The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Avondale Heights coach Andrew Kahofer who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 4th (12W, 6L, 113.10%)
Coach: Andrew Kahofer
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Our primary focus has been continuing to build the young list and game style we began last year.
"There are always areas to improve, so we have definitely broken down a few areas of the list holes and game we play and what we need to address which hopefully will show in the games this season.
"There's definitely lots to like from last year, and we are consciously looking to improve on what we internally value as our strengths.
"We didn't run a camp in the pure form this year, but we are still in the pre-season and have smaller gatherings to build on culture and the fun parts of footy. We are a club that values the laugh and banter as it's a great game, and we need to find ways to enjoy the training and games alike, but same on the win and loss aspect of the figure. The coaching group are really good at keeping moments lighter when required and transferring that across the playing group."
LIST SHAPE
"Our list is in good order, healthy and fitter than last season. We were really wanting to ensure we develop a depth chart type of system. Last year we ran very thin post Round 14 and have bolstered player balance that we need to for the long season ahead.
"We have recruited well, but I'm sure everyone will have the same commentary on that at this stage of the year. But we are very happy with the list growth.
"We lost five from the senior group for varying reasons, but that won't be holding us back as it opens new opportunities."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"I would like to think the younger crop we put games into last year will bounce up again and become names in the competition this year, and too early to single any out, but we had an average age last year of 21, so it will be exciting to watch a number of them grow into bigger players this season.
"I am bias on our work, so all have had a great summer, but again there will be a number of players to watch and the first six or seven weeks should highlight that for us internally and all externally based on performance."
2026 OUTLOOK
"Making finals last year when we were tipped to be relegated gives us a platform to measure ourselves. So finals are a goal as well watching the development of the reserves as I have great expectations here for the lads to also play finals in 2026.
"We are striving to reset the club, make it strong and that is on and off the field, so we are in a phase of work that will be an ongoing activity for next couple seasons as we prepare for the immediate to mid term future.
"We'll look to continue to grow our junior program and list depth as we will field seniors, reserves, thirds, and 18s this year, so that is growth on last year.
"Buy in came from all facets of the club and we continue to forge forward on a one club, one truth mentality."
ON THE RECORD WITH ANDREW KAHOFER
Biggest pest at the club?
Tony Mara thinks he should have a stand up show.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Twilight.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Fozzy.
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Tabs.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Honest work ethics.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Yes.
Hardest opposition player to coach against?
Too many to list, as every club has a number of stars and I'm sure new ones will pop up based on new recruits at all clubs over summer.
Flag tip outside of Avondale Heights?
Have to go with Oak Park but there could be a couple that sneak up this year.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Joseph Serra (Roxburgh Park), Connor Fitzgerald (Lalor), Eren Eroglu (Braybroo), Kyle Stout (Braybrook), Jordan Middleton (Braybrook), Daniel Taberner (East Brighton), Mark Sequenzia (West Footscray), Sam Woods (Charlton), Benjamin Storey (St Bernards), Corey O'Connor (Roxburgh Park), Michael Apidopoulos (Lalor), Mark Limosani (Glenroy), Aiden Fato (Caroline Springs), Marcus Zipf (Wilston Grange), Jack Rennex (Yea), James Shirley (Murrumbeena), Dareo Rogers (Murrumbeena), Blake Cochrane (East Brighton), Declan Joyce-Lawford (East Brighton), Andrew Denoon (East Brighton), Kade Mimmo (Wodonga), Andre Srour (St Albans), Hamish Roy (Fitzroy).
Out: Michael Roos (Laverton Magpies), Jamie Torre (Keilor Park), Lachlan Curran (Euroa), Anthony Curtis (St Albans), Makuei Andrew (Wantirna South), Danko Bzenic (Boort), Hamish Roy (Pines), Max Talia (Albanvale).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Avondale Heights returned to finals footy in its first season back in Division One and is poised to go again in 2026. Some senior talent has departed, but a large amount of talent has entered the club which should bolster the depth that Andrew Kahofer mentioned was tested later in 2025. A lot of the incoming names again arrive from outside the EDFL which adds further intrigue to the Heights, but many come highly regarded to ensure finals footy is again on the cards.
