The 2024 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Glenroy coach Dean Young who provides some insights on their 2024 campaign.
2023: 12th, Division One, (1W, 17L, 41.27%)
Coach: Dean Young (second season)
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"A lot of our work was based around fitness, running patterns, and structures. Our preseason program was dramatically different this year to previous years. We took out parts of the endurance to have more of a focus on shorter, sharper running and agility."
LIST SHAPE
"We knew the areas and the players we needed to move forward. I feel we have achieved this and improved our overall list.
"Our existing group from last year have been working hard in the off season with around 15 players setting themselves higher standards with extra training."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Returning junior Michael Adams will be a great asset to the forward line. Kenny Lam and Tochi Oparaocha, will look to bolster our back line. We have also had a great pick up with Omar Taleb, who can bring an extra spark to our already strong midfield lineup."
2024 OUTLOOK
"Our goals for 2024 would be to win more games than we lose, obviously we want to be pushing for finals. As the old cliché states, 'we will take it one week at a time'."
ON THE RECORD WITH DEAN YOUNG
What difference has it made to the group having a longer lead into preseason with stability around your position?
With the club reappointing myself for 2024 in late July, it gave me the opportunity to talk with players and coaches earlier. We were able to put into place how we wanted to attack 2024 and move forward.
I believe this is why retention was really high which also helped a lot with the recruitment of new players.
Aaron Kite’s return is exciting I’m sure, what do you think he’ll bring to the group both on and off the field?
He's been a great leader, voice, and mentor to the playing group. He has been a presence at training and we love that Kitey is back and part of the club!
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
This might sound a bit bias but Jake Young.
Biggest pest at the club?
Look, it's hard to pinpoint one, but the two standing out to me are Luke Sullivan and Maryous Soya.
Who might be viewed as the coach's pet?
Daniel Sebeh.
One opposition player you’d love on your side?
Young bloke from Coburg Districts Jett Ryder, I feel he will develop into a strong senior player.
Flag tip outside of Glenroy?
Sunbury Kangaroos.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Michael Adams (Heidelberg West), Zain Yassin (Greenvale), Kenny Lam (Mt Lofty), Lachlan Woodham (Black Rock), Joseph Moio (Bulleen Templestowe), Dominick Lo Presti (Northern Saints), Ali Samie (West Preston-Lakeside), Joseph Sophia (Pascoe Vale), Joel McDonald (Kinglake), Daniel Takle (Therry Penola), Brad Kite (East Sunbury) Aaron Kite (East Sunbury), Omar Taleb (Rupertswood), Nasir Kodi (Watsonia), Tochi Oparaocha (Mill Park), Omar El-Ladekani (Westmeadows), Torey Crosta (West Preston-Lakeside), Michael Miller (Epping), Abdul Shire (Airport West), Aboud Taleb (Northern Saints), Jacob Albazi (Greenvale), Mohammed Ali (North Brunswick), Adrian Sabatino (Hadfield) & Ibrahim Hammoud (Hadfield).
Out: Jonty Neaves (Eaglehawk), Marcel Hamoud (Newport), John Mona (Parkside), Ali Ahmad (Watsonia), Julian Mosarevski (Spotswood), Lucas Kyriazis (Parkside), Lachlan O'Connor (East Malvern), Logan Berryman (East Malvern), Samuel Gewargis (Watsonia), Paul Pascu (Oak Park), Joshua Ksiazek (Oak Park), Athyen Kyriazis (Coburg Districts), Houssam Moslimani (Northern Saints), Daniel Moro (Hadfield) & Matt Shannon (Southport).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
After a couple of tough seasons, Glenroy find themselves in a strong Division Two competition in which they'll be confident they can find some on-field success. Player retention and recruitment was aided by Dean Young being afforded a longer run up to the off season which should hold the group in good stead. It's always hard to predict how a side that's been promoted or relegated will perform, but there's no reason the Roys can't pick up some wins in 2024 and be competitive against the top end.
Ladder Prediction: Could be in the finals hunt, mid-table.
2024 FIXTURE
