Strathmore Community Bank Division One remains a competition full of high-stakes footy with a number of sides getting busy to earn promotion into the top flight, while two sides will yet again be relegated to Division Two.
Maribyrnong Park and Oak Park enter from either side of the division to make it an 11-team competition with Glenroy and Westmeadows dropping down.
All the action kicks off this Saturday!
ROUND 1 MATCHES
Hillside v Craigieburn at Hillside Reserve - 2:15pm
Moonee Valley v Oak Park at Ormond Park - 2:15pm
Roxburgh Park v Keilor Park at Lakeside Oval - 2:15pm
Rupertswood v St Albans at Salesian College - 2:15pm
West Coburg v Maribyrnong Park at Shore Reserve - 2:15pm
Tullamarine BYE
2023: 6th (8W, 10L, 90.63%)
Coach: Shane Jacobs
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Spencer Briggs (Watsonia), Damien Allen (Kilmore), Mitchell Wilson (Aberfeldie), Nathan Reichelt (Roxburgh Park), Luke Reichelt (Roxburgh Park), Jesse Davies (Heathcote), Caleb Sofield (Lancefield), Taylor Griffin (Beechworth), Matthew Shortis (Reservoir), Matt Noden (Sandhurst), Ibrahim Hazim (North Heidelberg), Candan Roulston (Roxburgh Park) & Nathan Martin (Whittlesea).
Out: Daniel Ray (Lalor), Sam Rexhepi (Lalor), Lachlan Millard (Wallan), Aiden Fyfe (Labrador), Daniel De Borrello (Greenvale), Andrew Matheas (Roxburgh Park), Tannous Kabalan (Roxburgh Park), Adam Cruickshank (Roxburgh Park), Matthew Osgood (Roxburgh Park), Corey O'Connor (Roxburgh Park), Travis Keating (Mernda), Tristan Kaman (Greenvale), Benjamin Borrelli (Greenvale), Graeme Whiting (Oak Park), Richard Ahmad (Girgarre), Jackson Kettle (Roxburgh Park), Bayden Moore (Roxburgh Park), Michael Harris (Romsey), Jordan Hurley (Tullamarine) & Matthew Ball (Wallan).
EDFL Media Says: Craigieburn were in the finals conversation at various points in 2023 after enjoying strong improvement under new coach Shane Jacobs and there's no reason they won't be around the mark again. The Eagles suffered from a bit of inconsistency which left them in a logjam outside the top five but with changing personnel in the teams above them, there may be an opportunity for a side like Craigieburn to sneak in if they perform on a regular basis and compete against the top end. They'll be challenged in their first month of footy with Hillside and St Albans following their Good Friday clash against Roxy, giving us a good indication of what we can expect from the Eagles.
Round 1 Fixture: Hillside (A)
2023: 5th (11W, 7L, 109.53%)
Coach: Chris Daley
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Rob Castello (Keilor Park), Joshua Renda (Keilor), Habib Hosni (Burnside Heights), Jake Gatto (Keilor Park), Luke Marston (East Keilor), Fort Caruso (Greenvale), Cameron Johns (Caroline Springs), Darcy Franks (Keilor Park), Michael Portelli (Westmeadows), Nat Caruso (Greenvale), Luke Moutafis (Keilor), George Guicas (Keilor Park), Aiden Cassar (Keilor Park), Zain Yamak (Pascoe Vale), Blake Fairservice (Airport West), Riley Young (Caroline Springs), Chris Bachtsevanos (East Keilor), Zach Patrick (Caroline Springs), Shayne Killender (Tarneit), Cameron Absolum (Caroline Springs), Nicholas Fluke (Strathmore), Beau Russell (Caroline Springs), Joseph Brancatisano (Tarneit), Antonio-Carlos Zammit (Burnside Heights), Billy Hobson (Avondale Heights), Stephen Creed (Taylors Lakes), Thomas Raffaele (Burnside Heights), Jibril Yamak (Pascoe Vale) & Jessie Hutchins (Caroline Springs).
