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 Joseph Antonetti who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 2nd (9W, 5L, 255.90%)
Coach: Joseph Antonetti
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"We’ve definitely focused a lot more on fitness this pre-season. We probably felt it hurt us last year, especially in the big games, and they’re the games we want to win and it starts with just getting to more contests and being able to run out games.
"Then obviously we are always looking to improve our skills and sharpen our decision making as well."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"The standouts are always Rebecca Foggie and Stefania Valerio who just set the standard in every thing they do, every time they step foot on to any oval. Emma Villani has not missed a beat either.
"Sarah Sullivan and Chloe Clark Cain have had better pre-seasons than last year and we feel they are both ready to take their game to the next level.
"Our two recruits Gabrielle Kassinidis and Kate Parkinson will bring much needed experience, quality, and leadership, and look capable in a variety of roles."
2026 OUTLOOK
"In the immediate future it’s just about getting our remaining core players to recommit and getting consistent numbers to training then we can reassess.
"When that happens and with the introduction of the combined division, I don’t think anyone could predict the finals teams. We are not setting any expectations but we feel confident in our own ability that we can match it with several teams which just puts us in the mix."
ON THE RECORD WITH JOSEPH ANTONETTI
Biggest pest at the club?
A newbie here but she hasn’t wasted anytime taking the title and that’s easily Alexandra Haintz.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
I think anyone with the surname Villani.
Which AFLW player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Having met Chloe Baker West a few weeks back I’d say her. Just a quality user of the football who makes good decisions. Can never have enough of them.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Rebecca Foggie.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
I just think women in general are very coachable and they’re good listeners, but having been with this group for coming up to our third year, I think we are all comfortable working with each other which is a good place to be, and they all kind of know that this year is the year we try take that next step and establish ourselves.
Should AFLW Origin join the men's showcase and in what format?
Absolutely yes, most football lovers want to see the return of state of origin and of course that should include the women. The more representative footy the better. Reward elite players in all competitions!
I even think there should be interleague for women as well. There’s no reason we can’t have interleague for women, as our seasons finish before the men’s.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Alexandra Haintz (Keilor), Laycee Eustace (Tullamarine), Alexcia Talia (Tullamarine), Kate Parkinson (Moreton Bay), Stella Hoye (Sunbury Lions), Kali Joyce (Darley), Gabrielle Kassinidis (Romsey).
Out: nil.
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Taylors Lakes continues to see improvement in its women's program following a maiden grand final appearance in 2025, and have only added more in 2026. Although the Lions will enter a bolstered Division One competition, it'll provide good development opportunities as they test their strong list against the next tier. Joe Antonetti again leads the side, as the Lions should be confident of being competitive against the incumbent Division One sides.
