The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Caroline Springs coach Mick Gerada who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
Coach: Mick Gerada
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"It's really been a focus on our connection as a club, we are very proud of our women's program and the success they have sustained over a long period and their premiership last year. I am focused on making the Under 19s a big part of that moving forward after their premiership success in the WFNL and EDFL over the last two years and for both of these groups to be role models for our junior girls coming through.
"I believe Alex O'Shea has done an amazing job with this group and stepping into the role after her has been tough as I begin to bond with the group, thankfully the foundations are good. We are moving to a new competition and one where we are the unknown and we will be learning a lot about the opposition. For us it will be all about learning and developing together without setting crazy expectations upon ourselves.
"We have a skilful list with amazing experience and a lot of youth coming through. If we can connect across the list and all understand our role and where we are at personally on the journey I think we will develop into a strong unit.
"We had a great day at Portarlington in February with an amazing race and some team bonding, the team really worked together. We had a few laughs and they showed that we're prepared to work hard and work together."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"I'm biased as I think everyone is exciting and coming into a new competition they'll be showing their best. Bringing Sharni Currie into the team has brought some real leadership and excitement.
If we get a few games from Stephanie Asciak and Molly Eastman outside of their VFL duties and then add in some of the Under 19 girls who are pushing for a spot, the buzz is special. And never write off the mainstays of this football club who have led the way for the last few years and set the bar for our kids coming through."
2026 OUTLOOK
"We want to be known for a high level of competition every time we take the field and as a club people want to be a part of, it's important for us to represent ourselves and our community at a high standard every single time we wear the Caroline Springs colours.
"It is very important for us to continue to show the community what a local football club is all about and if the way our teams go about it attracts people to our club because of the amazing culture our committee, coaches, and volunteers have created I think we've achieved a lot.
"Obviously the success of our Under 18.5 girls creating history and winning the EDFL premiership in their first year in the competition under Isabella Seychell after claiming the WFNL Premiership the year before was very special, as was our women's WFNL premiership, so why not reach for the stars and do our best."
ON THE RECORD WITH MICK GERADA
Biggest pest at the club?
Charlize Sindoni.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Premiership Captain Caitlyn Pretty.
Which AFLW player would you cherry-pick for your side?
If Georgie Prespakis is reading this, give me a buzz!
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Jacinta Kondis
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
That they want to learn and be their best.
Should AFLW Origin join the men's showcase and in what format?
I think the women should have as good a platform as the men to showcase their game. It should be one day with both AFL and AFLW showing the best of the best!
I don't believe the women's competition is ready for state of origin yet but maybe an east v west or north v south game would be exciting.
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Caroline Springs will enter Airport Toyota Premier Division fresh off a premiership in the WFNL. They'll be an unknown in the competition as they find their place, but with the success they've sustained out west, you'd expect them to be pushing for a finals spot. Their first game will come against Strathmore in Round 2 after their bye.
Lead image credit: Ljubica Vrankovic/Star Weekly
