The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to West Coburg coach Cole Harvey who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 2nd (14W, 4L, 137.93%)
Coach: Cole Harvey
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Connection, relationship building, system, education, fitness, and wellbeing have all been some key focuses this pre-season. It has been an extremely busy five months. We came together in early November and we are on a new and exciting journey.
"We have come in with a fresh approach. We have taken great learnings from our past experiences as we look to improve our overall standing in the most competitive metro competition. One thing I will say is we will be fit. The buy in from our group around their physical preparation has been outstanding. I am very proud of our group with their commitment to what has been an arduous pre-season.
"It’s no secret we have been an incredibly competitive club for many years. We have a wonderful foundation to continue to build on. We have experienced campaigners across all lines, some very good 20 to 23-year-olds who just need some education and we look like having two Under 18s teams. Our club is led by a wonderful President in Sam Farfoud and our committee.
"We had a fantastic two-day camp. The group ticked off multiple physical activities, testing parameters were re-measured and the results were outstanding and we took full advantage of our time together to really connect."
LIST SHAPE
"Our list is very exciting. We have some great depth now and we are fit and healthy.
"We believe that our off-season recruiting will help us improve in 2026. All new recruits are quality humans which is the number one thing for us. All clubs have recruited well so it sets up to be a wonderful year of EDFL Division One football.
"Overall, our list retention has been great thanks to the hard work of Danny Messaike our footy manager."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Emilio Rinaudo is one to watch. What a human and what a player. We are excited to watch Wally Karaan, Iesa Saad, and Ali Khoder after having big pre-seasons. New recruit Rob Paradzayi is quickly becoming a bit of a cult hero. Ruairi Cleary has wound back the clock and blown up the time trial time sheets.
"We have added some genuinely experienced players who are outstanding people. I speak of Mo Saad, Belal Abou-Eid, Tas Dounias, and Brandon Ellis. Our depth is exciting with the inclusion of young guns Antonio Spataro, Mo Abdallah, Jalal Abou-Eid, and Burhan Kasab."
2026 OUTLOOK
"We are working hard on our entire club environment. Our goal is to have as many happy smiling faces in our family orientated club. West Coburg is a diverse and very special place. I am extremely grateful to be welcomed the way I have been.
"We'd like to continue to galvanise our connection between our senior, junior, and female programs.
"Last year we were the number one contested side and we have always been that way. Contest and defence is a major focus in 2026."
ON THE RECORD WITH COLE HARVEY
Biggest pest at the club?
We have multiple candidates for this we have an enormous amount of big personalities, but Omar Saad. If you look up 'rascal' in the dictionary, his photo appears. True story.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Afternoon for me. I’m a bit of a traditionalist.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Liam “Bowzer” Bowkett is a fan favorite. Jesse Martini thinks he is!
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Darcy Cameron.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
The one and only Mo Saad.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Selflessness.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Absolutely. WA v Vic was brilliant.
Hardest opposition player or coach to coach against?
Well it has been 52 years and I still haven’t got the four points against Steve Burns, so I will say Jock.
Flag tip outside of West Coburg?
Gee it’s wide open. Oak Park.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Vince Dedaj (Elsternwick), Ahmaad Taleb (Moonee Valley), Omar Said (Hadfield), Mohamad Abdullatif (Glenroy), Noah Taleb (Glenroy), Mahammed Ali (Hadfield), Robert Paradzayi (South Barwon), Jalal Abou-Eid (Pascoe Vale), Ahmed Abdul-wahed (Glenroy), Muhammad Saad (Newport), Mohammad Abdallah (Newport), Jake Tuohey (Northern Saints), Burhan Kassab (Moonee Valley), Belal Abou-Eid (Newport), Dom Williams (Blackburn), Mohammed Ayache (Northern Saints), Thomas McRostie (Coburg Districts), Ahmed Dabdoub (Moonee Valley), Otis Styant-Browne (Preston Bullants), Jacque Bitar (Northcote Park), Anthony Hosri (Northcote Park), Tas Dounias (South Yarra), Khoder Taleb (Northern Saints), Antonio Spataro (Pascoe Vale), Brandon Ellis (South Cairns Cutters).
Out: Ali Saad (Coburg Districts), Maxwell Stewart (Fitzroy), Seth Berman (Brunswick), Jack Leury (North Brunswick), Chris Pistevos (Northcote Park), Ahmed Mohamud (Glenroy), Ryan Lee (PEGS), Hussein Taleb (Coburg Districts), Abdikhane Fitaax (North Footscray), Khaled El-haouli (Coburg Districts).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
There will be a new voice at Shore Reserve with Cole Harvey leading West Coburg into 2026. Last year, the Burgers missed the grand final for the first since 2019 with three consecutive features after the Covid-interrupted seasons of 2020 and 2021, but will be well-placed to return in 2026. Omar Saad and Ibby Taha returned to the club mid-season with Muhammad Saad's off-season return reinstating the front-half firepower we saw in 2024. One of the biggest transfers across the league was the return of West Coburg junior and two-time AFL premiership player Brandon Ellis. Is this the year West Coburg returns to the top flight?
