The 2026 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 Steve Burns who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 7th (8W, 10L, 95.43%)
Coaches: Steve Burns
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"We have trained hard to get our fitness levels up to standard as well as tinkering with the game plan.
"We fell off at the end of the year and couldn’t get over the line in a lot of games so fitness again has been a priority. We have changed some structural things that we believe will help in this division.
"We have many strengths, but none bigger than the bond the group has, and players that have come in have added to that. We believe our culture is second to none and everyone enjoys being at Taylors Lakes Football Club. We are now a more mature football team as well which we will build off."
"We didn't run any camps this year, but we did have three Friday night bonding sessions that we do every year which are fantastic sessions."
LIST SHAPE
"Our list is in good shape. We have a lot of top-end talent as well as a maturing list of locals that should be ready for this division now.
"We are always looking to add quality to our list and this year is no different. We have been fortunate to get Brandon Coletta, James Vistarini, Daniel Sargent, and Korey Flavel-Wood as experienced recruits who will add to our group in areas that needed a boost.
"On top of that we have returning players from injury and travel in Rhys Bradley, Mitch Jones, Tommy Kosmak, and Tomi Ibarra who were sorely missed last year.
"We have had a couple retire which we have covered to a certain extent and a couple of season-ending injuries which are always hard to take, you feel for these guys who work so hard."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"As stated, we have a lot of top-end talent Lachlan Rayner, Chris Vulic, Jake Hobbs, Danny Younan, Marc Lock, Aaron Vendramini, Jack Burns, and Damien Petrone are all exceptional talents, add to that Coletta, Vistarini, and Sargent as new recruits.
"We have some exciting young guys coming through in Noah Arthur, Anthony Di Gregorio, Blake Briz, and Dylan Sorpreso who have all had good pre-seasons and given themselves a chance to progress."
2026 OUTLOOK
"Our goals are to improve and to make the five; to play Division One finals and go from there. Anything is possible in this division. We want to adapt to the new game plan, be consistent, and win against the top teams.
"We want to grow as a club. We have a new President Matt Noy and new Vice President Ian Parfett to help continue the growth the footy club has seen over the past three years.
"Our junior program is on the up too with three Under 10s sides this year and our best squad of Under 18s we have seen for a while.
"The women’s side played in a grand final last year and we are really hoping to grow the women’s program.
"Financially, we are going well thanks to our fantastic sponsors and loyal supporters.
"I think our committee do a fantastic job with limited resources. Our canteen and bar are really well respected within the competition and we are doing really well with hosting finals for junior and senior footy. This is all a credit to our wonderful volunteers."
ON THE RECORD WITH STEVE BURNS
Biggest pest at the club?
Yanni Apostolidis.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Afternoon.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
The goat Chris Vulic is the playing cult hero and our President Matt Noy is the club cult hero.
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Cam Rayner or Toby Greene, two bulls.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Jake Hobbs or Shotsy Petrone.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Physicality, team-first mentality, and commitment.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Yes.
Hardest opposition player to coach against?
There are a lot of talented players to counter each week, too hard to choose one.
Flag tip outside of Taylors Lakes?
West Coburg or Oak Park.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Damian Sawdy (Keilor Park), Jason San Miguel (Albanvale), Antonio Boudoloh (Melton Juniors), Aaron Brown (Thomastown), John Aboudelh (Roxburgh Park), Jamin Faddoul (Roxburgh Park), Senu Melewwethanthirige (Burnside Heights), Ethan Care (Caroline Springs), Dion Sakkas (Keilor), Brad Nolen (East Keilor), Jarrad Gray (Hillside), Isaac Kennealy (Burnside Heights), Keegan Doll (Burnside Heights), James Wemm (Sunshine Heights), Logan Kirkman (Hillside), Sam Roper (Hillside), Daniel Sargent (Keilor), James Vistarini (Tullamarine), Anthony Di Gregorio (Caroline Springs), Korey Flavel-Wood (Westmeadows), Jake Brown (Diggers Rest), Brandon Coletta (St Albans).
Out: Dylan Hickmott (Chadstone), Jordan Madden (Milawa), Liam Neicho (Manor Lakes), Matt Worpel (Manor Lakes).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was a solid return to Division One footy for Taylors Lakes after remaining in the hunt for finals until the very end. Although the Lions fell just short of finals action, you'd think they're well placed to move up the ladder after bolstering their list, Brandon Coletta the headliner reuniting with Steve Burns. There's star power on every line, solid experience, and increased depth. Can the Lions bring it together to return to finals footy?
