The 2025 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 Steve Burns who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 1st, Division Two Premiers, (14W, 1L, 1D, 180.38%)
Coach: Steve Burns
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"The biggest focus early during pre-season was fitness, which we feel we are on top of at the moment. There has been a significant change in the list, so another focus has been gelling together and getting to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We had a camp at Lorne, which was outstanding and really helped the group come together.
"Coming up a division, especially one this strong, we need to get better in all areas. We are working really hard to achieve that, but having so many younger players means there is natural growth anyway. They are doing extremely well currently."
LIST SHAPE
"We have recruited strategically and have been lucky to get some players back to the club who are genuine A-grade footballers – and one pointers which is so good for us. Our top-end talent will be a lot better than other years.
"Our depth will not be as strong, but as always at Taylors Lakes we will have a competitive second side and also a thirds team."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Darby Lalor, Ethan Caffari, Escher Richter, and Bowey Larizza are some of our younger players at 21-23 years of age who are developing really well and are having outstanding pre-seasons. Jack Gusman is one of our returning players and has really impressed everyone with his talent.
"In terms of making the transition from reserves to seniors, Tyler Rogers is improving, Anthony Davoli, Mason Lalor, and Frank Galtieri are putting their hands up."
CLUB INITIATIVES AND ACTIVITIES
"We have a very strong footy club well led by our executive committee that are continually looking to improve the club.
"Our women’s team is one initiative that has bought so much to the footy club and we look forward to them having a great year.
"The junior program is really starting to come along and has a strong focus on keeping players at the club."
2025 OUTLOOK
"As a club we are looking to re-establish ourselves as a Division One club. It is back to being the best division in the competition and staying up is the focus first, then having a crack at making finals, and from there anything can happen."
ON THE RECORD WITH STEVE BURNS
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
Julie Chitsos, our Secretary/Treasurer never stops. She is an amazing administrator.
MVP of the gym?
Mitchell Jones is a beast in the gym.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Josh Giacomelli when he learns how to speak, Bowey Larizza, Jack Burns.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Escher Richter and Jaxon Holliday are speed demons.
Who’s Mr. Reliable week in and week out?
Daniel DeVito (he is my son-in-law-to-be and is very reliable with my daughter as well more importantly!).
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
Old me: Put your head over the f#$*!%@ footy!
New me: Connection and flow.
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Brandon Coletta (St Albans).
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
St Albans due to the connections I have with their players and assistant coach Shaun Thompson.
Flag tip outside of Taylors Lakes?
I really like what Todd Clark is doing with Oak Park, which also gives us a lot of confidence coming up the year after them.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Marc Lock (Old Carey Grammarians), Kristian Barresi (Keilor), Daniel Younan (Bundoora), Jack Gusman (Coburg Districts), Jake Hobbs (Deniliquin), Damien Petrone (East Keilor), Will Kalic (Moonee Valley), Trent Reilly (Narre South Saints), Jack MacMillan (Moonee Valley), Xander Bulzomi (Keilor).
Out: Ben Weightman (Tullamarine), Shaun Ujcich (North Footscray), Raafat Rachrache (Sunshine), Luke Meletis (Gisborne).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
The Lions are back in Division One after a dominant season in Division Two in which they lost just one game on their way to the flag. EDFL veteran Raaf Rachrache is the only premiership player that has transferred out, with some valuable experience entering the fold in Marc Lock and homegrown pair Danny Younan and Jake Hobbs. It's always hard to place a promoted side but the Lions should be competitive across the board and out of the relegation battle. As Steve Burns outlined, the 2024 season from Oak Park should give the group a lot of belief to be successful in Division One. Pushing for finals shouldn't be ruled out, but they'll have some stiff competition from improved sides looking to join the four incumbents.
Ladder Prediction: Out of the relegation battle.