Out: Amar El Nour (Albion), Nicholas Cugliari (Burnside Heights), Andrej Krunic (Burnside Heights), Liam Henderson (Point Cook Centrals), James Miller (Braybrook), Adrian Gullace (North Brunswick), Bailey Ryan (Essendon Doutta Stars), Jordy Brown (Romsey), James Krstin (St Albans), Jake Vicic (St Albans), Rusiate Komaitai (Coburg Districts), Jack Gusman (Coburg Districts), Jack Bruce (East Sunbury), Jacob Bitzer (Glen Orden), Noah Baker (North Sunshine), Aliyy Elmaghraby (East Keilor), Daniel Chilcott (Laverton Magpies), Andrew Lynch (Bacchus Marsh), Liam Harper (Old Trinity Grammarians), Michael Francis (Northcote Park), Kye Rishworth (Yea), Luke Ford (Burnside Heights), Jackson Volpato (St Albans) & Alex Tsia (St Albans).
EDFL Media Says: The Sharks were able to taste some finals success in 2023, but it's clear now that they're prepared to challenge for further success with strong recruiting to bolster their top end. The inclusions of the experienced Robbie Castello and Fort and Nat Caruso are incredibly valuable on and off field and will add some class to this Hillside outfit. Their contributions beyond this season will remain to be seen but the Sharks should find themselves in the battle up the top of the ladder come season's end.
Round 1 Fixture: Craigieburn (H)
2023: 10th (6W, 13L, 72.76%)
Coach: Leigh Coles
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Daniel Ruscigno (Keilor), Anthony Franzone (Sunshine Heights), Joel Pickering (East Keilor), Lindon Bektash (East Keilor), Trent Coles (Keilor), Mitchell Merideth (Keilor), Colby Blyth (Sunshine Heights), Kyall Parker (Sunshine Heights), Ravin Willara (Robina), Flynn Harvey (Therry Penola), Peter Kovacs (North Footscray), Brock Jacobsen (Keilor), Luke Peters (East Keilor) & Cooper Bryant (North Footscray).
Out: Ethan Berger (Tullamarine), Rob Castello (Hillside), Joey Greto (Tullamarine), Vincent Schiavello (Taylors Lakes), Matt Brown (Taylors Lakes), Jake Gatto (Hillside), Brendon Angleton (North Footscray), Jordan Stavrakoulis (Carrara), Shaun Colasante (Tullamarine), Nathanael Smith (Taylors Lakes), Darcy Franks (Hillside), George Guicas (Hillside), Adrian Hallal (East Keilor), Aiden Cassar (Hillside), Jake Napoli (East Keilor), Ayden Trinh (Aberfeldie), Declan Aylward (Aberfeldie), Joshua Wratten (Aberfeldie), Matt Nardella (Kyneton), Benjamin Corson (Coolangatta), Jake Greiser (Buninyong), Luke Wilson (Gisborne Masters), Ryan Bagaric (Pascoe Vale), Liam Bagaric (Pascoe Vale), Marlon Carub (Albert Park), Jack Doolan (Keilor), Louis Alexopoulos (Aberfeldie), Aiden Tilley (Aberfeldie) & John-Carlo Ravanello (Burnside Heights).
EDFL Media Says: It was far from an ideal offseason for the Devils with some key players leaving and a coaching change during preseason. Leigh Coles will step in for Paul Guicas and will have his work cut out for him to keep Keilor Park competitive. They've been able to introduce some talent, but depth is where they'll get tested.
Round 1 Fixture: Roxburgh Park (A)
2023: 10th (1W, 17L, 61.03%)
Coach: Brodie Holland
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Craig Searle (Caroline Springs), James Kayrooz (Banyule), Finbarr Warren (UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs), Brodie Romensky (UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs), Lachlan Armstrong (West Brunswick), Jarri Guterres (Roxburgh Park), Gilbert Brettell (St Bernards), Gareth Daley (Northside Lions), Lachie Plowman (Carlton), Marwan Abdul-Wahed (Airport West), Rook Barry (Yarraville Seddon Eagles), Connor Arne Shugg (Bacchus Marsh), Samuel Corbino (Aberfeldie), Will Young (Caroline Springs) & Lindsay Murfett (UHS).
