The 2024 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to returning Avondale Heights coach Patrick Byrne who provides some insights on their 2024 campaign.
2023: 9th (3W, 15L, 46.11%)
Coach: Patrick Byrne (returning, replacing Richard Little)
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"My biggest focus was getting an Under 18s side and building depth of quality young players at the football club. It was a mix of bringing local one-pointers back and the best young talent I could find that could run. I believe we achieved that so expect us to be competitive in Under 18s, Reserves, and Seniors and having a Thirds side is a bonus!"
LIST SHAPE
"Our list has more than 30 players capable of impacting at EDFL Premier Division level. We are young but we have a firm three-year plan in place and we're pretty happy with where we sit."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Danko Bzenic has returned to the club in super nick and will be exciting to watch teamed up with Tom Gleeson, Brody Watts, and Liam Bianco to give our forward 50 a different look.
"Down back, new recruit Myles Gollant is one to watch, and in the midfield new skipper Jackson Robb and Daniel Gervasoni are flying.
"Obviously everyone will be watching Jack Ziebell on ANZAC Day!"
2024 OUTLOOK
"Our goal for the season is to be competitive in every game in all grades. There's no real number but like everyone at this time of year, the aim is to win footy games and improve the group starting with Round 1."
ON THE RECORD WITH PATRICK BYRNE
After a season off you’ve made your way back to Canning Reserve, what were some of the biggest drivers in returning?
"Obviously I have a strong relationship with the old playing group and with the disappointment of players leaving and the club in a tough spot, it was hard to watch.
"A new committee and a new energy convinced me I could succeed in making the club better for the short and long term."
There’s been a change in leadership at the club with Jackson Robb and Tom Russell announced as co-captains. What made them stand out as leaders to step in for Matt Darby?
"Jackson Robb and Tommy Russell had great years in a tough environment. You always find people's character when things are tough.
"They are both locals who want the club to get better and have been pretty excited about all the new players at the club. Darbs will continue to be a leader and is no doubt helping the new skippers."
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Danko Bzenic.
Biggest pest at the club?
Josh Fedele.
Who might be viewed as the coach's pet?
Jackson Robb.
One opposition player you’d love on your side?
Matthew Dennis (East Keilor).
Flag tip outside of Avondale Heights?
Keilor.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Liam Bianco (Coburg Districts), Danko Bzenic (Woorinen), Thomas Clark (Moonee Valley), Daniel Gervasoni (Watsonia), Myles Gollant (St Bernards), Zayas Leonedas (Moonee Valley), Liam Amit (Keilor), Muharem Muja (Noble Park), Lachlan O'Hara (University Blacks), Patrick Payne (Griffith Swans), Nathan Ryan (Inner West Magpies), James Sheridan (Keilor), Jack Stratford (Old Xaverians), Vetim Aliaj (Keilor), Bayden Mom (Beechworth), Andrew Bellinger (Robina), Jaiden Martin (Tarneit), Thomas Gleeson (Coburg Districts), Liam Jacobs (South Bendigo), Marcus Currenti (Moonee Valley), Dylan Stapleton (Watsonia), Joshua Browne (East Fremantle), Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne), Brody Watts (Sunbury Kangaroos) & Anthony Curtis (Tarneit).
Out: Rocco Tripodi (Sunbury Kangaroos), Silver Yousif (Euroa), Aaron Clarke (Perth), Thomas Hird (Hurstbridge), Cameron McLeod (Aberfeldie), Jhdara Jones (Tatura), Nathan Ryan (Keilor), Ned Hawkins (Old Scotch), Jake Olivieri (Sunbury Kangaroos) & Aidyn Johnson (Tatura).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was a fruitful off season for the Heights who managed to bring in some players who they'd expect can suit up on a regular basis and provide value for a side entrenched in the relegation conversation again. There's optimism of an improved outfit at Canning Reserve but due to the strength of the sides above them, it'll need to be a significant improvement for them to make strides up the ladder and out of the relegation battle.
Ladder Prediction: Relegation battle.
2024 FIXTURE
