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 Airport West coach Brent Taylor who provides some insights on their 2024 campaign.
2023: 7th, (6W, 12L, 87.74%)
Coach: Brent Taylor (first season, replacing Trent Rogers)
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Connection and living our value of 'one club' has been a focus of ours. We have new players, new coaching staff, and a new game plan, so it's all about going on that learning journey together."
LIST SHAPE
"We have a young developing list and we identified that we needed to add some experience and big bodies. We think have done that and our list is in pretty good order. Now it’s all about the connection piece."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"It has been really pleasing to see some of our younger guys developing and putting pressure on for spots. The likes of Ty Macumber, Lachy Ziros, and Heath Condon have all gained some valuable senior experience."
2024 OUTLOOK
"It was a great first year back into Premier Division, and Trent Rogers must be credited for his hard work last season. We are looking to build upon last year and consolidate ourselves within the competition. We understand that it will be a journey, filled with ups and downs, but we are confident that if we stick to our processes, we will be able to build upon last year."
ON THE RECORD WITH BRENT TAYLOR
You’ve inherited an exciting side left by Trent Rogers, how did you go about ensuring a smooth transition to a fresh voice in yourself?
I'm hoping my teaching background and the experience I have gained under some quality coaches can allow me to implement a program that is professional, engaging, accessible, and provide us with the opportunity to build upon last year.
You’ll be challenged straight up against an Aberfeldie side looking to make amends for last year and the undefeated reigning premiers in Keilor, despite them being tough match ups, do you see it as an advantage testing yourself early?
We have a huge amount of respect for Abers and Keilor. They have been at the very top of the competition for a long time. They are quality outfits with great coaches.
We will gain some valuable learnings from taking them on early in the season, and we will review and look to improve off the back of that.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Chris Nield.
Biggest pest at the club?
Lachy Di Sebastiano.
Who might be viewed as the coach's pet?
Ned Gentile.
One opposition player you’d love on your side?
Brodie Newman.
Flag tip outside of Airport West?
Keilor.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Jed Brereton (Strathfieldsaye), Ahmed Zahraman (Pascoe Vale), Cooper Janevski (Preston Bullants), Matthew Hanson (Myrtleford), Mick Edwards (Deer Park), Frank Papaleo (Sunshine Heights), Connor Leeflang (North Launceston), John Delacoe (Coburg Districts), Willem Eager (Seymour), Chris Nield (Mooroopna), Jackson Connor (Deer Park), John Roumeliotis (Maribyrnong Park), Tarkan Yilmaz (Hadfield), Anthony Mardini (Coburg Districts) & Yusuf Abdullatif (Northern Saints).
Out: Elijah Wood (Hinterland Blues), Charlie Di Stefano (Parkside), Abdul Shire (Glenroy), Jacob Albazi (Glenroy), Stuart Hobijn-Allen (Melton South), Shannon Prigg (Tullamarine), Brandon Raad (Taylors Lakes), Andrew Saico (Greenvale), Gareth Laidler (Essendon Masters), Kevin Klix (Laverton), Michael O'Dwyer (Essendon Masters), Marwan Abdul-Wahad (Maribyrnong Park), Muhammad Saad (West Coburg), Jason Denny (Moonee Valley), Bailey Simmons (Seaford), Blake Fairservice (Hillside), Tom Aylett (East Brighton), Musa Hussain (Northern Saints) & Joe Tornese (Essendon Masters).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Outgoing Airport West coach Trent Rogers wanted to ensure the Eagles weren't just surviving in Premier Division but were competitive - mission accomplished. Incoming coach Brent Taylor has been able to bolster their list and will have their eyes on the newly created fifth spot in finals - along with a host of other clubs. Consistency will be the key for Airport West who were up and down through periods of 2023, can they put it together for longer in 2024 and put themselves in the finals conversation?
Ladder Prediction: In the logjam fighting for finals.
2024 FIXTURE