Out: Ethan Jackson (Penguin), Kane Laidley (Parkside), Lachie Swaney (Old Melburnians), Nicholas Caldone (Lalor), Heath Patton (Lalor), Tom Stapleton (Parkside), Noah Milton (Parkside), O'Neil Moncrieff (Parkside), Jarrod Anderson (North Sunshine), Zachary Morris (Norwood), Maddy Martin (Coburg Districts), Jack Hammerling (Riddell), Andre Jaycock (Essendon Doutta Stars), Jamaica Ilsley (Colbinabbin), John Roumeliotis (Airport West), Luke Hakim (Essendon Doutta Stars), Brodie Evans (Essendon Doutta Stars), Thomas Norman (Heidelberg West), James Todoroski (Lalor), Isaac Montebello (St Bernards), Joseph Stapleton (Lavington), Charlie Ackerman (PEGS), Wyatt Brennan (Old Camberwell), Jack Lanyon (Newcastle City) & Jake Byrush (Warburton Millgrove).
EDFL Media Says: Maribyrnong Park are down in Division One after an extended stint in the top flight and their offseason acquisitions indicate they're not keen to stay. Brodie Holland re-joined the club and brought in some serious talent. They've already had a run before the season proper and showed every bit of why they're touted to be competing in the final weeks of the season.
Round 1 Fixture: West Coburg (A)
2023: 8th (6W, 12L, 93.78%)
Coach: Ian Denny
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Jason Denny (Airport West), Luke Brock (Old Paradians), Luke Denny (Point Cook), Jai Anderson (Point Cook), Michael Diamandis (St Bernards), Jay Marocchini (North Brunswick), Adam Zanevra (George Town), Scott Polycarpou (Dimboola), Harrison Fry (Aberfeldie), Anthony Accadia (PEGS), Andrew Robinson (Point Cook), Lachlan McDonald (Ocean Grove), Ahmed Dabdoub (West Preston-Lakeside), Joshua La Rocca (PEGS), Allan Berry Newling (Benalla), Michael Osterman (Coburg Districts) & Jordan La Rocca (St Bernards).
Out: Thomas Clark (Avondale Heights), Zayas Leonedas (Avondale Heights), Thomas Reymers (Therry Penola), Beau Clarke (Simpson), Marcus Currenti (Avondale Heights), Jaycob Doyle (West Footscray), Michael Chiaramonte (St Bernards), Oliver Reimers (St Kevins), Harry Larobina (St Bernards), James Loeliger (Essendon Doutta Stars), Tasman Kearney (Brunswick), Sebastian Baullo (Therry Penola), Erel Mehmet (Therry Penola), Koby Lack (PEGS), Patrick O'Donoghue (King Valley), Nicholas Paladino (Roxburgh Park) & Danny Mazloum (South Morang).
EDFL Media Says: Moonee Valley needed to get a bit more active during the off-season to push themselves up the ladder and they've done exactly that bringing in some players who've experienced top-flight footy. It'll be competitive as usual in Division One but how far the gap between the top and middle sides will be is unclear. Moonee Valley showed glimpses of their potential outside of a slow start and will expect to be pushing up the ladder.
Round 1 Fixture: Oak Park (H)
2023: 1st, Division Two premiers, (14W, 2L, 161.69%)
Coach: Todd Clark
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Oliver Aitken (Coburg Districts), Jesse Hemmens (Sunshine), Jye Smith (Moama), Paul Pascu (Glenroy), Joshua Ksiazek (Glenroy), Thomas Lay (Coburg Districts), Jeremy Hill (Power House), Kane O'Halloran (Therry Penola), Rory MacGregor (Therry Penola), Leon Dias (Roxburgh Park), Winoll Dias (Roxburgh Park), Nash McRae (Strathmore), Adam Clemente (Pascoe Vale), Ellias Farah (Strathmore), Joseph Chalhoub (Strathmore), Graeme Whiting (Craigieburn), Dean Walsh (Romsey), Joseph Townsend-Booth (Spotswood), Caleb Tucker (Westmeadows), Liam Burgess (Hadfield), Can Demir (Westmeadows), Josh Henderson (Point Cook), Jordan Bicknell (Congupna), Aaron Speranza (St Bernards), Luke Riccardi (St Bernards) & John Shanahan (Therry Penola).
Out: Clayton McCartney (Woorinen), Taj McCartney (Tullamarine), Andrew Vaiano (Coburg Districts), Jye Piescik (Pascoe Vale), Jacob Atkins (Therry Penola), Ryan Smith (North London Lions), Sean Andrews (Westmeadows), Jack McCartney (Essendon Doutta Stars), Blake Morey (Dunnstown), Jonathan McCartney (Lalor), Thanavit Chotimanee (Avondale Heights), Jarred Barden (Wallan), Ryan Heaney (Hurstbridge) & Christian Scarpino (Pascoe Vale).
