home of the cougars

#COUGARSTHRIVEIN25

OUR PLAYERS

SEASON 2025

SEE OUR NEW & RE-SIGNED PLAYERS

FOOTBALL

NEWS

2025 JUNIOR SEASON

Exciting news! The Season 2025 Junior Calendar dates are now available!

Now you can find out when your child’s season kicks off, which weekends are breaks for public holidays, and when the grand finals will take place.

Season Start: – Round 1: April 6th
End of the Rounds: – Round 14: July 27th
Grand Final: August 17th

Mark your calendars, and get ready for an action-packed season!

2025 PRESIDENT

The East Keilor Football Club is excited to announce Matthew “Maca” Stivala as the new President for the 2025 season.

Maca’s unwavering dedication to the Cougars began in 1985 when he joined the club’s Under-10s team. In 1993, at just 16 years old, Maca made his senior debut, and by 1994, he was already an A-Grade premiership player. A true stalwart of the club, Maca reached the remarkable milestone of 400 games in 2010 and continued competing at the senior level. His final seasons were spent with the reserves before officially retiring in 2017 at the age of 41.

Maca’s long list of achievements includes earning Life Membership in 2001, being named Club Champion in 2009, and being honoured as the Half Back Flank in the club’s Team of the Half Century in 2017. His numerous accolades include multiple Best and Fairest awards, Best Team Man, Best in Finals, a 1992 U16s premiership, a 2012 Division 2 seniors premiership, and a 1994 A-Grade premiership.

From his first junior game in 1985 to his new role as President nearly 40 years later, Maca has proudly worn the club’s colours—from the brown and gold to the red, gold, and blue since 2000. His involvement extends beyond playing, serving as a committee member, sponsor, and for the past seven years, a supportive parent on the boundary.

A lifelong East Keilor resident, Maca’s ties to the club and community run deep. His parents were active members of the committee in the 90s and early 2000s, helping with senior meals on Thursdays and Saturdays. Now, Maca is committed to leading the Cougars into a bright future, focusing on strengthening both the senior and junior divisions and bringing female football back to Overland Reserve.

Maca’s love for the club and his community shines through in everything he does, and the Cougars are proud to have him at the helm for the years ahead.

2025 SENIOR COACH

East Keilor Football Club proudly welcomes Justin Sherman as the new Senior Coach for the 2025 season. With a distinguished career in the AFL, playing 138 games with the Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs, Justin brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and football acumen to the club.

Justin is committed to building a competitive and cohesive team. His passion for the game, strong communication skills and ability to develop younger players make him an ideal mentor for our players. Under his guidance, East Keilor Football Club looks forward to achieving new heights.

The East Keilor Football Club extends a warm welcome to Justin, Lauren & his young family. Looking forward to a big 2025.

Marc Sophoulis Appointed Head of Football

East Keilor Football Club is thrilled to announce the appointment of Marc Sophoulis as the new Head of Football. Marc brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to our club.

Marc played all his junior football at Overland Reserve before he turned to coaching & playing his senior footy in the WRFL.

Marc has dedicated over two decades to the sport, both as a player and a coach.

In 2007 he joined the Richmond Football Club and assisted in the player development section of the Football Department alongside Craig McRae and Jade Rawlings, learning the craft of skill acquisition, developing young talent and structuring development programs.

His roles included: Midfield Coach, Backline Coach and Director of Coaching.

For the past decade Marc has been an assistant coach under Tim Clarke, Xavier Clarke, Craig McRae and Steve Morris at Richmond Football Club and is now coming home to the Cougars!

Marc’s vision for East Keilor Football Club is one of growth, development, and excellence. His leadership will undoubtedly drive the club towards new heights.

Marc is not only committed to the success of the team but also to the broader club. He aims to create a football culture that is both inclusive and inspiring.

The East Keilor Football Club extends a warm welcome to Marc & his young family and looks forward to a promising future under his guidance.