg Districts

One of the most talented young players in Division 2. Skroce has been named in the best in six out of the 10 games he has played.

Ibrahim Taha, West Coburg

Back at his junior club this year and dominating. Taha finished with 60 goals for the season as the Burgers went undefeated.

Giacomo Thomas, Essendon Doutta Stars

Has provided a fantastic target up forward for the Stars this season, currently leading the goalkicking for his side.

Blake Tirchett, Sunbury Kangaroos

Another under-18 player as recently as last year, Tirchett locked down a place in the Kangaroos’ line-up this season, playing all 16 games.

Sam Valensisi of Strathmore. Picture: Hamish Blair

Sam Valensisi, Strathmore

Still playing under-18 footy two years ago, Valensisi has become a consistent senior player for the reigning premier.

Austin Warden, Tullamarine

Returned to his junior club at the start of the year and made himself a consistent selection in the senior side.

Aaron West, Rupertswood

Straight out of Rupo’s under-18 system and has gone onto play every senior game this season.

Cooper West, Strathmore

Has enjoyed another impressive deal for the Mores, consistently appearing in the senior side.