WY YUNG
2025 position: Premiers (12 wins)
Coaching panel: David Rooney (assistant coach), Reagan Kyle (assistant coach), Brad Overend (reserves), Shane Jackson (thirds)
Practice matches: Bairnsdale
Vibe check: Excitement is high, with squad numbers improving as round one approaches.
Ins: Jobe Somerville, Jovi Kellow, Jett Kellow, Jai Nicholls (all returning), Aidan Williams (Bairnsdale), Lewis Smith (Buchan), Rayden Pooley (Omeo Benambra)
Outs: Tom Stephenson (shoulder surgery), Nicholas Ward (Bruthen)
Game style: Fast-paced, high-pressure, adapting to each opponent
Pre-season stars: Club recruits, Noah Esdaile, Adam Hudson, Aaron Hanuera, Nate Somerville
Players to watch: Betts brothers, Brad Daniel, Jett Murphy, Nathan Dennison
Expectations: “Looking to get the same result as last year, finish in the top two, and set ourselves up for a crack at back-to-back,” – Brodie Anderson, senior coach
Analysis: With strong recruits added to an already formidable list, Wy Yung remains one of the key sides to beat in 2026.
LUCKNOW
2025 position: Runners-up (15 wins)
Coaching panel: Steve Henry (senior coach), Matt Corbett and Ricky Tatnell (assistant coaches), Leigh Stephenson and Ry Mutimer (reserves coaches), Timmy Keyte (thirds coach)
Practice matches: Cowwarr
Vibe check: Pre-season is ticking along well. New coach Henry has brought fresh ideas, and squad numbers continue to strengthen.
Ins: Jayke Andrews (Maffra), Ricky Tatnell (Bairnsdale), Beau Haslam (Paynesville)
Outs: Dion Grace, Jake Richards (Lindenow), John Gooch (Buchan), Shaun Mooney (Morwell), Brendan Flinn (Bruthen)
Game style: A young side, playing with less structure but plenty of enthusiasm
Pre-season stars: The three Saulle brothers have impressed, especially when together on the field
Players to watch: Linc McKenna – a dominant force when fit
Expectations: “We will be a young side that takes a few by surprise and isn’t to be taken lightly,” – Steve Bull, president
Analysis: Some uncertainty remains with delayed starts and player futures, but a strong midfield core is intact.
ORBOST SNOWY ROVERS
2025 position: Third (nine wins)
Coaching panel: Clancy Bennett & Brett Morrison (senior coaches), Chris Kane (reserves), Sean Nippress (thirds)
Practice matches: Bairnsdale
Vibe check: Strong pre-season, players eager for round one
Ins: Matthew Holmes (Greensborough), Brian Leslie (Echuca United), Byron Vickery (Bairnsdale)
Outs: Hamish Nettleton (Heyfield), Lachlan Fenner (travelling)
Game style: Possession-focused, aiming for faster ball movement
Pre-season stars: Bobby Bills, Angus Joiner
Players to watch: Gus Rogers
Expectations: “Looking to maintain a top-four position; improvements needed with Lakes Entrance and Lindenow likely to rise,” – Brett Morrison, coach
Analysis: Early injuries to key players may slow progress, but the Rovers’ fortress at home remains a strong asset.
BOISDALE BRIAGOLONG
2025 position: Fourth (11 wins)
Coaching panel: Kade Renooy, Jake Renooy, Sam Bedggood (joint seniors), Ryan Peel (reserves), Mark McDonald (thirds)
Practice matches: Rosedale, Sale City
Vibe check: Pre-season strong; coaching trio synergising well
Ins: Ben Brunt (Springvale Districts), Will Moon (Sale), Andrew McKenzie & Josh Davis (Maffra), Ben Wilkinson (returning)
Outs: Bill & Nick Marshall (in doubt)
Game style: Similar to last year, with added flexibility and height up forward
Pre-season stars: Davis, McKenzie
Players to watch: Ben Brunt – lethal left foot
Expectations: “Looking to get back in the top two and become genuine contenders,” – Sam Bedggood, senior co-coach
Analysis: Smart recruitment strengthens forward line; Bedggood’s coaching return has energized the club.
STRATFORD
2025 position: Fifth (eight wins)
Coaching panel: Nathan Pollard (senior), Ryan Thatcher (reserves), Harry Langford (thirds)
Practice matches: None
Vibe check: Ready and eager after a solid pre-season
Ins: Thomas Love (Sale), Zac Russell (Sale), Matt Bond, Zane Perkins (returning), Max Lazzaro (Sale), Jackson Cottrell (Maffra)
Outs: Will O’Keefe (Lindenow South), Luke Robins (Heyfield), Thomas Schacht
Game style: Youthful, fast-moving
Pre-season star: Matt Bond – standout effort
Players to watch: Ben Dekkers, Jake Williams
Expectations: “Missed the top four last year; aiming to make finals this season,” – Nathan Pollard
Analysis: Injuries and depth may limit improvement, but squad has potential to match last year’s finish.
LINDENOW
2025 position: Sixth (five wins)
Coaching panel: Justin Gould (senior), Vaughn Evans (assistant), Dale Thomas (reserves), Patrick Alexander (thirds)
Practice matches: Heyfield
Vibe check: Strong recruiting; squad numbers solid
Ins: Dion Grace & Jake Richards (Lucknow), Josh Lando & Logan Dunkley (Bairnsdale), Jordan Clarke (Lakes Entrance), Cameron McPhan (Buln Buln)
Outs: Brett Waddell (ACT), Lucas Lakey (Bruthen), Baxter Evans (Marcellin), Damon Bradby (Eltham)
Game style: Fast, controlled, with big targets up forward
Pre-season star: David Donchi
Players to watch: Peter Harrison
Expectations: “Want to win more games and see ourselves as a finals side,” – Patrick Alexander, thirds coach
Analysis: Strong finish to last season offers hope; early wins key to maintaining momentum.
LAKES ENTRANCE
2025 position: Seventh (three wins)
Coaching panel: Darren Martin (senior), Josh Piper (assistant), Ben Rotheram (reserves), Finn Sommerville (thirds)
Practice matches: Rosedale
Vibe check: Fit and hungry, eager to face reigning premiers round one
Ins: James Beha (Heyfield), Josh Wykes (Bairnsdale), Dylan Nikolajew (Stratford), Tarkyn Nicol (returning), Xavier Woodland (Springvale Districts)
Outs: Jordan Clarke (Lindenow), Andrew Hatch (Bruthen)
Game style: Faster, more direct, taller presence up forward
Pre-season star: Angus Stewart
Players to watch: Tommy Hudson
Expectations: “Looking to continue development and push into the top four,” – Darren Martin
Analysis: Recruitment solid; development of youngsters will determine finals potential.
PAYNESVILLE
2025 position: Eighth (zero wins)
Coaching panel: Michael Boothey (senior), Bryce Riches (reserves), Brandon Hood (thirds)
Practice matches: Bruthen
Vibe check: Excitement and energy high after long pre-season
Ins: Michael Hayes, Boris Bryant, Alex Saunders, Peter Ritchie (all Swan Reach), Koby Sellings, Jye Nelson (Fitzroy), Chris Hood (Bruthen), Christian Ferretti (Wy Yung)
Outs: Jake Westland (Swifts Creek)
Game style: Possession-based with maniacal pressure
Pre-season star: Ben McKinnon
Players to watch: Judah May
Expectations: “Looking to be competitive and win games,” – Michael Boothey
Analysis: Strong pre-season numbers encouraging; team hopes to return to the winners’ list in 2026.
