Essendon forms new partnership with EDFL
Essendon has strengthened its connection its bid to a local footy competition in a move which it hopes help find more young guns from Melbourne’s northwest. See the details.
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Essendon has strengthened its connection its bid to a local footy competition in a move which hopes more young guns like Isaac Kako.
The Bombers announced on Wednesday it had partnered with the Essendon District Football League (EDFL) to sponsor its junior competition from season 2025.
Melbourne’s northwest has been a strong recruiting zone for Brad Scott’s side in the last 12 months with Kako (Northern Saints/Pascoe Vale) and Jayden Nguyen (Avondale Heights/Aberfeldie) coming through local clubs.
Both had been part of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy program.
Current AFL pair Peter Wright and Jayden Laverde alongside AFLW trio Amy Gaylor, Amelia Radford and Maddy Prespakis have represented the EDFL during their junior careers.
Essendon chief executive Craig Vozzo said he was excited by the prospect of the new working arrangement.
“The EDFL plays a crucial role in the development of young players within our NGA and broader North-West corridor, and we’ve been the beneficiary of that just this year in our AFL program with Isaac (Kako) and Jayden (Nguyen) coming aboard from our NGA Academy program,” Vozzo said.
We have also had many other important players over the years across our AFL, AFLW, VFL and VFLW squads that have come through the same pathways. We’re committed to playing our part in supporting the development and growth of junior football in these areas.
“We’re proud of our connection to this area and it’s something we want to continue well into the future. Given our longstanding history with the EDFL, this partnership is a very natural and important fit.”
EDFL boss Andrew Johnston is excited about the possibility of unearthing more future stars from the local area.
“This partnership will enhance the league’s ability to shape the next Maddy Prespakis and Isaac Kako through our junior pathways to hopefully one day represent the Bombers,” he said.
“We are confident that this partnership will bring great benefits to both organisations and to the broader football community.
“The EDFL looks forward to working with Essendon FC to achieve our shared goals and create a positive community impact.”
Originally published as Essendon forms new partnership with EDFL
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