The 2025 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Deer Park coach Jamie Madigan who provides some insights on their 2025 campaign.
2024: 7th (7W, 11L, 80.17%)
Coach: Jamie Madigan
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"The focus in pre-season has primarily been on gaining a very solid fitness base that will prepare the playing group for the rigours of a Premier Division season. Training has been very solid interspersing running blocks in amongst high intensity skill drills and match simulation."
LIST SHAPE
"The senior squad is shaping up well, with several new recruits making an immediate impact. Former East Keilor players Dion Hill and Zen Christofi have set high standards in both skill drills and endurance running, while ex-Western Bulldogs star Lin Jong has brought invaluable experience and professionalism to the playing group. Additionally, former Bundoora ruck Mitch Antonello has impressed with his dedication to improving fitness, skills, and ruck craft.
"It has also been fantastic to welcome back multiple premiership-winning former Deer Park players Lachlan Smart, Mark Galea, and Tim Quick. Their experience and leadership as elite one-point players will be a great asset to the team. Captain Spiros Amarantidis has continued to lead by example, winning the 2km time trials and setting the benchmark for effort and commitment. Standout performers Jackson Barling, Will Krithararis, Billy Cannolo, and Kier Bol have also excelled in both fitness and skills training, contributing to a highly competitive and driven squad.
"We also have eight players on VFL lists including recruits, Hayden Gill (Werribee), Nick Ebinger (Williamstown) and Massimo Raso (Richmond)."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Zen Christofi will add youth and speed as an inside midfielder after joining us from East Keilor where he won the best and fairest in 2024. Dion Hill is a versatile key position and midfield player who will add strength and experience and play multiple roles throughout the season. Lin Jong will also add experience and class. Mitch Antonello is an excellent tap ruck and overhead mark."
2025 OUTLOOK
"Building on the experiences from our first season in Premier Division last year, we want to improve upon our seven wins and be competitive in all games throughout the season with the aim to make the top five and play finals for the first time in the EDFL Premier Division."
ON THE RECORD WITH JAMIE MADIGAN
Who is the unsung hero at the club?
Nathan Burfitt and his Dad George Burfitt who volunteer for multiple roles at the club.
MVP of the gym?
Mark Galea and Spiros Amarantidis.
Player most likely to become a coach one day?
Jackson Barling.
Who has the quickest set of wheels?
Massimo Raso.
Who’s Mr. Reliable week in and week out?
Kier Bol.
Favourite piece of coaching wisdom?
Play on instinct and take the game on.
Who’s one opposition player you’d love on your side?
Matt Dennis.
What match are you most looking forward to in 2025 and why?
Round 1 against Keilor away as they are still the benchmark of the competition and it will give us an indication of where we are at for season 2025.
Flag tip outside of Deer Park?
Pascoe Vale.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Isaiah Abela (Burnside Heights), Aaron Azzopardi (Burnside Heights), Oliver Kunze (Altona), Brock Hall (Kilmore), Nicholas Ebinger (Williamstown CYMS), Isaac Micallef (Yarraville Seddon Eagles), Massimo Raso (Keilor), Daniel Marin (Port Melbourne Colts Masters), Layne Bartram-Hatzi (Sunshine), Lin Jong (Mulgrave), Timothy Quick (East Keilor), Lachlan Smart (East Keilor), Lachlan Fitzgerald (Keilor), Pele Manivong (Point Cook Centrals), Mark Galea (Point Cook Centrals), Hayden Gill (Wallan), Jacob Langborne (Wallan), Mitchell Antonello (Bundoora), Dion Hill (East Keilor), Zen Christofi (East Keilor).
Out: Jayden Baillie (Sunbury), Michael Nikoloski (St Kilda City), Damian Gasio (Greenvale), Ashton Filleti (St Albans), Scott Greenhough (Portarlington), Andrew Saico (Westmeadows), Kaden Hamilton (Roxburgh Park), Jamie Trifonos (Tullamarine), Declan McCorry (Wyndham Suns).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Deer Park will enter its second season in the top flight after finishing seventh in 2024. There were a number of key departures from the 2023 premiership side and it showed with some inconsistencies throughout the season and in games, but it was overall a competitive first season across the board. The Lions set about filling those holes bringing back one-pointers in Lachie Smart, Tim Quick, and Mark Galea, as well as adding former AFL players Lin Jong and Trent McKenzie. Points will remain an issue, as will VFL availability, but the depth of the squad should be stronger to iron out any consistency issues. Deer Park will no doubt be in the mix for a finals position come the end of the season, but it will be a competitive race for the top five.
Ladder Prediction: Finals fight.
