AIRPORT West has a total of 19 key ins listed below.
It’s the biggest recruiting haul of any Essendon Ford Division 1 club coming into Season 2018.
Looks can be a little deceiving, though.
Coach Geoff Maddern is looking to go one better than last year’s 13-point grand final loss, but told essendondfl.com.au that club culture has been his major focus since taking over from Robbie Ahmat in the middle of last season.
“What we’ve tried to do is build a really good footy club, and whether we’re in Division 1 or Premier (Division) is a little bit immaterial,” Maddern said.
“But everyone who plays our sport is playing to win and make no mistake, we want to win (the premiership).
“To some degree that’s been a factor in our recruiting, but it’s not a massive focus.
“It’s about building a good, strong footy club with a great culture.”
With Jack Cripps, Cory McGrath, Rex Taylor and Jonathan Mullins all walking out of the grand final 22, the Eagles do have some key holes to fill.
They did that and more, with 2016 Hutchison Medallist James Micallef and Essendon Doutta Stars premiership pair Peter Ntalianis and George Nabbout headlining the list of recruits.
The new inclusions will complement Airport West’s developing second tier as well as the 18 grand final players retained from last season, including the reigning Hutchison Medallist, Tyson Young.
“You can’t fit 38 into 22,” Maddern admits.
“We’re still in the process of working out who’s who and what’s what and we’ve played a lot of scratch matches.
“The players know that if you want to play seniors at Airport West then you’re going to have to work pretty hard and attend training and have a great attitude.
“Will we fit all 19 of those in? No.
“Some of these guys will play a lot of reserves, but they certainly add depth to a pretty strong list.”
The recruiting haul, coupled with last year’s success, has Airport West firming as one of the big favourites to go all the way this year.
But Maddern is hoping to see his side improve and learn as a unit throughout the year.
“Last year is last year, it’s gone,” he said.
“We know from Round 1 (or Round 2 in Airport West’s case) we’re going to have to be on our game because this is a terrific division.
“I reckon all the clubs will tell you at this stage that they’re a realistic chance to play finals and there’s only four spots, so you’ve got to turn up at every training session (and) every game expecting a great contest and if we’re good enough, we’ll get there again.
“So we’ll accept (favouritism) for what it is.”
The Eagles will be the final team in the EDFL to commence their season on April 21 against Taylors Lakes.
Key Ins: Corey Le Favi (defender, Pascoe Vale), James Micallef (midfielder, Melton Centrals), Peter Ntalianis (midfielder, Essendon Doutta Stars), Fletcher Smith (defender, Taylors Lakes), Bior Malual (forward, Wyndhamvale), Ethan Hope (forward/midfielder, Glenroy), George Nabbout (midfielder, Essendon Doutta Stars), Chris Lawton (forward, Diggers Rest), Scott McAllester (forward, Darley), Markus Welsh (forward, Westmeadows), Gareth Laidler (midfielder, Westmeadows), Bailee Revell (midfielder, Essendon Doutta Stars), Ethan McShanag (defender, Aberfeldie), Adrian Sipala (defender, Avondale Heights), Matthew Wilson (midfielder, Corowa Rutherglen), Matthew Bullock (defender/midfielder, Westmeadows), Jake Horwood (defender, Avondale Heights), Ned Gentile (forward, Essendon Doutta Stars) & Jordan Kelly (forward, Essendon Doutta Stars)
Keys Outs: Jack Cripps (Northampton), Cory McGrath (Moonee Valley), Rex Taylor (Rumbalara) & Jonathan Mullins (Therry Penola)
First Month: BYE, Taylors Lakes (home), East Keilor (away) & Jacana (home)
