The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Moonee Valley coaches Rhiannon Busch and Dermott O'Connell who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
Coaches: Rhiannon Busch & Dermott O'Connell
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Injuries hit us hard last season, so this pre-season has been all about building endurance and getting the kilometres in. Running has been a huge focus to make sure we’re fitter and stronger.
"We’ve got some serious talent in the squad – now it’s about making sure we can back it up with endurance and staying on the park longer. We’re putting in the work now so we can go the distance this season!"
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"There are plenty of players to keep an eye on this season! A few of our girls have been putting in the work up north in the NTFL – Kate Maxwell at Tiwi Bombers, Georgia Marsland at Saint Marys, and Charlie D’Ambrosio at Nightcliff Tigers – so they’ll be hitting the ground running!
"We’ve also got a huge pick-up in Hannah Fosbrooke who brings experience from Box Hill Hawks and Collingwood and has already made a massive impact.
"There have been a few pre-season standouts as well. Marina Androutsos has been flying, Siena Rumoro is an exciting junior on the rise, and Jenna Osman’s commitment has been unreal. Michaela Chalhoub, who’s been at Calder Cannons, has also brought great presence to the group and is already making an impact.
"Tabatha Andrade has shown incredible growth and dedication over the last 12 months – she’s put in the work and it’s showing!
"Let’s talk about the future of the club – Aaliyah Malik, Poppy Gallaugher, and Esodia Skapetis are some of the young guns coming through, and we can’t wait to see them develop and take this club into the future."
2025 OUTLOOK
"We want to create an environment where every woman shows up, feels supported, and can be the best version of themselves – both on and off the field. Footy should be a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to give their all. Sharpening our skills, building endurance, and refining how we play to stay competitive. We want to build our squad, welcome new faces, and create a club that players call home for years to come."
ON THE RECORD WITH RHIANNON BUSCH & DERMOTT O'CONNELL
Who is the unsung hero at your club?
The Marsland and the Valenti-Lovell families. It takes a village to get a team on the pitch.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Kate Maxwell.
Biggest pest at the club?
Anh Nguyen for sure.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Charlie D’Ambrosio – puts burn marks on the pitch when she gets some speed.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
Work on your weaknesses, but always master your strengths.
Flag tip outside of Moonee Valley?
Another AFL grand final of two non-Victorian teams.
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was an up and down 2024 for an injury-riddled Moonee Valley outfit coming off a preliminary final in 2023. Despite that, the Valley finished just percentage out of finals so with minimal list turnover, increased development of talented youth players, and hopefully a healthier season, there's no reason finals shouldn't be on their mind.
