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 Coburg Districts coach Charlie Denaro who provides some insights on their 2024 campaign.
2023: 5th (8W, 8L, 102.13%)
Coach: Charlie Denaro
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"For me it was to learn more than 70 new names! We really wanted the playing group to embrace change and be willing to buy into playing a different brand of football.
"We couldn’t be happier with the attitude the boys are showing and especially relating to their fitness program."
LIST SHAPE
"Our depth has been bolstered with the addition of close to 25 new senior players. We now have multiple options for all roles which will be required throughout the season."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Ayden Skroce and Marcus Rametta are the standouts of our young boys and have been most impressive. Conor Doherty (brother of Declan) and Harry Harbrow have been great additions to the club.
"The veteran Jordy Ashby has been most impressive all pre season and would be unlucky to miss out for Round 1."
2024 OUTLOOK
"We aim to strengthen our relationships on and off the field with our senior players (male and female), members, parents, all junior sides, umpires, and opposition. Being back in finals wouldn’t be too bad either."
ON THE RECORD WITH CHARLIE DENARO
You’ve started a new coaching journey, what factors drew you to the Coburg Districts job?
As silly as it may seem, I have actually always had a soft spot for CDFC and I love the jumper and colours. I actually applied for the senior role many years ago, so better late than never.
I've had great respect from afar in relation to their junior program (coached against them), and how hard the club has worked in building the program in just over 10 years in the EDFL.
It’s been over a decade since you’ve been in this division, have you noticed any differences within the playing group?
I'm feeling old now, thanks! I'm seeing more clubs have genuine belief that they can beat anybody on the day in this division. The professionalism is far greater today with many clubs having access to Premier Data, fitness trainers, and recovery centres.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Sebastian Eaton.
Biggest pest at the club?
Jordy Ashby.
Who might be viewed as the coach's pet?
Jordy Ashby.
One opposition player you’d love on your side?
John Corso , but if Jordy Ashby leaves it would be him.
Flag tip outside of Coburg Districts?
Too many have a chance.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Maddy Martin (Maribyrnong Park), Aythen Kyriazis (Glenroy), Robert Maiorana (La Trobe University), Declan Doherty (West Coburg), Will Ryan (Strathmore), Andrew Vaiano (Oak Park), Conor Doherty (West Coburg), Rusi Komaitai (Hillside), Jack Gusman (Hillside), Guy Clark (Fitzroy), Pasquale Curcio (Fitzroy), Lewis Johnson (Fitzroy), Harrison Harbrow (Newstead), Tom Carland (Tooleybuc Manangatang), Frank Agresta (Taylors Lakes), Patrick Logan (South Morang), Gianni McKenzie (Fitzroy), Angus O'Meara (West Coburg), Jack McNamara (Redan) & Michael Bidois (Forest Hill).
Out: Liam Bianco (Avondale Heights), Oliver Aitken (Oak Park), Jakob Hanlon (Westmeadows), Tom Gleeson (Avondale Heights), John Delacoe (Airport West), Thomas Lay (Oak Park), Daniel Di Qual (Therry Penola), Bayley Overend (Essendon Doutta Stars), Connor Michielin (Westmeadows), Lukas Dimech (Pascoe Vale), Connor Mooney (Montmorency), Anthony Mardini (Airport West), Dylan Bieganski (Roxburgh Park), Lucas Leeds (PEGS) & Benjamin Cass (Avondale Heights).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Percentage was the only thing keeping Coburg Districts out of the finals after a one-point loss in their final home and away contest. Tom Gleeson has moved on and Charlie Denaro will aim to give the senior side a bit of a refresh with some new faces and approaches – something that was perhaps due. It'll be tough for Districts to move up considering the strength of the competition, but they always seem to find a way to be in the mix.
Ladder Prediction: In the finals hunt.
2024 FIXTURE
