With the 2023 season just around the corner, EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to East Sunbury coach Aaron Kite who provides some insights on their 2023 campaign.
2022: In recess
Coach: Aaron Kite
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Our main focus was to make it a really enjoyable place to be. With over 60 players coming from different clubs, getting the boys to gel together as fast as possible was the key and I think we have been able to do that.
"We worked hard on our skills and built a strong fitness base pre-Christmas which has allowed us to really focus on our ball movement post-Christmas. The place is buzzing and we can’t for the season to begin."
LIST SHAPE
"We're very happy with where our list sits in our first year back as a club and in the rebuild stage. I was able to watch a few games last year in the division and I think the competition lacked height. So that was our key focus to bring in some key position players to strengthen us down the spine and complement that with some speed on the outside – I think we have been able to that.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Ash Milane, Tom Galea, Shylo Smith, and Daniel Paulete have had big pre seasons and led from the front. I’m looking forward to seeing Josh Crump, 12 games in Premier Division last year, get his opportunity to take his game to another level in the midfield."
2023 OUTLOOK
"It’s an exciting time for the club, a lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to be in the position to take the field this year. For us the key is to earn respect as a club and show the division we’re not just here to make up the numbers. We believe we have put together a list that will be competitive in our rebuild. We put no limitations on what this group can achieve, we will be an exciting team to watch."
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Jack Sparnon (Diggers Rest), Liam Watson (Diggers Rest), Matt Smith (Diggers Rest), Uriah Matenga (Diggers Rest), Daniel Paulete (Diggers Rest), Mitchell Shields (Diggers Rest), Harry Spencer (Diggers Rest Juniors), Timothy Johnson (Glen Orden), Bradley Kite (Glenroy), Aaron Kite (Glenroy), Joshua Crump (Glenroy), Tobias Robinson (Hillside), Daniel Arnold (Jacana), Jeremiah Groves (Jacana), Jaymee Guy (Newcomb), Connor Gills (Riddell), Brodie Wilson (Riddell), Charlie Spencer (Riddell), Joel Scherer (Rupertswood), Jordan Davis (Rupertswood), Darby Davis (Rupertswood), Jordan Weightman (Rupertswood), James Burnes (St Albans), Jamie Fisher (St Albans), Daniel Jurczyluc (Sunbury), Jordan Maiolo (Sunbury), Braedyn King (Sunbury Kangaroos), Kane Oakley (Sunbury Kangaroos), Riley Looker (Sunbury Kangaroos), Ryan Happ (Sunbury Kangaroos), Wyatt McLaughlin (Sunbury Kangaroos), Kael Podger (Sunbury Kangaroos), Shylo Smith (Tooleybuc Manangatang), Nathan Sciberras (Tullamarine), Kane Vanroosmalen (Tullamarine), Luke Bromley (Western Saint's Superules), Mitch Church (Westmeadows) & Kane North (Westmeadows).
Out: Isaac Carton (Roxburgh Park), Troy Bird (Rupertswood), Liam Smith (Greenvale) & Jake Hobden (Rupertswood).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It's been a triumphant return for East Sunbury following a year in recess in 2022, with strong numbers, lively energy, and a generally renewed outlook following more than 50 new players signing and a new coach in the venerable Aaron Kite. He expects his side to be contending and not just making up the numbers, and recruiting EDFL stalwarts in premiership captain Shylo Smith and Mitch Church is a certainly a positive step in that direction. Their homecoming to Goonawarra will take place in Round 2 against Taylors Lakes in what will be a huge day for the club as they play for the Tri Services Cup, with activities available on the day for a gold coin donation, along with special guest Dustin Fletcher.
2023 FIXTURE
