The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Westmeadows coach Ash Flavel who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 3rd (10W, 5L, 1D, 179.26%)
Coach: Ash Flavel
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Majority of the squad have come back in good condition and are doing the extras throughout the week when I don’t have them on the training nights, which is really pleasing to me.
"We want to become the fittest side in the competition. We've also been fine tuning all the things that worked last year and changing the things that didn't work.
"One big key is making the most of our opportunities in front of goal, which I believe let us down last year in some games."
LIST SHAPE
"The signings of past players who know our system but can help on areas of improvement is what we focused on throughout the offseason. We believe we now have topped up with more talent and experience to execute our game plan and be in most games.
"The boys have played with each other for a long time throughout the ranks of the juniors. One thing we have seen over the preseason is that all the different ages are now coming together as one group which is awesome to see from a coaching perspective."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"There are quite a few I could name here! We picked up some great recruits with experience, Mitch Church, Marcus Mammoliti, Michael Portelli, Francis Keenan, Harley Gleeson, and a young recruit from St Bernards in Nick Mathewes. We've had a few other old senior heads come back to the club as well.
"A few of the young ones – Nathan Sparks, Jake Hatton, Jordan Kosteas, Brayden Sudaro, Daniel Spencer, Riley Hearne, James Taglieri, Shaun O’Grady, Gabe Guida and Michael Mayne have played 30 to 50 senior games or more now and are ready to take the next step in their career and mature as footballers. Really exciting times for them and the club!
"Aaron Evans has had a great pre-season and will set himself for a huge year. My two leaders Ryan Capron and Jarrod Petersen have had great pre-seasons, are looking really fit, and are both set for big years.
"Jordan Hollow is a returning player looking at a lot of midfield minutes, very clean and polished with the footy in hand. Hugo Jenkins is a young gun who has signed from Strathmore. Fresh out of a premiership year in the 18s.
"Reilly Holmes is one of the hardest working 18-year-olds I have come across and is set for a big year. Jackson Iulianella has really stood out to me over the pre-season. He has got himself really fit and is also set for a big year."
2025 OUTLOOK
"We want to go one better than 2024. We'll learn from last year and keep getting better in what we do and love. The boys are hungrier than ever."
ON THE RECORD WITH ASH FLAVEL
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
Definitely the executive committee, always working extremely hard for the club. Liana Keenan (Secretary) does a power of work! Also Mark Tognon, my right-hand man.
MVP of the gym?
Nathan Sparks.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Kane Jarram .
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
There is a couple for this one, but I’d say Reilly Holmes.
Who’s Mr. Reliable week in and week out?
Jordan Kosteas.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
Surround yourself with those that have the same intention and be a positive influence for meaningful change.
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Damien Cavka (Coburg Districts).
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
ANZAC Day against Glenroy – always a massive day to pay our respect to those who have fought for this country.
Also Hadfield as my best mate Andrew Beever is coaching them this season, so bit of bragging rights here. He has done a fantastic job with the group over the summer. I’m so happy for him, has one of the greatest footy IQs.
Flag tip outside of Westmeadows?
Hadfield – he wouldn’t be happy otherwise!
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Joseph Alesich (North Shore Tigers), Justin du Toit (North Shore Tigers), Nick Mathewes (St Bernards), Nicholas Mitsakis (Airport West), Hugo Jenkins (Strathmore), Benjamin Drummond (West Coburg), Andrew Saico (Deer Park), Samuel Gewargis (Watsonia), Harley Gleeson, Reece Desira, Jordan Hollow, Kane Jarram (all Epping), Michael Portelli (Hillside), Jake Butcher (Shepparton Swans), Marcus Mammoliti (Airport West), Mitchell Church (East Sunbury), Francis Keenan (Epping).
Out: Zain Neicho (Yea), Luke Smith (Roxburgh Park), Ali El Tahech (Hillside), Jackson Williams (Albanvale), Bailey Murphy (St Bernards), Rex Hickman (Lake Boga), Kieran Gallagher (Greenvale), Kayne Councillor (Rye).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
The 2024 grand finalists were a few goals away from rejoining Division One, but will enter 2025 as arguably the premiership favourites. Westy played an exciting brand of footy as a young, running side, and despite losing some talent, a lot more talent and experience has come back into the club. While the Tigers would've been disappointed to miss promotion, another year of success on-field in Division Two should hold the club in good stead.
Ladder Prediction: Double chance territory.
