The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Hillside coach Mo Kaakour who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 3rd (13W, 3L, 138.19%)
Coach: Mo Kaakour
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"We've had two main focuses over the pre-season. One is defending and making the ground small when the opposition has it. Second one is challenging the opposition when we have ball in hand.
"Introducing grid games have really helped with educating players around these two focuses."
LIST SHAPE
"We've been specific in what we've wanted to bring into the club. We thought we had a competitive list last season until we had a couple of season-ending injuries to two of our key players. They both come back this season fully fit and are like recruits.
"We thought we lacked leg speed last year, so we went out and targeted a couple of players with leg speed to complement our existing list."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"We're expecting continued improvement from our list. We got some much needed game time into our kids last season and on the back of that, the growth and educating of our kids will determine the club's success."
CLUB INITIATIVES & ACTIVITIES
"We were able to get away on camp to Portsea in early February. There was great buy in from the group with close to 50 attending. The lads worked really hard and were able to connect both on the track and off it."
2025 OUTLOOK
"Our goal for season 2025 is to continue to develop, educate, grow, and get better each time we hit the training track. We want to be competitive in every game we play.
"Finishing third with a double chance last season was great, but we didn't win a final. The aim is to be competitive, win as many as we can, qualify, and then win a final or two."
ON THE RECORD WITH MO KAAKOUR
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
Koby Sinclair does a power of work. We are so grateful for all she does for us.
MVP of the gym?
Lachy Henson (HUGE).
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Jack Tarr.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Khalil (Kaakour) and Trio (Tristan Rudic).
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
Make your teammate a better player.
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Jedd Taylor (Oak Park).
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
Good Friday. Club does a fantastic job hosting it.
Flag tip outside of Hillside?
West Coburg.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Seth Burns (Hoppers Crossing), Bailey Hann (Burnside Heights), Emanuel Krepapas (St Mary's), George Fotiadis (Coburg Districts), Ryan Jenkins (Melton South), Ali El tahech (Westmeadows), Khalil Kaakour (Pascoe Vale), Milad Almatrah (Newport), James McNaughton (East Keilor), Gabriel Cristiano (Aberfeldie).
Out: George Guicas (Keilor Park), Cameron Kennedy (Keilor Park), Riza Gashi (East Sunbury), Taylor Chandler (Macquarie University), Zack Williams (Burnside Heights), Daniel Yankovski (Burnside Heights), Max Bonello (Burnside Heights), Jake Gatto (Coburg Districts), Michael Portelli (Westmeadows), Zain Yamak (Greenvale), Tom Rochester (Gisborne Giants), Con Grampsas (East Keilor), Jeremy Hayes (Wallan).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was Hillside's highest-win season in Division One, picking up 13 wins to finish third to take the double chance. The Sharks were unable to make a splash in the finals and will be led by 2024 assistant and no stranger to this division, Mo Kaakour. There has been minimal list turnover which would suggest the Sharks are well in contention to perform as well in 2025.
Ladder Prediction: Double chance territory.
