The 2026 season is just around the corner so EDFL Media will be previewing each club heading into Round One. Next, we chat to Keilor Park coach Colby Blyth who provides some insights on their 2026 campaign.
2025: 3rd (12W, 6L, 125.02%)
Coach: Colby Blyth
PRE-SEASON FOCUS
"We have been focusing on becoming more consolidated with our system and style. You can never practice the fundamentals enough so they have been an integral component to pre-season also.
"Every area can always be improved, whether you win or lose. The improvement ties into lessons and teachings that you want the players to understand and adjust to, so they have the resources for that next moment.
"As any side would, you continue to work on your strengths, but you also develop your weaknesses."
LIST SHAPE
"The coaching staff identified some areas of improvement so we have gone about filling the gaps and complementing our list."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
"Every player that plays for Keilor Park is a key player and important to our club."
2026 OUTLOOK
"We want to continue to build on the standards we put in place in 2025.
"As a club, we want to continue to develop our junior program, create strong relationships with our sponsors, and integrate more into the Keilor Park community.
"Overall - rinse and repeat. Everyone wants that. We have put ourselves in a good position to do so."
ON THE RECORD WITH COLBY BLYTH
Biggest pest at the club?
Leon Bektash.
Afternoon, Twilight, Night AFL grand final?
Traditional is best. Afternoon.
Is there a cult hero at the club?
Mitch Meredith.
Which AFL player would you cherry-pick for your side?
Jordan Dawson. Riley Thilthorpe. Max Michalanney.
Shot after the siren to win, who do you want kicking it?
Xavier Nesci.
What are your favourite qualities in players you coach?
These boys work.
Should AFL State of Origin become a permanent fixture?
Yes.
Hardest opposition player or coach to coach against?
Tough as there are some quality players in this league. Every team has at least two.
Flag tip outside of Keilor Park?
Every team will get their opportunity this year.
LODGED TRANSFERS
In: Jess Weightman (Strathmore), Jay Swidryk (Strathmore), Zak Swidryk (Strathmore), Chris Koulouriotis (Hillside Sharks), Jai Bahnert (Aberfeldie), Jamie Torre (Avondale Heights), Shylo Smith (Gisborne Masters), Jamie Fisher (Gisborne Masters), Aojak Mayen (Newport), Peter Barbopoulos (Boort), Leon Bektash (St Albans), Ashtyn Lees (Greenvale), Aiden Cassar (Hillside).
Out: Andre Thomas (Greenvale), Damian Sawdy (Taylors Lakes), Kyle Chamberlain (Albion), ricky bertolini (Woodend-Hesket), Jake Ugrenovic (East Sunbury), Jake Findlay (Point Cook Centrals), Corey Dennehy (Tullamarine), Aaron Bentley (Parkside).
EDFL MEDIA SAYS
It was a preliminary final exit for Keilor Park in 2025 following a third-placed finish in the home and away season in its return to Division Two. The Devils enjoyed on-field success following a tough 2024 season with coach Colby Blyth leading the way. Another strong year beckons with some new recruits joining a healthy list, Shylo Smith the headliner. Coburg Districts will be a good test on Good Friday.
