The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to St Albans coach Zammy Muhtari who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 4th (12W, 4L, 132.32%)
Coach: Zammy Muhtari
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Our main focus has been around identifying areas of improvement, as well as experimenting with players in different roles for season 2025."
LIST SHAPE
"We have added some players that will complement the group. There's also been great development of some of the young lads coming through."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Kyan Kretiuk is one of the young guys that’s pushing for that senior spot after a strong pre-season."
CLUB INITIATIVES & ACTIVITIES
"One of the lads (Billy) has some challenges for the group to build connection that they all support and enjoy."
2025 OUTLOOK
"Our main goal on and off the field is to make each other better every day."
ON THE RECORD WITH ZAMMY MUHTARI
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
Lianna Kretiuk.
MVP of the gym?
Would be Josh Klaromenos and Bailee Revell.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Jack Sims.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Our runner Adem Asani.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
We are always learning, don’t be hard on yourselves.
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Tom Baravi (West Coburg).
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
Good Friday against Hillside. It’s a great day on the calendar where two teams represent a special day for the local football community!
Flag tip outside of St Albans?
Oak Park.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Stefan Depietro (Bacchus Marsh), Justin Zahra (Albion), Roger Cini (Albion), Thomas Eckel (Stawell), Kane Shaw-Johnston (Western Saints Superules), Julian Campbell (Melton Centrals), Jaidyn Spackman (Swan Valley), Joel Isherwood (South Morang), Joseph Bianco (Roxburgh Park), Jacob Vella (Tallygaroopna), Tobe Watson (Yarraville Seddon Eagles), Benjamin Jago (Hoppers Crossing), Ashton Filleti (Deer Park), Jamie Fisher (East Sunbury), Ahmed El Chakik (Moorabbin Kangaroos), Patrick Taban (Colbinabbin), Mua Tavo (Pascoe Vale), Brock Heathcote (Roxburgh Park), Leon Bektash (East Keilor), Nathan Carroll (Sunshine).
Out: Majok Bol (Lara), Lincoln Phillips (Altona), Brayden Brodie (Newport), Derick Yuga (Sherwood Districts), Imanuil Afiuo (East Keilor), Jason Johns (Albanvale), Yoel Fessehaye (Braybrook), Jesse Drake (Albanvale), Tyson Maiava (Mernda), Tyler Bell (Port Melbourne Colts), Adeola Akintola (PEGS), Victor Micallef (Wallan), Anthony Zanti (Tullamarine), Brodie Lyons-Jones (Parkside).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
St Albans enjoyed a successful 2024 reaching the preliminary final, and despite some movement in and out, it will feel well in contention to go again. Division One will be tight at the top so it was important St Albans moved to recruit to not just fill the void of outgoing players, but look to improve as well. Nathan Carroll joins the club following a 100-goal season in the WFNL, alongside Stawell legend Tom Eckel. It'll be a logjam up the top with Oak Park, Hillside, and West Coburg all expected to be strong again. Four doesn't fit into three, so it'll be a battle for a double chance spot.
Ladder Prediction: Double chance territory.
