WFNL: Inside North Footscray’s rise after previous battles

Two seasons ago, North Footscray had players doubling up to fill the senior and reserve grades. In 2025, the club has three sides and about 70 players. We go inside the revitalisation of the Devils.

North Footscray got off to a winning start. Picture: Andy Brownbill

North Footscray senior coach David Battistella describes local footy as a “funny business”.

Two seasons ago, his club would have several players double up to ensure the seniors and reserves games went ahead. It happened a couple of times last year.

But in 2025, North Footscray is celebrating having three teams and about 70 registered players.

The Devils started their season in style on Saturday with a 16-point WFNL Division 2 win over Braybrook while the reserves also won comfortably. A practice match between the clubs respective thirds sides also took place.

“It’s a remarkable achievement for two clubs without any juniors,” Battistella said.

“The club has done a remarkable job to put us in this position. This is the first time we’ll have a thirds.

“You look back on 2023 and we weren’t ever prepared to forfeit.”

The weekend’s win over the Brookers was the start of a new era for Battistella’s side which featured a swag of recruits.

Archie Thomson, Daniel Duggan, Jarrod Spry, Josh Crofton, Joshua Spry, Kyle Rodgers, Mason Jacob, Nathan Wallace, Patrick Boreham, Sam Gunesekera, and Shaun Ujcich (returning) were the new names compared to last season.

“It was a massive learning curve for us, we’re still at the stage of working it out,” Battistella said.

“Great for confidence but until you get in the routine of regular games with a similar side, it’s going to take a while before we probably see our best footy.”

Sam Gunesekera was named best afield in his Devils debut.

Gunesekera, a former player at Yarraville-Seddon, played a starring role on the wing while Sebastian Turnbull, Joshua Crofton, Tommy Manley, Joshua Spry and Mathew Serafin were also named in the best.

Serafin provided a strong target inside forward 50 and finished with four goals.

The Devils looked on course for a big win when leading by 56 points at the final break but the Brookers managed to pull the final margin back to 16.

“It wasn’t a great way to finish, but credit to them, they changed a few things and never threw it in,” Battistella said.

“I don’t think the scoreboard at three-quarter-time was a full reflection of the game. We made the most of our opportunities and they probably missed some they’d like over a game.

“We were kicking blinders. I thought it was a very good game all round.”

In other games in Round 1, Lewis Stanton made a major impression in his Wyndhamvale debut with six majors as the Falcons comfortably beat the Suns by 47 points. Luke Di Mauro was another of the new recruits to impress while Jack Tessari was named best on ground.

Sunshine Heights secured a 46-point win over the Western Rams with debutant Wilson Hylton the star of the show. Hylton played three reserves games last season but lit up Ainsworth Reserve with five goals in a stunning start to his senior career. Elliot Rosado was best afield with Dragons recruit John Whitehouse also impressive.

West Footscray got its season off to the perfect start with a 37-point win over Laverton. Jaycob Doyle picked up from where he left off last season with a best on ground display while Tom Stelluto finished with five goals.

Albanvale put Tarneit to the sword in a 175-point drubbing as Reece Field finished with six goals. New signing Macauley Lonergan made a strong impression with five of his own.