EDFL Media Says: Oak Park earnt themselves promotion back into Division One after a stellar season that saw them drop just two games on their way to a flag. There's always an element of the unknown when a side gets promoted and Oak Park will be no different. They do, however, enter 2024 with a side boasting Division One experience with a good mix of talent and experience that should see them competitive enough to stay out of the relegation battle and retain their spot in this division.
Round 1 Fixture: Moonee Valley (A)
2023: 6th (8W, 10L, 86.46%)
Coach: Ross Terranova
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Scott Poynter (North Haven), Andrew Matheas (Craigieburn), Adam Cruickshank (Craigieburn), Tannous Kabalan (Craigieburn), Matthew Osgood (Craigieburn), Corey O'Connor (Craigieburn), Liam Bartolo (Greenvale), James Bird (Canning South Perth), Matthew Ascenzo (South Morang), Jackson Kettle (Craigieburn), Daniel Xerri (Greenvale), Bayden Moore (Craigieburn), Tarek Zahraman (Northern Saints), Youssef Mourad (Northern Saints), Jihad Mourad (Northern Saints), Ethan Xerri (Greenvale), Dylan Bieganski (Coburg Districts), Zeyad Elayoubi (Northern Saints), James Khouri (Greenvale), Mohamed Keegan (Ardmona), Nicholas Paladino (Moonee Valley), Brodie Raines (North Sunshine), Brock McLarty (Albanvale) & Matthew Pennelli (Greenvale).
Out: Nathan Reichelt (Craigieburn), Luke Reichelt (Craigieburn), Jake Caruso (Brisbane Valley), Jarrio Guterres (Maribyrnong Park), Leon Dias (Oak Park), Winoll Dias (Oak Park), Joseph MacCarone (Northern Saints), Jake Lynch (Reservoir), Cooper McPharlane (Sunshine), Nathan Carroll (Sunshine), Candan Roulston (Craigieburn), Nathan Bolitho (Box Hill North), Corey McCawley (Westmeadows), Marcus Caligiuri (Box Hill North), Jake Watson (Westmeadows), Yasin Erdem (Sunbury Kangaroos), Atila Yaman (Diamon Valley) & Khaled El-Haouli (West Coburg).
EDFL Media Says: Ross Terranova is back coaching in Division One after Michael Farrelly stepped away and will lead a Roxy side that's been just on the outer of the finals race in the last couple of seasons. They've never been a club to recruit heavily and this offseason was no different, but with sides around them topping up, they may have a tough time pushing themselves up into that top five.
Round 1 Fixture: Keilor Park (H)
2023: 3rd (14W, 4L, 132.8%)
Coach: Brad Fox
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Jack Keeping (Gisborne), James Fox (Gisborne), Ethan Fitzpatrick (Kilmore), Matthew Evans (Essendon Doutta Stars), Connor McCloy (Yea), Daniel Royal (Macedon), Thomas Markey (Parkside), Kevin Royal (Macedon), William Clowes (Essendon Doutta Stars), Liam Clowes (Essendon Doutta Stars) & Brock Bowman (Diggers Rest).
Out: Jackson Cardillo (Gisborne), Benjamin Cannon (Sunbury Kangaroos), Omar Taleb (Glenroy), Travis Dyball (Carrara), David Morrice (East Sunbury), Brandon Brancatisano (East Sunbury), Lucas Mendola-Webb (Sunbury), Shaun Stewart (Wallan), Brock Landt (Sunbury), Jordan Tentonello (Sunbury), Dean Galea (Riddell), Brent Swallow (Riddell), Jacob Chahine (Riddell), Dylan Podolczak (Riddell), Luke Cannon (Riddell), Lachlan Nesbitt (Gisborne), Jakeb Coles (Sunbury), Nicholas Agnello (Sunbury), Zak Saad (Heathcote), Ethan Davis (Riddell), Bailey Verrall (Riddell), Luke Cardillo (Riddell), Cooper Steenbuck (Riddell), Matt Webster (Albanvale), Ryan Jinkins (Riddell), James Wray-McCann (Lancefield), Tyler Morton (Caroline Springs), Lachlan Oliver (Aberfeldie), Sonny Phelan (Macedon) & Jayden Baillie (Deer Park).
