With the 2023 season just around the corner, EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Airport West coach Trent Rogers who provides some insights on their 2023 campaign.
2022: 1st, Division One premiers (16W, 1L, 1D, 216.91%)
Coach: Trent Rogers (3rd season)
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Our focus points have been to build on the habits and structures we have been implementing over the past couple of years in Division One. We've been preparing ourselves for the jump to Premier for some time and throughout the pre-season we have had a big focus on our work rate and conditioning output. We pride ourselves on being a committed side and club, both on and off the training track with everyone putting in a solid contribution. Our senior leaders have certainly led the way and set great examples."
LIST SHAPE
"We've had healthy player retention, only one premiership player from the senior side has requested a clearance, we've had a few decide to not play at all in 2023 though due to travel and work reasons. We've been lucky to bring in some really exciting quality in our key position slots and also through the midfield. The overall shape of the list is looking good, and we're looking forward to the challenge that Premier Division will provide."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"I feel we've got consistency across the group, as previously mentioned, contribution has been a focus point on the pre-season so far. Everyone will play a key role and many have the potential for a breakthrough year.
"A couple of the young lads to watch will be new recruit Musa Hussain, as well as premiership players from 2022 Luca Muratore and Luke Sultana. Jacob Martin also returns to the club and has had an impressive pre-season."
2023 OUTLOOK
"One focus for the year is to consolidate and prove ourselves in Premier Division. We're looking forward to giving it a good nudge while continuing to show progression as the season goes. As a group, we know what the goal is and we're committed to that long term goal. We've had a massive increase in our junior numbers, which is really exciting, and our senior group will look to spend some quality time with the juniors and continue to build strong connections in this area."
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Billy Drake (Deer Park), Zachary Hickey (Pascoe Vale), Lachlan Moore (East Keilor), Jamie Morey (Moonee Valley), Ryan McDonald (Lalor), Joshua Buchanan (Coolamon Rovers), Charlie Di Stefano (Shepparton United), Bior Malual (Seymour), Stuart Hobjin-Allen (Shepparton), Anthony Liberatore (Tullamarine), Christian Mazza (Pascoe Vale), Ben Bozinovski (Keilor), Musa Hussain (Northern Saints) & Jacob Martin (Merrigum).
Out: Joseph Genoese (East Keilor), Noah Candotti (Old Carey Grammarians), Liam Sikora (St Bernards), Fabian Brancatisano (Sunshine), Patrick Dunster (Taylors Lakes), Frankie Galtieri (Taylors Lakes), Fletcher Smith (Tullamarine), Shane Brady (Undera), Angelos Sidhom (Wallan) & Ibrahim Taha (West Coburg).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Airport West find themselves back in the top flight after a dominant year in Division One, dropping just one game on the way to a 32-point grand final victory. The Eagles have found themselves in and out of Premier Division and will be hoping they can remain there for consecutive seasons for the first time since the mid-2010s. With solid representation of players from their junior program and a returning figure in Jacob Martin, retention has been the key for this season and will no doubt assist in building their list in years to come. As Rogers outlined, there hasn't been a great deal of turnover in the list, and a strong showing at the nest could shake up the stability of the EDFL's top flight competition.
2023 FIXTURE
