The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Westmeadows coach Ash Flavel who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 2nd (13W, 5L, 138.02%)
Coach: Ash Flavel
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Fitness and building on last season has been our main focus. We’ve introduced some new structure drills and also tinkered with our game plan, all to further develop our players. We have done a lot right the past two years, we just haven’t raised that cup up just yet. That will be a our drive again to make the boys hungrier than ever.
"An area for improvement is our team defence. Over the past few seasons we’ve shown we are strong attacking team with ball in hand, but we need to sustain our defence longer periods in the game and stay committed to our processes throughout the year.
"For most of 2025, our ability to transition the ball from our defensive 50 with speed was our main real strength. We want to keep working on our ball movement and improve the quality of our inside 50 forward entries with polish."
"We had our weekend away at Apollo Bay for a practice game on March 14, which was a great bonding experience for the group."
LIST SHAPE
"We feel we have a well balanced squad this season with over 35 senior players to choose from, with strong competition for spots all over the ground.
"Our coaching group in regards to recruiting has felt we targeted specific areas that we needed to fill, we are looking forward to seeing how those players perform and adapt into the Westy system.
"We’ve pretty much retained our whole list, which is a great sign for the club, bar a couple moving on due to work or living commitments. My son Korey has moved on to take a rest from playing under me, which is fine, I get it. New challenge for him under a new voice and system."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Aaron Evans has set himself for another big year, alongside Jake Hatton who have had great pre-seasons. Nathan Sparks is ready to explode this year as well as my leaders Ryan Capron, Jarrod Peterson, Jordan Kosteas, and Jordan Hollow looking to build from 2025.
"Shaun O'Grady, Michael Portelli, Brayden Sudaro, Daniel Spencer, Alessio Saitta, James Taglieri, and Nick Mathewes have all had very good pre-seasons and are looking to take their games to another level.
"We’re excited by the continued growth of our young group and what our new recruits can bring: Adrian Alfonsi, Seamus Mulcahy, Jesse Kempen, Nathan Smith, Daniel McDonough, Jack Bullock, and Rhys “Chief” Gleisner."
2026 OUTLOOK
"We want to keep improving on our defensive key performance indicators to give ourselves the best chance to be playing in late August and September. We want the boys to really apply themselves as an individual and at a team level in every professional way.
"Our playing group wants to continue to better themselves and really focus on respect, connection, and commitment.
"As a club, we want to continue to be a destination club with one-club values and a place to go to for the whole community. We are a working class club, and a lot of people should be very proud of where the club is at right now. The rooms will be coming down very soon, so the new rooms will up by the end of the year, so it's exciting times for the club.
"2025 was a very successful year on and off the field for the club, and it will look just to get stronger each year as a whole club. A few cups in the trophy cabinet by season end would be very nice for all the hard work that everyone puts in."
ON THE RECORD WITH ASH FLAVEL
Biggest pest at the club?
Brodie Camilleri.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Afternoon.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Liana Keenan.
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Matt Rowell.
Shot after (or on) the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Ryan Stingel, done it before.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Their connection and the love they show for each other on and off the field. It goes a long way.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Yes.
Hardest opposition player to coach against?
Joshua Trembearth (Hadfield)
Flag tip outside of Westmeadows?
Glenroy.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Brodie Whittingslow (Roxburgh Park), Christian Lin (Craigieburn), Daniel O'Kearney (Epping), Hussein El Chamaa (Glenroy), Dylan Lee (Dunolly), Tyrone Foggiato (Albanvale), Ali Hussein (Airport West), Nathan Smith (St Kilda City), Jake Johnston (Airport West), Yousef Sleiman (Roxburgh Park), Rhys Gleisner (Hadfield), Jack Bullock (Maribyrnong Park), Seamus Mulcahy (Roxburgh Park), Adrian Alfonsi (Epping), Daniel McDonough (North Shore), Zachary Hutchison (Strathmore), Cooper Watts (Brunswick), Jesse Kempen (Coburg Districts).
Out: Hugo Jenkins (Pascoe Vale), Jake Butcher (St Albans), Nicholas Mitsakis (Coburg Districts), Korey Flavel-Wood (Taylors Lakes).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Westmeadows is ready to go again after consecutive grand final trips, as it eyes off a return to Division One. The Tigers have lost some firepower in the front half with Hugo Jenkins (34 goals) a recent transfer out, along with 2024 Team of the Year member Korey Flavel-Wood. Rhys Gleisner returns to the club and will bring senior experience, along with Jack Bullock and Seamus Mulcahy. You'd think Westy will be going deep into the season again despite the gap to the bottom closing. Is it third time lucky for the Tiges?
