The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Roxburgh Park coach Ross Terranova who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 9th (4W, 11L, 1D, 67.89%)
Coach: Ross Terranova
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"A large emphasis was placed on our fitness levels and driving higher standards with our training and preparation which has been led by the senior leadership group throughout pre-season.
"We needed to add some overall depth and experience across the three lines, but there was a focused approach on improving our defensive side of the game."
LIST SHAPE
"Based on last year, we wanted to bring in some experienced players that have played Premier level and above, which we were able to do. This allows us to continually improve and assist the development of our younger players who had a taste of senior football last year.
"These boys will hopefully be much better prepared and accustomed to what is required and expected at senior level."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"The brother cohorts in Daniel and Ethan Xerri, Liam and Angus Bartolo, Youi Daghistani, and Jordi Linehan have all been sensational in the pre-season and continually develop. All are under the age of 21.
"We have been able to have homegrown talents returning like Dylan Exposto and Luke Smith, both pushing beyond their years with their prep and work ethic which is a great sign for the future."
CLUB INITIATIVES & ACTIVITIES
"We have had a new committee come in this year that is committed to aligning the junior and senior programs. We look to be fielding an Under 18.5 side this year, which is a fantastic achievement after five years (of not having one). Our Women’s program is really going well with Kevin Allan and Scott Prouse in charge."
2025 OUTLOOK
"Internally we have established some goals that we want to achieve as a football club for the next couple of years. We want to continually improve and develop our young players coming through, but also make some inroads into the competition and maybe surprise a few!"
ON THE RECORD WITH ROSS TERRANOVA
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
Kaine Hocking – VP and Football Manager.
MVP of the gym?
It's hard to separate Ryan Micallef and Hayden Farrelly!
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Brandon McLarty.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Travis Cooke.
Who’s Mr. Reliable week in and week out?
Brodie Naggs.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint! “Any chance!”
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Dinny Cleary (West Coburg).
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
Looking forward to all games!
Flag tip outside of Roxburgh Park?
Oak Park.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Jacob Atieh (Northern Saints), Rami Tannoura (Otway Districts), Flynn Latchman (Craigieburn), Zein Omar (Coburg Districts), Bradley Coulson (Yankalilla), James Tasiyan (St Kilda City), Luke Smith (Westmeadows), Lucas Repic (Greenvale), Gavesh Siriwardana (Strathmore), Steven Golding (Hadfield), Dylan Exposto (Pascoe Vale), Kaden Hamilton (Deer Park), Daniel Watson (Cobden).
Out: Saranjeet Singh (Hume Bombers), Matthew Patane (Sunshine), James Cassar (Hume Bombers), Joseph Bianco (St Albans), Connor Fitzgerald (Lalor), Christopher Evangelou (Merrifield), James Bird (Watsonia), Brock Heathcote (St Albans).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It's been a fruitful offseason for the Magpies who enter their second season under Ross Terranova with some best-22 recruits. Returning juniors, talented youngsters, and some solid experience enters the fray which should ensure a more consistent 2025 season for Roxy. They've been on the outside looking into finals since being promoted to Division One in 2019 and should find themselves in the logjam of sides vying for the fifth finals spot in a competitive division.
Ladder Prediction: In the logjam outside of finals.
