The rising stars taking the EDFL by storm

From top to bottom, the Essendon District Football League is full of exciting young talent. Check out all the promising stars of the future here.

Tyson Iglesias of Burnside Heights. Photo: Hamish Blair

The young guns of the Essendon District Football League have made their mark this year.

We’ve profiled some of the best.

Harry Albon, Craigieburn

Might have played just senior games, playing most of the year with Calder Cannons, but proved his talent when available.

Nicolas Aleksovski, Deer Park

An exciting young forward who has caused plenty of headaches inside forward 50 this year with 26 goals.

Jacob Aquilina, Craigieburn

A tackling machine, leading the league in this department.

Jai Bahnert, Aberfeldie

The young star played 16 games this season and earned a consistent place in the senior side.

Liam Bartolo, Roxburgh Park

Started his first season in black and white in the reserves but eventually worked his way into the senior side where he became a regular, playing 11 games.

Charlie Bolmat, Pascoe Vale

Spent most of last year with the Calder Cannons and has gone onto enjoy a strong season in the Panthers senior team.

Luke Bonello, Burnside Heights

Has taken his game to another level this season. His leg speed on the wing makes him a dangerous matchup for any opponent.

Shawn Bawden, Sunbury Kangaroos

One of his side’s leading goalkickers this season finishing with 20 in 16 games and 10 mentions in the best.

We've named the best young players in the EDFL.

Jake Bushell, Oak Park

Has played consistent senior footy the last couple of years and is developing into a real player.

Ethan Caffari, Taylors Lakes

Has developed into a very reliable player since coming into the senior ranks after an impressive junior career.

Sebastian Carta, Pascoe Vale

Stepping out of the under-18s at the end of last season, Carta has established himself in the Panthers’ senior side.

Darcy Cassar, Keilor

A consistent in the Blues’ senior side this season with 14 games played.

Pasquale Curcio, Coburg Districts

A clever player who has enjoyed a strong debut season with the Lions, snagging 16 goals in 13 games.

Marcus D’Angelo, Burnside Heights

In his second season with the club and putting together some impressive performances. Can slot across halfback and into the middle if needed.

Anthony DeLorenzi, Oak Park

A step up to Division 1 hasn’t phased the young star who continues to kick goals on a consistent level.

Lewis Downie, Essendon Doutta Stars

Made the move from Blackburn at the start of the season and has gone onto find his place in the senior side.

Malik Elfakahani, East Keilor

Made the move from the Northern league and has been dynamic up forward with 26 majors.

Lucas Failli, Hillside

The exciting talent has been brilliant again this season with 13 mentions in the best.

Ethan Fitzpatrick, Rupertswood

Returned to the club at the start of the season and proved to be a valuable acquisition.

Riley Gaylard, Craigieburn

In his second season with the club, he’s continued to improve at an exciting rate.

Max Griffin celebrates goal with Josh Cole. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Max Griffin, Maribyrnong Park

Playing alongside his brothers, Griffin has enjoyed another strong season for the Lions.

Jake Hatton, Westmeadows

One his side’s vice-captains. He is an emerging force in the middle of the ground.

Musa Hussain, Northern Saints

The versatile Hussain returned to the club for this season after a year away with Airport West.

Tyson Iglesias, Burnside Heights

Broke into the senior team for a debut in 2021 and in the next three seasons has been one of Division 2’s best defenders.

James Kayrooz, Maribyrnong Park

In his first season with the Lions, Kayrooz has been dominant. He kicked 58 goals in 16 home-and-away matches.

James Kayrooz. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Jason Kenneth, Greenvale

Enjoyed a positive second season with the Jets after previously playing for Westmeadows.

Jordan Kosteas, Westmeadows

The ball magnet continues to find plenty of the footy at senior level and has already re-signed for next season.

Sam Kosmak, Taylors Lakes

Kosmak has played every game this season, averaging a goal a game. Capable of playing in the middle or up forward.

Jayden Kretiuk, St Albans

A promising tall who has locked away a consistent place in the senior side in recent seasons.

Jett Ladewig, Greenvale

In his season with the Jets, Ladewig has continued his development and been among his side’s most consistent players.

Connor Leeflang, Airport West

The Tasmanian has enjoyed a strong first season with the club and settled into the level with ease.

Kougar Mackertich, Coburg Districts

Has been a consistent contributor this season, playing every senior game.

Cameron McLeod, Aberfeldie

McLeod has played consistent footy all year which was enough to see him earn a debut for Werribee in the VFL.

Cameron McLeod flies for the footy.Photo: Andrew Batsch

Jackson McMenamin, Hillside

The former Western Jet is enjoying his first full season of senior footy and has been brilliant throughout.

Badr Moustafa, Hadfield

After being given a taste of senior footy last year, Moustafa took his chances playing 13 games. Often was used on a wing.

Luca Muratore, Airport West

Currently the leading goalkicker in the competition. He’s capable of beating his opponent in several ways.

Amin Naim, Strathmore

Broke through for a VFL debut with Essendon earlier in the season. Has been super dangerous inside forward 50 with 31 goals in 15 games.

Brodie Newman, Aberfeldie

Has returned to the club at the start of the season and been superb.

Luca Papsis, Avondale Heights

Won the club’s rising star award back in 2022. He’s been back to his best this season.

Emilio Rinaudo, West Coburg

Enjoyed another strong season and is a damaging player who can break the game open.

Teronne Roberts-Potter, Roxburgh Park

In his third season with the club, he moved forward and proved to be a strong option with 20 goals.

Bailey Ryan, Essendon Doutta Stars

After joining from Hillside at the start of the season, Ryan has gone onto to be his side’s leading goalkicker.

Oscar Sasalu, Essendon Doutta Stars

After some issues surrounding his move at the start of the season, Sasalu has proven why he is one of the best emerging big men in the competition. Earned a VFL debut.

Luke Scicchitano, Deer Park

Speak to Deer Park coach Jamie Madigan and he will always praise this young man’s willingness to want to get better.

Luke Smith.

Luke Smith, Westmeadows

One of several young stars on the rise at the Division 2 club. Has played a key role in the middle.

Mahmoud Taha, Pascoe Vale

Has returned to the field in the middle of the year and his importance to the Panthers has been proven.

Patrick Taylor, Tullamarine

Once he broke back into the side in round 7, Taylor became a valuable part of the Demons side. The ultimate utility.

Jackson Treweek, Sunbury Kangaroos

Built on an impressive debut season with the club and has again been among the Roos’ most consistent.

Austin Warden, Tullamarine

The silky left footer played every senior game this season as he did in 2023. Able to break games open with his foot skills.

Cooper West, Strathmore

A consistent senior player the last three seasons who continues to go from strength-to-strength.

Harvey Wilkes, Keilor

Has played 13 senior games this year and gone onto kick 17 goals.

Hunter Young, Moonee Valley

Made his senior debut last year but this season went onto play every game at 2pm.