The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. First, we chat to Airport West coach Brent Taylor who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 6th (7W, 10L, 1D, 96.49%)
Coach: Brent Taylor
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"The big focus we have discussed is ‘consistency’ and ‘raising our floor’. We had a slow start to the year last year and played some pretty good football in the back half. Our focus must be about being consistent in our performances from week to week.
"It's about looking forward to embedding our game plan and really sharpening up certain aspects of our game."
LIST SHAPE
"We have added some exciting young talent to our list. Overall, we think we have improved our quality and depth. We wanted to have a focus on improving the depth of the whole senior list, not just the senior side.
"We need competition for spots if we are to push forward into the five."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"I am looking forward to seeing all our new recruits. The Clarke brothers in action – they have shown some exciting moments in pre-season. The three Sydney lads have been training with VFL clubs, so I look forward to getting to see what they can do. And seeing if the players from 2024 can lift the bar again – the likes of Tyson Young, Matt Hanson, Ned Gentile, and Luca Muratore."
CLUB INITIATIVES AND ACTIVITIES
"Shout out to Steve Glenn who runs it. We run a pre-season competition where we have six teams (all named after a club legend) who fight it out for points. We give player votes each session and they get points for other activities. The winning team gets a prize.
"We have a lawn bowls day coming up organised by the leadership group. We also use the first practice match to connect – this year we play Yarrawonga away.
2025 OUTLOOK
"Our goal is to be more consistent and raise our floor. Consistency and focusing on process will lead to improved outcomes."
ON THE RECORD WITH BRENT TAYLOR
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
Simon Canaqali – always goes above and beyond.
MVP of the gym?
There would be a few fighting for this one. I would have to say Ned Gentile or Matt Hanson.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Ned Gentile.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Luca Muratore.
Who’s Mr. Reliable week in and week out?
Clayton Rogers.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
To empower others around you.
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Brodie Newman (Aberfeldie).
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
Aberfeldie on ANZAC Day. Looking forward to a big crowd down at the Nest.
Flag tip outside of Airport West?
Aberfeldie.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Nicholas Mitsos (East Keilor), Ben Frendo (East Keilor), Daniel McLean (Essendon Masters), Jack Grocock (Wandsworth Demons), Andrew Vaiano (Coburg Districts), Noah Candotti (Old Carey Grammarians), Michael Belda (Knox), Samuel Rachele (Shepparton Swans), Sam Atkinson (Tullamarine), Hayden Clarke (Wodonga Raiders), Jacob Bygate (Sunbury), Max Rider, Ned Hawkins, Hamish Morrison (all UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs), Musa Hussain (Northern Saints), Nathan Clarke (Altona).
Out: Ariek Lual (Noble Park), Jed Brereton (Strathfieldsaye), Nicholas Mitsakis (Westmeadows), Patrik Balta (Castlemaine), John Roumeliotis (Essendon Doutta Stars), Ivan Pavlovic (Tullamarine), Marcus Mammoliti (Westmeadows), Aaron Dimatteo (Glenroy).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
A new-look Airport West rode through all the emotions in 2024. The Eagles experienced the disappointment of seven consecutive losses to start the season, the elation of toppling Keilor to give themselves a strong chance of finals, before returning to disappointment after finishing sixth. What this rollercoaster did show, was that Airport West's best footy was among the league's best with wins against Keilor, Greenvale, and Aberfeldie, as well as a two-point loss to Pascoe Vale. With another pre-season under Brent Taylor and a playing group that should only be better connected and stronger, it's hard to see the Eagles out of the finals mix.
Ladder Prediction: Top five.
