The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to East Keilor coach Darryl Craig who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 10th (0W, 18L, 9.11%)
Coach: Darryl Craig
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"The primary focus has been to regroup and stabilise the senior division of the club. The club knows where it is at and where it wants to go.
"Youth and resilience are two major strengths. Many of these boys endured some big losses in 2025 and none have taken a backward step. All have regrouped and want to work hard for each other. Recruitment is an area that was clearly identified. Recruiting role players to play within a structure.
"We've had several bonding sessions that have allowed for our entire senior division to be immersed in a range of connectiveness sessions, training, and external activities."
LIST SHAPE
"The shape of the list will have players across all lines leading and supporting each other. Additional recruits will enable all players to play one game per weekend.
"When you truly play matches is when recruitment will show where the entire group and new recruits are at as a collective. We identified some areas that required specific and multi-positional roles.
"We've had minimal departures, again showing the resilience and character of the existing playing group.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Jackson Griffiths, Vinnie Sudano, Ben Nicholl, and Josh Rachkidi are some players to keep an eye on this season.
"Zac Dicianni, Brodie Muir, Riley Caines, Ringo Koj, Oscar Don, and Adam Tsardakis are some new recruits that will make an impact."
2026 OUTLOOK
"This year we want to be competitive longer and consistently play within structures.
"As a playing group in 2026 we want to build player connectiveness, regroup, and earn the respect of the competition.
"From a club perspective, we want to build a brand that makes us a destination club and one that is sustainable on and off field."
ON THE RECORD WITH DARRYL CRAIG
Biggest pest at the club?
Daniel McNaughton.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Twilight.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
CJ Grampsas.
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Patrick Dangerfield.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Cooper Matthews.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Discipline, honesty, composure, making their team mate better.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Yes.
Flag tip outside of your club?
Oak Park.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: James Smith (Hinterland Blues), Jamie Mastrakoulis (Keilor), Stefan Mastrakoulis (Keilor), Stefan Koroneos (Keilor), Jack Duggan (Carisbrook), Jye Tranquillo (Keilor), Lincoln Bonanno-Clark (Aberfeldie), Zachary Hooker (Golden Grove), Brae Naggs-Ferguson (Longwood), Spencer Zahra (North Brunswick), Josh MacPherson (UTS), Ringo Koj (Braybrook), Oscar Don (Macorna), Lachlan Dickie (Shepparton East), Riley Caines (Keilor), Adam Tsardakis (North Brunswick), Zac Dicianni (North Brunswick), Marc Tartaglia (Epping), Brodie Muir (Longwood), Oscar Turley (St Bernards), Mitchell Parton (Keilor).
Out: Danny Lysaght (Ascot Vale), Brad Nolen (Taylors Lakes), Hudson Moyle (Echuca), Julian Russi (Maribyrnong Park), Ismail Moussa (Tooleybuc Manangatang), Fadi Hayek (Hillside), Nathan Perrone (Pascoe Vale), Rhys Bauer (Western Rams).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It'll be a fresh start for East Keilor in Strathmore Community Bank Division One under new coach Darryl Craig. It goes without saying how tough the 2025 season was for the club, but strong player retention is a huge positive for the club. The Cougars have managed to bring some fresh faces in to bolster the playing list alongside and will hope to be competitive across the season.
