The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Aberfeldie coach Clay Illman who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 4th (11W, 7L, 108.26%)
Coach: Clay Illman
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"This pre-season, our primary focus has been on strengthening team connection and cohesion as we prepare for a strong campaign. We've placed a major emphasis on player conditioning and skill execution to ensure we sustain high-intensity football throughout matches.
"Additionally, we've enhanced our leadership development within the squad, with co-captains Daniel Thompson and Brodie Newman leading the way, supported by our leadership group — Ben Ronke, Matthew Williamson, and Luke Davis."
LIST SHAPE
"We have looked to strengthen the squad after a significant offseason of change. Twelve players have departed from our senior team in 2024, which has presented both challenges and opportunities for fresh talent to step up.
"To address these changes, we've brought in a mix of experienced players and returning homegrown talent to add depth across key positions. Our focus has been on strengthening midfield depth, and overall squad versatility to ensure we remain competitive.
"Despite the turnover, the squad remains balanced and revitalised, with a strong mix of leadership and emerging talent ready to make an impact."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"There are plenty of exciting players to watch, from young guns and returning juniors to those stepping into new roles and others coming off standout pre-seasons, ready to break through.
"Our emerging talent has been particularly impressive, with Jordan Lombardo, Cooper Anderson, Zac Truccolo, and Konrad Karner among those showing they’re ready to take the next step. Expect them to bring energy, speed, and enthusiasm to the squad.
"Additionally, several familiar faces will be taking on new roles this season, whether through positional changes or increased leadership responsibilities. These adjustments have already delivered promising results throughout the pre-season, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead."
CLUB INITIATIVES & ACTIVITIES
"We remain committed to strengthening our culture, connection, and enjoyment, both on and off the field. This season, we are extremely excited for the official opening of our brand-new social club and changing room facility. A state-of-the-art space designed to enhance the overall experience for players, coaches, and supporters, fostering a greater sense of club connection.
"With the addition of our new facilities, alongside a strong focus on both on-field unity and off-field engagement, we’re creating an environment where everyone feels valued, connected, and driven for success."
2025 OUTLOOK
"A focus for our club is continuing to strengthen the connection between our junior and senior programs. Creating an exciting and clear pathway for young players to develop and step into senior football will not only ensure the club’s long-term success, but also build a positive, unified culture where both junior and senior players can grow, inspire each other, and achieve great things together."
ON THE RECORD WITH CLAY ILLMAN
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
Mark Wright.
MVP of the gym?
Karl Brown.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Will Wright.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Jack Mapleson.
Who’s Mr. Reliable week in and week out?
Daniel Thompson.
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Sean Hetherington (Maribyrnong Park).
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
All of them!
Flag tip outside of Aberfeldie?
Pascoe Vale.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Hamish Gilmore (Albury), Brydan Hodgson (Albury), Patrick Carmichael (PEGS), Benedict Thomson (PEGS), Nic Watson (West Coast Eagles), Jack Arceri (Dromana), Liam Spear (Gisborne), Jackson McDonald (East Fremantle), Riley Macdonald (PEGS), Daniel Ruscigno (Keilor Park), Callum Moore (Wangaratta), Lachlan Riley (Swan Districts), Jack Mapleson (North Heidelberg), Logan Prout (Echuca), Jean-Luc Velissaris (Parkside), Jhett Gaskett (Keilor).
Out: Uriah Matenga (East Sunbury), James Bartrop (Woodend-Hesket), Harrison Bate (Woodend-Hesket), Julian Gambaro (UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs), Heath Ollington (Albion), James Woerndle (Keilor Park), Aiden Tilley (Keilor Park), Louis Alexopoulos (Keilor Park), Angelo Mercado (Keilor Park), Luke Rainone (Williamstown CYMS), Jakob Glenk (East Keilor), Ambrose Carroll (Moonee Valley), Dane Scharrmacher (Essendon Masters), Victor Carboni (Stirling), James Smith (St Bernards), Darby Scott (Southport), John Togias (Moonee Valley), Jack Binns (Woodend-Hesket), Paul Di Giangregorio (Coburg Districts), Callum Brown (Keilor Park), Archer Beattie (Essendon Doutta Stars), Joel Tsiounis (St Bernards), Jaiden Pitigala (Moonee Valley), Leo Anderson (Essendon Doutta Stars), Thomas Legudi (Essendon Doutta Stars), Gabriel Cristiano (Hillside), Joshua Hotchkin (Oak Park), Jye Kotoski (Albanvale), Spencer Jones (Gisborne Giants).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Aberfeldie returned to finals action in 2024 but after a somewhat inconsistent second half of the season, they were unable to land a blow. There has been a lot of turnover at Abers, but despite the loss of some regular senior players, the top-end has certainly received a boost. The returning Callum Moore is the headliner and adds to the tall stocks with Samuel Paea and Josh Kemp who have committed full time, while Karl Brown is expected to return from a season-ending injury he suffered mid-2024. You would expect Abers to be pushing for a top-three finish with the incoming talent.
Ladder Prediction: Double chance territory.
