The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Hillside coach Mo Kaakour who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 2nd, Premiers, (12W, 6L, 143.87%)
Coach: Mo Kaakour
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Building on last season has been our main focus. Continued education around our game plan and system and further development across our entire program has been key.
"An area of improvement will be the consistency we can bring in games and week to week. If we can sustain that for longer periods in games, we will be very competitive.
"I think our strength was our ability to bring a high-pressure game which allowed us to play a front-half game. We want to continue to build on defending the ground well and being hard to score against.
"We were lucky enough to get away to Phillip Island in early February for our training camp with great numbers in attendance. The group was able to build some great connection over those two days"
LIST SHAPE
"We feel we have a strong and well balanced list with great depth, and a real competition for spots.
"Our recruiting has definitely targeted areas of need. We feel as though we've introduced not only good footballers but also great people into our program.
"We've seen a couple of players move on from our program, that being retirement or joining other clubs. Nat Caruso to retirement and Josh Covelli joining another club. Both of these men made significant contributions to our football program."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"We've been fortunate enough to bring some quality into our footy club to complement our existing list. Players such as Atu Bosenavulagi (AFL experience), Connor Leeflang (VFL listed), Adeola Akintola who's a quality young ruck, Riley Allan (PEGS), and Oscar van Dam (VFL listed). We look forward to seeing these lads contribute to our program when available.
"We've got some exciting young talent coming through. Guys like Noah Asciak, Theo and Steve Peteinarias, Riley Miksa, Khalil Kaakour, Suli, Isaac Abbay, Nick Fluke, and our skipper Tristian Rudic to name a few. Definitely setting the standard over the pre-season."
2026 OUTLOOK
"Our main goal is to build on last season. We want to be competitive and be hard to play against.
"A goal for our footy club is to continue to make this a one club and one community feel. We want everyone connected to our footy club to feel a part of it.
"We want to continue to grow our brand and continue to see growth as both individuals and as a team.
"We thought our ability to move the ball from back to front in 2025 was a real highlight and we definitely want to see the same ball movement with ball in hand in 2026."
ON THE RECORD WITH MO KAAKOUR
Biggest pest at the club?
Ryan Schiavone (the worst).
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Definitely a day grand final.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Koby Sinclair (does a power of work).
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Toby Greene.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Jackson McMenamin.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Preparation, training standards, and leadership.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Definitely.
Hardest opposition player to coach against?
Jedd Taylor (Oak Park).
Flag tip outside of Hillside?
Strathmore.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Hayden Da Cruz (Gisborne Giants), Kallum Volpe (Thomastown), Dion Crifo (St Bernards), Oscar van Dam (South Croydon), Noah Baker (North Sunshine), Fadi Hayek (East Keilor), Joshua Neralic (Burnside Heights), Joshua Petrie (Aberfeldie), Riley Allan (PEGS), Adeola Akintola (PEGS), Atunaisa Bosenavulagi (St Albans), Connor Leeflang (Airport West).
Out: Ryan Jenkins (Melton Centrals), Michael Zammit (Western Rams), Thomas McNeill (Maldon), Chris Samagalski (East Sunbury), Eiron Galpaya (Melbourne High School Old Boys), Nikola Radojcic (Sunshine), Ethan Spiteri (Trentham District), Connor Hildred (Caroline Springs), Darcy Conway (Melton South), Jonathan Biciar (Melton South), Darcy Edwards (St Bernards), Jarrad Gray (Taylors Lakes), Bailey Piacentini (Melton South), Dominic Calabro (Deer Park), Anthony Calabro (Deer Park), Aiden Cassar (Keilor Park), Logan Kirkman (Taylors Lakes), Sam Roper (Taylors Lakes), Josh Covelli (Tullamarine), Jayden Murdoch (East Sunbury), Lachlan Henson (East Sunbury), Zak Wunhym (Tullamarine).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
Hillside is in Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division for the first time and is hoping to make a home of it. It was a stunning grand final performance that saw the Sharks promoted, and despite losing a few premiership stars, they've also brought some talent in. Josh Covelli and Zak Wunhym headline the departures with Atu Bosenavulagi, Connor Leeflang, and Ade Akintola among the arrivals. The Sharks enter one of the deepest Premier Divisions we've seen so it'll no doubt be a challenge staying up, but it's one they'll be ready to tackle.
