The 2024 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to new Aberfeldie coach Clay Illman who provides some insights on their 2024 campaign.
2023: 6th (8W, 9L, 1D, 110.74%)
Coach: Clay Illman (first season replacing Adam Marcon)
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"As a club we have focused our attention on connection and relationships. Not only within the senior playing group but an attitude that has extended to the wider Aberfeldie community and our strong supporter base. Continuing to build on our ‘one club’ philosophy and bringing as many people as possible on this journey with us has been a key focus of the preseason."
LIST SHAPE
"The club made a clear decision at the end of the 2023 season to bring back to the club as many Aberfeldie juniors as possible. Inclusions like Gab Cristiano, Sam Beckinsale, Brodie Newman, Tom Pound, Matt Williamson, and Sam Medland are all key examples of returning junior players."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"The work the club puts into both its junior and Under 18 programs means that we have a strong group of 2023 Under 18 players that have had really exciting preseasons. Ben Parker and Jordan Lombardo are two young players that have committed really well to the program, and we will see them both at senior level this year."
2024 OUTLOOK
"Continuing to grow both our on-field and off-field connection is still a primary focus for our group. Acknowledging and enjoying each other’s success is very important and we will have a great opportunity to do this in Round 2 this year when we celebrate Nic Cattapan’s 200th senior EDFL game."
ON THE RECORD WITH CLAY ILLMAN
Ben Ronke was announced as a co-coach with yourself, what is that collaboration going to look like and what is he bringing to the role?
Ben is first and foremost an outstanding human being, already evident in the care he shows for the young playing group. We are lucky to have a number of new coaches at senior level this year, Brad Swain, Luke Wilson, and Craig Battershill all make up the coaching team for 2024.
We are also really excited with the appointment of Daniel Mangan to the development head coach role for 2024, Daniel is no stranger to the club playing over 300 senior games and will be a fantastic guiding voice for our young group.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Ryan Martin
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Kyle O’Connor (Keilor)
Flag tip outside of Aberfeldie?
Keilor
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Cameron McLeod (Avondale Heights), Benjamin Ronke (St Bernards), Samuel Medland (Woodend-Hesket), Samuel Beckinsale (Burnside Heights), Gabriel Cristiano (Burnside Heights), Matt Weber (Gisborne), Tom Pound (Woodend-Hesket), Heath Ollington (North Launceston), Ayden Trinh (Keilor Park), Declan Aylward (Keilor Park) & Joshua Wratten (Keilor Park).
Out: Samuel Cattapan (Wangaratta Rovers), Michael Gerace (St Bernards), Mitchell Wilson (Aberfeldie), Jack Mapleson (North Heidelberg), Lachie Hall (Glenelg), Jean-Luc Velissaris (Parkside), Finn Cashmore (Therry Penola), Joseph Scuteri (Diggers Rest), James Drakatos (St Bernards), Jack Whitehead (University Blues), Matthew Peart (Daylesford), Luke Farmelo (St Kevins), Lucas Rocci (Werribee Districts), Jaryd Cachia (Portarlington), Samuel Corbino (Maribyrnong Park), Will Erlenwein (University Blacks), Alexander Paporakis (Macquarie University) & Robert Paradzayi (South Barwon).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was a strange sight not seeing Aberfeldie playing finals footy in 2023 which was perhaps a sign of their lack of continuity with their availability and an indication the strength of the top flight has increased. The newly promoted Clay Illman certainly has the cattle to restore their finals glory but it won't be a given with the likes of Greenvale, Deer Park, and Airport West also competing with the incumbents to comprise the top five.
Ladder Prediction: Back in the finals.
2024 FIXTURE
