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 Blaise Ferraro who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
Coach: Blaise Ferraro
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"We were a very defensively minded team last year so we're looking to open up the game a little more and get more aggressive with our ball movement. So, most of the pre-season so far has been spent working on that."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Annie Wilkie and Ash Thorneycroft look set to have huge seasons. Brooke Kerrigan moving forward will be a problem to deal with.
"Kiara Rigg is one of our younger players in her second season at senior level and has had a big pre-season, so I'm looking forward to seeing how that translates into gameday."
2025 OUTLOOK
"We're looking to build on last year's efforts and experiences and keep our consistency up throughout the season."
ON THE RECORD WITH BLAISE FERRARO
Who is the unsung hero at your club?
Assistant Coach David Higgins.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Beejay Johnson and Yara Taylor are already doing it.
Biggest pest at the club?
Kiara Rigg.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Mel Higgins or Tiffany Matthews.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
Push competitiveness and be happy but not satisfied.
Flag tip outside of Hillside?
No surprises – Oak Park and Aberfeldie.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Nicolette Paschalis (Greenvale), Natasha Campbell (Airport West).
Out: Fiona Pasza (Williamstown Superules), Kyiesha Taylor (Keilor Park), Felicity Theodore (Oak Park).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was a dominant 2024 season for the Sharks who dropped just one game on their way to the minor premiership. Although finals didn't pan out the way they would've liked, they'll still be in contention at the top end of the ladder in 2025.
