The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. First, we chat to Airport West coach Brent Taylor who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 5th (9W, 9L, 102.43%)
Coach: Brent Taylor
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Building on the past two seasons has been our main focus. We’ve introduced some new drills, continued refining our game plan, and used fresh vision to further educate and develop our players.
"An area for improvement is our consistency. Over the past two seasons we’ve shown we can build strong momentum, but we want to sustain that for longer periods and stay committed to our processes throughout the year.
"In the second half of 2025, our ability to transition the ball from defensive 50 with speed was a real strength. We want to keep building on our ball movement and improve the quality of our forward 50 entries.
"We’ve got Gather Round on the Murray coming up on March 14, which will be an important bonding opportunity for the group."
LIST SHAPE
"We feel we have a well-balanced list, with strong competition for spots across the ground.
"We believe our recruiting has targeted specific areas of need, and I’m looking forward to seeing how those players integrate and perform within our system.
"We’ve had a few retire and others pursue new opportunities. Tyson Young, in particular, is incredibly difficult to replace as a 6’5” midfielder. We thank all departing players for their contribution and wish them the best moving forward."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"We’re excited by the continued growth of our existing group and what our new recruits can bring: Bior Malual, Kai Daniels, Matt Belbasis, Ryan Martin, Jett Laidler, and Darcy Irvine."
2026 OUTLOOK
"We want to improve our key performance indicators by five to 10 per cent to give ourselves the best chance to be playing in September. That applies at both an individual and team level. We’re also focused on continuing to strengthen our culture and leadership.
"As a club, we want to continue living our values of ONE club and community – working together to create an environment and program everyone connected to the club can be proud of.
"When our players committed to their processes in 2025 and applied themselves fully, we were able to score heavily off strong ball movement. We’d like to see that continue into 2026."
ON THE RECORD WITH BRENT TAYLOR
Biggest pest at the club?
Ben Nelson.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Night.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Ned Gentile.
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Nick Daicos.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Hard to go past Luca Muratore.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Everything matters – training standards, preparation, culture, and leadership. The best players apply themselves in every area.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Yes.
Hardest opposition player to coach against?
Matt Dennis (Pascoe Vale).
Flag tip outside of Airport West?
Keilor.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Joshua Foley (St Bernards), Jett Laidler (Strathmore), Matthew Belbasis (West Preston-Lakeside), Kai Daniels (Pyramid Hill), Ryan Martin (Aberfeldie), Darcy Irvine (Glen Eira).
Out: Teja Arulappu (Essendon Doutta Stars), Hayden Clarke (Wodonga Raiders), Sam Lazarevski (Tullamarine), Michael Odwyer (Essendon Masters), Lachlan Di Sebastiano (Wangaratta), Tyson Young (Wangaratta), Ali Hussein (Westmeadows), Jake Johnston (Westmeadows), Connor Leeflang (Hillside), Justin Cappelletti (Parkside), Luke Sultana (Rupertswood), Willem Eager (Broadford).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Airport West was one of the stories of 2025 after a memorable run to its first Premier Division preliminary final since 2013. Tyson Young's departure was among the most notable in the off-season and will take some replacing, but getting Bior Malual back full-time is a great addition. With movement both in and out, it's hard to see too much changing for the Eagles' ability to push for a finals spot again in 2026, but consistency across the season will be key as coach Brent Taylor flagged with an even tighter top flight on the cards.
