The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Coburg Districts coach Damien Cavka who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 5th (7W, 8L, 1D, 111.09%)
Coach: Damien Cavka
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Our pre-season focus has been clear. Building a culture where actions speak louder than words, unity is unbreakable, and high standards are never compromised. We’re committed to creating a brotherhood that thrives on accountability, discipline, and a collective drive for success.
"Every session, every effort, and every moment together is about reinforcing these values - pushing ourselves and each other to be better. Success won’t come from words alone but from the habits we build, the standards we uphold, and the way we respond to challenges as one.
"This is more than just a team, it’s a commitment to something bigger than ourselves. We hold each other to the highest expectations because that’s what will drive our growth and ultimately lead to success."
LIST SHAPE
"From the moment I walked into Coburg Districts, I wanted to make it clear that character and a strong competitive instinct are non-negotiables. It’s not just about talent - it’s about the type of player and person you are, both on and off the field.
"This season, we’ve strengthened our list with a balance of experience and youth, ensuring we have the depth needed to compete at a high level. The addition of older, seasoned players provides invaluable leadership, giving our younger lads the perfect environment to learn, grow, and be mentored.
"We don’t just measure success on individual talent - it’s about the collective strength of the group. With this mix, we’re building a team that not only competes but also embodies the values and standards we stand for as a club."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"There may be a few. I’ll let our boys' actions do the talking and onlookers can be the judge of this hopefully as the year commences."
CLUB INITIATIVES & ACTIVITIES
"We've had team bonding and building events as well as our crew committing to weekly Saturday sessions to start 2025 which was around mental toughness and creating a bond with one another."
2025 OUTLOOK
"We want to give the competition a red hot crack as all clubs do, however the competition as a whole is well rounded and competitive so we just want to be the best we can be week to week."
ON THE RECORD WITH DAMIEN CAVKA
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
Anthony Caccamo - has been such a great support for me and gives everything for the club and playing list. Really glad to have connected with Anth.
MVP of the gym?
Ian Fisher or big Jmac - wouldn’t want to be standing in their firing line if running at the ball.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Hugh Wales.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Kougar MacKertich, however I reckon there are a few to choose from.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
It’s not the will to win that matters - everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Brendan ‘Fevolution’ Fevola – he still gives me nightmares back to when I was a 10 year old kicking eight against the Pies with four in the last resulting in a loss. He’d love this mention also I reckon.
Would love to reconnect with Wade Lees also, ripping bloke.
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
Round 1 against Westmeadows. Super respect to Westmeadows and their program, great running side and were one of the best in 2024 - I don’t think they’ll take a backward step in 2025.
Flag tip outside of Coburg Districts?
I’d have to go with Westmeadows.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Ben Fosbrooke (Fitzroy), Frank Fazzolari (Woodend-Hesket), Nathan Catullo (Glenroy), Jake Cauchi (Glenroy), Paul Di Giangregorio (Aberfeldie), Roman Gallivan (Pascoe Vale), Carter Sandilands (Pascoe Vale), Harrison Logan (South Morang), Daniel Di Qual (Therry Penola), Thomas McRostie (West Coburg), Curtis Rawlings (Strathmore), Samuel Caccamo (Avondale Heights), Damien Cavka (Keilor), Riley Bentley (Keilor Park), Hugh Wales (Point Cook), Jake Gatto (Hillside), Daniel Mifsud (Keilor Park), James Mifsud (Keilor Park), Aidan Cseledy (North Sunshine).
Out: Souhail Aboueid (Northern Saints), George Fotiadis (Hillside), Trent Enright (Hume Bombers), Aythen Kyriazis (Hadfield), Lucas Kyriazis (Hadfield), John Mona (Hadfield), Nicholas Ciampa (Hadfield), Shannon Evans (Northern Districts Superules), Carter Sandilands (Oak Park), Roman Gallivan (Oak Park), Andrew Vaiano (Airport West), Rusiate Komaitai (Mines Rovers), Zein Omar (Roxburgh Park), Harrison Harbrow (Hampton), Jack Slavich (Hadfield), John Lindon (Hadfield), Joe Contin (Port Stephens), Dominic Mancino (West Coburg), Jack Gusman (Taylors Lakes), Clay Di Giorgio (Merrifield), Zachary Bryant, Adam Pafumi, Kye Freeman-Morton, Jake Russo, Valentino Petrongolo, Tyrese Ramzan (all Therry Penola), Nicholas Milat (Thomastown).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was a solid 2024 campaign for Coburg Districts which resulted in them being just a game and six per cent out of finals, but it'll be a new look side in 2025. Damien Cavka has returned to Strathmore Community Bank Division Two and brought some Keilor Park premiership teammates with him. With such a large amount of list turnover, it's hard to place Coburg Districts. They weren't far off a finals appearance in 2024 with five of their first seven games a loss by 13 points or less. So, if their incoming recruits can fill the gaps just as well, or better, you'd think finals is well in the mix for Districts.
Ladder Prediction: Finals fight.
