The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Burnside Heights coach Damien Gillman who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 9th (5W, 13L, 67.01%)
Coach: Damien Gillman
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"Our pre-season focus heading into the 2026 season has largely centered around controlling the football coming out of defence. We see that as one of our key performance indicators this year. Being able to control where the ball goes, rather than having that dictated to us by opposition pressure, is something we have put a lot of time and attention into throughout the pre-season.
"During our training camp at Victoria University in Footscray in late February, the playing group showed strong commitment and work ethic. A number of players were able to beat their personal best times in the 2km time trials, which is a good indication of the work that has been put in over the summer. Because of that, I don’t believe our fitness will be an issue this year. The group has prepared well and the base is there for us to play the style of football we want."
LIST SHAPE
"From a list perspective, the outlook for 2026 is really positive. While we have lost four or five players from last season’s team, we also have some exciting additions coming through. Our Under 18s side is coming off a premiership win, and we now have nine players from that group pushing up into senior football. That will only add depth to the club and create healthy competition for spots. On top of that, we have five or six players returning from season-ending injuries last year, which will strengthen our list even further."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"We’ve done our best to cover the players we lost in the off-season, and I think there may be a few surprises from within the group this year. In just his second year at the club, Damon Mariluch has really stood out across the preseason with both his running capacity and his presence around the track. Anthony Petrarca, Tyson Iglesias, Ben Ryan, and the Bonello brothers (Luke and Max) continue to lead from the front with their standards and professionalism, while players such as Aidan Walgers, Ethan Dalla Rosa, Toby Pullens, Matthew Stevenson, Ryan Campey, Rocco Fiorio, and Cade Anset, who have come up from last year’s Under 18 side, are pushing the current senior players hard for their positions.
"Our new recruits, James Elarmaly, Josh Poulter, and Nick Schiemer, have also settled into the club really well. Sometimes it can take a little while for new players to find their place within a group and adjust to new teammates and a new environment, but these guys have fitted in seamlessly. They’ve worked hard on the track and have already made a strong impression both on and off the field."
2026 OUTLOOK
"As a club we understand where we are at in our development. With some of the experience and talent we have lost during the off-season, we know it’s important to continue developing our younger players and getting games into them at senior level. Exposure to senior football is the best way for players to learn the demands of the game, and that experience will be hugely beneficial for the future of the club.
"At the same time, football can surprise you. If we continue to build, stay connected as a group and stick to the way we want to play, there’s no reason we can’t catch a few teams off guard this season. Effort around the contest, pressure across the ground, and smart ball use will be key areas for us.
"While we remain realistic about where we are in our development, we also believe that if the group keeps improving and things fall our way during the season, there’s every chance we can push for finals."
ON THE RECORD WITH DAMIEN GILLMAN
Biggest pest at the club?
Corey Patmore.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Twilight.
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Josh Dunkley.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Jacob Elia (Snake, so cool under pressure).
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
Players that are prepared to bring the intensity and put in the effort, two things that you cannot coach.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Yes, but it would need to be a knockout competition with all states.
Hardest opposition player to coach against?
Aaron Evans from Westmeadows. He can find the footy and destroy you on the scoreboard.
Flag tip outside of Burnside Heights?
Glenroy.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Nicholas Schiemer (Airport West), Daniel Chilcott (Laverton Magpies), Jacob Zahra (Caroline Springs), Joshua Poulter (Northcote Park), Cade Anset (Deer Park), James Elarmaly (Caroline Springs), Carter Delgadillo (Western Rams).
Out: Daniel Cooper (Melton South), Sean Wade (Kyneton), Riley McLaughlin (Dimboola), Jye Agius (Melton), Senu Melewwethanthirige (Taylors Lakes), Jordan Dean (Caroline Springs), Jordan Hughes (Calder United Lions), Nick Morda (Hadfield), Isaac Kennealy (Taylors Lakes), Keegan Doll (Taylors Lakes), Jesse Muscat (Hepburn), Peter Rosewarne (Manor Lakes), Joshua Neralic (Hillside), Dayne Evers (Western Rams), Luke Brown (Western Rams).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It'll be a different look at Tenterfield Drive this season with Damien Gillman stepping up as coach, and some senior experience departing resulting in opportunities for younger players. Previous Division Two Best and Fairest and Team of the Year captain Jordan Hughes is the most notable departure and will leave a big void. With graduating Under 18s stepping up, however, it's a good opportunity for the Bears to build back up with their homegrowns in what's going to be an even competition.
