It might be the cricket season, but there is still plenty happening in local football circles, with clubs finalising coaches and announcing signings.
Lindenow Football Netball Club continues to be active, announcing the return of talented forward Logan Dunkley for the 2026 season.
A proud product of the Lindenow junior program, Dunkley is a two-time junior premiership player and a naturally gifted athlete who has excelled across multiple sports in Gippsland.
Known for his football smarts, versatility and natural flair, Dunkley brings with him an exciting mix of skill and confidence that will no doubt bolster the Cats’ forward line.
The Cats have also announced that Pat Alexander and James Hood have re-committed for their second year coaching the thirds, this year in a co-coaching role, hoping to go one better in 2026 after finishing runner-up to Lakes Entrance.
Dale Thomas has recommitted to coaching the Lindenow reserves where he will be assisted by Noah Rutherford and team manager, Marc Desio, who will miss the season with an ACL injury.
Lindenow has also welcomed back Darcy Wells for the 2026 season as part of the opposition and game day analysis team.
A footy tragic with a huge passion for the game, Wells brings fresh ideas, strong game knowledge and great energy to the coaching group.
Boisdale Briagolong is delighted to welcome Ben Wilkinson back after a successful stint with Werrimull where he was runner-up in the Millewa League best and fairest and named in the 2025 team of the year as forward pocket.
Wilkinson returns with added experience, leadership and deep Bomber roots. Coming through the under 17s program, he quickly stood out as a tall, athletic key position player with a natural knack for finding the goals.
Stepping up to the senior level in 2022 and 2023, he made a strong impact and booted 30 goals in 2023.
His ability to influence games both in the air and around the ground established him as a reliable ruck and ruck-forward option.
Reserves premiership coach, Ryan Peel, will continue in 2026, having agreed to sign on for another year.
Lakes Entrance has finalised its coaching positions, with Darren Martin entering his second year as senior coach.
Former senior coach Ben Rotheram will take charge of the reserves, with Finn Sommerville given the job off coaching the thirds to back-to-back success.
In a significant player signing, former talent Xavier Woodland has committed for 2026.
Woodland is no stranger to the maroon and white, having come through the junior system, co-captaining a thirds premiership and playing several productive games at senior level.
Since then he has gained valuable senior experience playing with Heyfield and Springvale Districts.
A dynamic forward/midfielder, Woodland will bring intensity, impacting the contest on-ball or creating scoreboard pressure up forward.
Paynesville Football Netball Club has a new president with Shelley O’Connor stepping into the role.
O’Connor promises to bring plenty of pride and passion to role, with the club being such a big part of her life for many years.
She thought long and hard about taking on this responsibility before accepting the role, and while she concedes she won’t be perfect, she can promise she will always give her best, driven by a love for the club, the players, members, volunteers and the wider community.
Believing together that they can achieve great things, with the ball already rolling with 32 players on the track on Monday for the first pre-season training run under new coach, Michael Boothey.
