2019 RECAP
It was a triumphant return to form for Westmeadows in 2019, qualifying for its first finals series since 2016.
The Tigers ended the home-and-away season with a 10-6 record after producing five consecutive wins between Rounds 2 and 6, which included impressive victories over both of last year's Division 1 grand finalists, Craigieburn and East Keilor.
Their season ended in the Elimination Final at Windy Hill, where local rival Tullamarine pulled away from Westmeadows in the final term to win by 33 points.
BEST & FAIREST TOP FIVE
1st - Robbie Castello
2nd: Marwan Abdul-Wahed*
3rd: Aaron Evans & Ahmed Abdul-Wahed
4th: Omar Saad
GOAL KICKING TOP FIVE
54 - Omar Saad
25 - Mitch Church
23 - Robbie Castello
13 - Dean Clare
13 - Josh Flower
13 - Tom Muscat
HUTCHISON MEDAL
Division One Best & Fairest
Robbie Castello (winner)
DIVISION ONE LEADING GOAL KICKER AWARD
Omar Saad
DIVISION ONE TEAM OF THE YEAR
Robbie Castello (centre & captain)
Omar Saad (forward pocket)
*players not returning in 2020
2020 PREVIEW
Coach: Mo Kaakour (1st season, replacing Grant Smith)
LIST CHANGES / LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Ferras Merhi (Roxburgh Park), George Nabbout (Airport West), Aaron Vendramini (Craigieburn), Belal Abou-Eid (Sunshine) & Jayden Ranno (Airport West)
Out: Daniel Callegari (retired), Marwan Abdul-Wahed (Maribyrnong Park), Jesse Bates (Mooroolbark), Braydon Hardstaff (Tullamarine) & Jake Sharman (Mernda)
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Mo Kaakour has a pretty stable list at his disposal entering what looks to be a promising year for the Tigers.
Westmeadows' deep forward line has been retained, including last season's Division 1 goal kicking champ, Omar Saad, while Clayton Campbell, who was overseas last year, and new recruit Belal Abou-Eid will help fill the void down back left by retiring defender, Daniel Callegari.
In the middle the Tigers will be well served by the arrival of experienced ruckman Ferras Merhi, while reigning Hutchinson Medallist Robbie Castello proved to be the best player in the competition last season, so expect Westmeadows to push for the finals - or maybe even a top two berth - in Season 2020.
