The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Keilor coach Giovanni Castello who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 5th (6W, 10L, 70.83%)
Coach: Giovanni Castello
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"We are focused on building on the great effort of last season and to continue to develop our relatively young list of players.
"Being such a young group we have been focusing and working hard on our fitness to ensure we are competitive for four quarters no matter the opposition.
"We want to ensure that we structure well behind the ball and to be able to transition from defence into attack as efficient and effective as possible."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Laura Wright and Olivia Woods have both been training the house down. They are both very fit and will be looking to combine well in the midfield this season.
"Ruby Taranto is a new recruit who will be looking to hold down a key position up forward for us. She is super competitive and will be a key target for us in our new look forward line this year."
2026 OUTLOOK
"Our goal is to consolidate our position in Premier Division by being more competitive and continuing to play for each other as they did last year.
"We want to continue to build on our women's program. We are looking to mirror the men's program by introducing it into our women's program, creating that one club environment.
"There was tremendous camaraderie within the group, with players committed to playing for each other. We would like this to continue again this year."
ON THE RECORD WITH GIOVANNI CASTELLO
Biggest pest at the club?
Jess Jacobsen.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Olivia Lacy who gives 110 per cent each week whether it be at training or on match days.
Which AFLW player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Montana Ham.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Jess Jacobsen.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Favourite qualities would be those players that continuously work hard and are always looking to improve themselves both as a football player on the field, and to be a respectful individual off the field.
Should AFLW Origin join the men's showcase and in what format?
Definitely. To reward players for an outstanding year and having them represent their state would be a great honour and achievement.
Flag tip outside Keilor?
Aberfeldie.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Stella Rose Lay (Port Melbourne Chargers), Ruby Taranto (Riddell), Sarah Ingram (PINT).
Out: Natalie Dunne (Sunbury Kangaroos), Ava Gerada (Reservoir), Maddison Albrecht (Craigieburn), Alexandra Haintz (Taylors Lakes), Ella Grant-Campbell (Keilor Park), Tegan Matthews (Maribyrnong Park).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was an improved 2025 for Keilor with some young guns stepping up, but the Blues ultimately fell two games and percentage short of finals. They'll have another season under Giovanni Castello, but will be without Nat Dunne and Tegan Matthews who both return to former clubs, as well as VFLW-listed talents Maddie Albrecht and Ava Gerada. In what's set to be the strongest Airport Toyota Premier Division we've seen, losing top-end talent may hurt the Blues, but long-term sustainability looks likely with homegrowns stepping up to senior football.
