As the AFL Victoria Metro Junior Development Series continues this weekend, the EDFL congratulates and thanks the many coaches involved in our interleague programs for 2025.
In a new initiative this season, the EDFL has implemented a Director of Coaching role for each of the boys’ and girls’ programs, with Cole Harvey performing the role for the boys’ programs, and Chris Tankard for the girls.
Tankard said the coaching team has demonstrated outstanding collaboration and cohesion in delivering a high-quality training program, fully aligned with the overarching mantra: to provide an experience that exceeds traditional club-level expectations.
"The core objective of our interleague program is to prepare players for the next step in their football journey — progression into talent identification pathways," Tankard said. "To support this, our coaches have designed training sessions that not only deepen football knowledge but also foster versatility.
"We are deliberately encouraging players to become multi-skilled, adaptable athletes capable of excelling in a variety of roles — many of which may not be accessible at the club level.
"This collective effort has cultivated an environment where players feel valued, challenged, and supported. It’s an approach that not only raises the standard of development but also reinforces the professionalism of our program — delivering an experience that genuinely transcends the expectations of club football."
"We are excited for the series to commence," EDFL CEO Andrew Johnston said. "Our Junior Football Operations Manager Patrick Moloney has been working hard to put all the teams on the park and Cole, Chris, and all the coaches have been delivering excellent programs.”
“We’ve been quite deliberate this year to reinforce that our programs are fun and focused on player development and so it’s been great to see that occurring.
"It is also great to have Essendon FC on board to support the program this year, along with our valued partners Liquex Logistics and Strathmore Community Bank."
The U15 Boys Program this year is being led by Head Coach Brad Swain, Division Two Coach Jamie Albanis (Tullamarine) and Assistant Coaches Paul Dorian (Aberfeldie), Paul Dunn (Keilor), Travis Featherby (Moonee Valley), Marcus Lynch (Maribyrnong Park), Kody Rideg (Deer Park), and Matt Robertson (Essendon Doutta Stars).
Photo of U15 Boys Coaches
Back (L-R): Brad Swain, Jamie Albanis, Travis Featherby, Paul Dunn.
Front (L-R): Matt Robertson, Kody Rideg, Marcus Lynch, Paul Dorian.
The U15 Girls Program this year is being led by Head Coach Troy Newton (Greenvale), Division Two Coach Danyel Waters (Gisborne Rookies), and Assistant Coaches Chloe Baker-West (Strathmore), Tracy Gerdtz (West Coburg), Grace Savage (Gisborne Rookies), and Max Johnston (Strathmore).
The U14 Boys Program this year is being led by Head Coach Nathan Taylor (Greenvale), Division Two Coach Damien Gillman (Burnside Heights), and Assistant Coaches Andrew Ball (Strathmore), Phil De Bono (Burnside Heights), Marcus Calabretta (Hillside), Jay Smiley (Greenvale), Corey Patmore (Burnside Heights), Daniel McLean (Airport West), and Luke Bonello (Burnside Heights).
The U14 Girls Program this year is being led by Head Coach Callan Tenabel (Ascot Vale), Division Two Coach Heath Mahoney (Oak Park), Keeley Skepper (Carlton AFLW), Aydin Gulmen (Avondale Heights), Joseph Molluso (Keilor Park), and Dave Wills (Oak Park).
“This team of coaches are fantastic to work with on this program," U15 Boys Head Coach Brad Swain said. "Having a spread from across the league has allowed us to watch a lot of players and games. I’m enormously thankful to the coaches for their time, buy in, and expertise. They are each really leaning into their own coaching development and bring wonderful skillsets to the program.
“It brings great joy to watch the players, and is a privilege to help them develop their footy skillsets. We know it’s a busy period of their lives, but we’ve built a strong development program for them where we’re teaching them quite intensely. The players learning and the commitment and that of their parents to facilitate their participation has been awesome.
“We’re excited for the players to show their talent and what they’ve been learning.”
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