EDFL
Keilor players made up more than a quarter of the Essendon District Football League men’s premier division team of the year. Brad Xavier was named at centre half back, while Corey Ellis, who enjoyed his first full season with the Blues after returning to the club, and Nick O’Kearney round out the stacked engine room. Kyle O’Connor patrols the wing in the side, Matthew Clark at centre half forward and skipper Kane Barbuto were also named in the side. In the women’s premier division team of the year, Madeline Barton has been named on the half forward flank, while Megan Neill will again start in the ruck for the side.
A-League
Western United young gun Jake Najdovski has committed to Western United until the end of the 2025-26 A-League season. The 18-year-old attacker is western born and bred and has progressed rapidly through the talent pathway in the Western United Academy. After impressing in both the Under 21’s and the Under 23’s, Najdovski signed his first professional contract last year and made his senior debut in the Australia Cup against Edgeworth Eagles in August.
Coaching
The Western Region Football League is one of three regions to be involved in a new AFL Victorian female coaching academy. The academy which was launched last week, is aimed at attracting more female coaches into community football. The first edition of the female coaching academy is set to start in November this year and conclude in March 2024. The program will be piloted in three regions including the WRFL, as well as Barwon and the South East.