EDFL Media Says: After making a prelim in their first senior finals campaign in the EDFL, it hasn't been the off-season Rupo would've liked. A large cohort of their top talent have departed Salesian College as well as coach Skip Bray. Incoming coach Brad Fox will have his work cut out for him in a division where the mid-table sides of 2023 have only gotten stronger.
Round 1 Fixture: St Albans (H)
2023: 4th (12W, 6L, 121.16%)
Coach: Zammy Muhtari
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Zach Hijazi (Essendon Doutta Stars), Brandon Coletta (East Keilor), Tyler Bell (Shepparton), James Krstin (Hillside), Jake Vicic (Hillside), Bryce Hindell (Melton Centrals), Chris Floros (Caroline Springs), James Borg (Albanvale), Filmon Legese (Broadview), Jackson Volpato (Hillside) & Alex Tsia (Hillside).
Out: Chris Pazsa (Hillside Superules), Jalen Asani Davis (Burnside Heights), Yianni Tsasouris (Melton Centrals) & Xavier Alikakos (Keilor).
EDFL Media Says: St Albans enjoyed a solid first season in the EDFL with their on-field performances propelling them into finals action. Although they were eliminated in the first final, they have a stable list and the recruitment of Brandon Coletta was a great one. They're still hoping they can add Hillside pair Jackson Volpato and Alex Tsia to their list whose transfers were declined, but there's no reason they can't go deep into finals with the cattle they have.
Round 1 Fixture: Rupertswood (A)
2023: 9th (6W, 12L, 74.2%)
Coach: Dave Connell
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Michael Sikora (Pascoe Vale), Luke Rowland (Essendon Doutta Stars), Taj McCartney (Oak Park), Jake Long (Bacchus Marsh), Joel Flanigan (Brunswick), Lachlan Hind (Westbourne Grammar), Nicholas Papakalodoukas (St Kilda City), Brad Hordan (Edwardstown), Ethan Berger (Keilor Park), Shannon Prigg (Airport West), Joey Greto (Keilor Park), Matthew Esposito (South Morang), Theo Letsos (Greenvale), Shaun Colasante (Keilor Park), Lleyton Oden (St Albans), Jordan Hurley (Craigieburn), Johnny Quach (Narre South) & Mason Taylor (Anakie).
Out: Dean Simmons (Parkside), Oliver Klemm (Northern Saints), Michael Dalrymple (East Keilor), Dylan Watts (Greenvale), Jordan Drummond (Greenvale), Zen Sell (Strathmore), Dylan Birdo (Taylors Lakes) & Cooper Watts (Brunswick).
EDFL Media Says: It was a disjointed season for Tullamarine with Dave Connell replacing Ben Tankard throughout the season, but Tulla will be confident they can carry the momentum they built in the backend of 2023 to this season. They've recruited well and their top end are expected to be fitter and less interrupted than they were last season which should see Tulla getting closer to where they've been for so long.
Round 1 Fixture: BYE
2023: 1st, runners up, (18W, 0L, 241.48%)
Coach: Daniel Barnes
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Muhammad Saad (Airport West), Xavier Bogaers (Strathmore), Adam Hussein (Northern Saints), Khaled El Haouli (Roxburgh Park) & Adam Follacchio (Bundoora).
Out: Daniel Donaldson (Wodonga), Riley Egan (Therry Penola), Christopher Tsonis (Thomastown), Diyar Ayzit (North Brunswick), Anthony Tsonis (North Brunswick), Nicholas Tsonis (North Brunswick), Noah Weihrauch (Essendon Doutta Stars), Declan Doherty (Coburg Districts), Conor Doherty (Coburg Districts), Phil Curran (Molonglo Juggernauts), Angus O'Meara (Coburg Districts), Pat Martin (London Swans), Matthew Taranto (Avondale Heights), Callum Matthews (Therry Penola), Muhammad Said (Pascoe Vale) & Giovanni Ross (Waubra).
EDFL Media Says: The Burgers' senior group are coming off disappointing ends to otherwise dominant seasons in both sides, but there's no reason they won't be in the premiership conversation again. Their retention has been good and with Muhammad Saad entering the fray, they'll yet again be an exciting watch. Can they go undefeated again? That'll remain to be seen but they'll be eyeing off the ultimate prize regardless of a perfect home and away record.
Round 1 Fixture: Maribyrnong Park (H)
