The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Taylors Lakes coach Joseph Antonetti who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
Coach: Joseph Antonetti
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"The main focus is always on skill. We have done a little bit more running this pre-season compared to last.
"Now it’s about working on the players making better decisions under pressure."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"The two standouts have been Stefania Valerio and Rebecca Foggie. They’ve set the tone from the first night and have been leading from the front.
"Mia Bondar has had a full pre-season unlike last year, and has improved in every area.
"Mia has also helped recruit her good friend and returning Taylors Lakes junior Taylah Egan from Marby who is quick, but also a great competitor.
"Emma Villani is another one who just keeps doing the right things and is looking to build on her first year of senior footy."
2025 OUTLOOK
"As a team we don't want to change the way we play against different styles of opposition teams.
"Last year we played smarter teams, tougher teams, and teams that just went out and played footy.
"I think if we can combine our natural football ability, and can add more footy smarts and be a bit more physical, then we know we have the talent to compete with the best teams in this division."
ON THE RECORD WITH JOSEPH ANTONETTI
Who is the unsung hero at your club?
For the club it’s Julie Chitsos, the best all rounder ever.
For our team it’s Susan Wulf and Anthony Villani.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
For footy smarts and communication, Rebecca Foggie.
Biggest pest at the club?
Easily Rebecca Foggie. I’m constantly trying to dodge footies she’s trying to kick at my head which helps keep me on my toes.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
It would be a dead heat between Natalie Collett and Taylah Egan.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
I think it’s to not take away a player’s natural instincts by allowing the players to all be their own personalities and individuals, but to adapt that in to a team philosophy. Any person playing any particular sport needs to be given certain freedom to express themselves.
Flag tip outside of Taylors Lakes?
I would say Roxburgh Park. After we beat them last year, they were one of the best finishing teams in the division. They had some quality players and were a physically tough team to play against.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Bianca-Lee Byrne (Sunbury Kangaroos), Jessica McKenzie (Caroline Springs), Taylah Egan (Maribyrnong Park).
Out: Jorja Brink (Burnside Heights).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was a strong inaugural season for Taylors Lakes' women's side finishing with an even record and just percentage out of finals. Joseph Antonetti will again lead the group and after an offseason with good retention, he will be hoping more good performances are to come.
