THE SEASON
TEAM TEAM
FROM THE VAULT FROM THE VAULT FROM THE VAULT
2016 Modern-day connections
The 2016 senior football grand final remains a vivid reminder of the Goulburn Valley League’s capacity for high pressure, high‑quality football.
Kyabram claimed the premiership with a hard‑ fought 13‑point victory over Rochester, built on poise in crucial moments and strong individual performances.
Kayne Pettifer was a constant threat in attack, kicking three goals and finishing the season as Kyabram’s leading goalkicker, while Paul Newman added two important majors.
Midfielder Rhys Clark, who returns to the League this year, produced a best‑on‑ground performance, well supported by Jake Reeve, Aaron Hayes — also back in Kyabram colours in 2026 — and William Burstin.
Rochester was led by former captain Nathan Marrone with two goals, Dillon Williams and Sam Brennan among their best, while current Tigers coach Ash Watson also featured, strengthening the modern‑day connection to a memorable contest.
2006
Seymour’s era-defining premiership run Seymour’s 2006 premiership was more than another flag it completed back‑to‑back titles and set the stage for an extraordinary three‑peat, achieved the following year.
The victory came exactly 30 years after Seymour claimed its first GVL premiership in its debut season in the competition, perfectly bookending eras of success.
Individual brilliance shone across the league, with Echuca’s Colin Durie claiming the senior football league medal and Mooroopna goal kicker Balraj Singh dominating the scoreboard with 82 goals.
1986
Mooroopna’s high scoring glory
One of the most entertaining rivalries of the 1980s peaked in 1986 when Mooroopna defeated Shepparton United for the second consecutive season to secure just the second premiership in club history.
The Cats had first beaten United in a free‑flowing 1985 grand final, 20.10 (130) to 13.13 (103), before backing it up in 1986 with another triple‑figure contest, winning by 10 points, 118 to 110.
That era also featured extraordinary individual performances, with Echuca’s towering ruckman Brian “Doc” Kennaugh winning the league medal, and Mooroopna’s Perry Meka claiming the goalkicking with 97 goals — only a year after Lemnos great Ken Murray set a then‑record with 126. Meka went on to kick hundreds more goals in the Kyabram district league.
1966
Shepparton’s dynasty
Sixty years on, the Shepparton Bears’ dominance of the 1960s remains unmatched.
By 1966, the Bears had completed the rare feat of four consecutive GVL premierships, part of a staggering run that saw them win eight flags in 11 seasons between 1963 and 1973. Three of those consecutive premierships were coached by Tom Hafey before his departure to Richmond, where he went on to claim four VFL premierships and be named the Tigers’ Coach of the Century in 1999.
His influence on football, locally and nationally, remains profound. He became iconic for his Adidas T-shirts and was almost as well known for his time at Collingwood (and their many years of frustration, as he was at Richmond for their winning run).
The Numbers Game 2026 season preview is a joint publication of the Goulburn Valley League and DRA-X Media Services. Thank you to the clubs who contributed information toward the publication and to the many club photographers who contributed images inside this season preview. Enjoy the read. Rohan & Diane Aldous DRA-X Media Services
CHAIR’S MESSAGE CHAIR’S MESSAGE CHAIR’S MESSAGE
On behalf of the Board, it gives me great pleasure to welcome all footballers, netballers, umpires, club executives and committee members, along with our sponsors, supporters and the wider communities represented by our 12 clubs, to the 2026 Goulburn Valley League season.
As Chair, I am enormously proud of the work undertaken by our clubs and the League Board during the past 12 months.
The lead‑up to this season has been one of the most significant periods in the League’s modern history, as we collectively prepare for the transition to self‑administration at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
The GVL will move forward under its own management structure, and the progress made to date gives us great confidence in what lies ahead.
Before looking forward, it is important to acknowledge outstanding achievement in 2025. Congratulations to Kyabram and Shepparton, along with Echuca and Seymour, who collectively claimed premiership success across the five netball grades and three football grades last season.
Premierships are hard earned, and these clubs set the benchmark for excellence both on and off the field.
Representative football and netball also remain vital to our League identity.
We warmly welcome Nick Pearson (Benalla) as our Interleague Senior Football Coach and acknowledge the dedication of his support staff.
In 2026, the GVL will proudly take on the Victorian Amateur Football Association at
Senior and Under-19 levels. Our GVL netball teams will again represent the League at Association Championships and tournaments throughout the year.
Strong media partnerships are critical, and I thank Triple M, SEN Goulburn Valley, One FM, Radio Mansfield, Seymour FM, Shepparton Adviser and The Shepparton News for their continued commitment to covering the GVL.
The Board itself has also strengthened, with Mark Stevens joining recently alongside Ashok Kumar, Jason Sherlock, Alice Milner, Daniel Irwin and Sharon O’Dwyer.
Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we guide the League through its next chapter.
To our football and netball umpires, thank you for your professionalism and dedication. Your contribution underpins every match played, and we wish you all a great season.
I also extend a heartfelt thank you to all League and club sponsors for your continued support, and proudly welcome Future Recycling as our new League ball sponsor.
Finally, I welcome all new players to the Goulburn Valley League.
It has been a particularly active off‑season, with the six clubs that missed finals in 2025 recruiting strongly and ready to challenge last year’s finalists. The stage is set for a closely contested season and a race to September that promises excitement for everyone .
I wish everyone involved a successful, enjoyable and safe 2026 season.
Peter Foott, Board Chair 2026 Goulburn Valley Lea S
Goulburn Valley League netball fans can expect another bumper season, maybe even a little tighter than recent years, after some personnel changes at some of the strongest clubs in the league could bring clubs who have been just off the pace well and truly into premiership calculations.
GVL NETBALL GVL NETBALL GVL NETBALL PREVIEW PREVIEW PREVIEW
Benalla
May have finished the season with five successsive losses, but with Claire Marriott and Grace Thomas as bookends this season they will be hoping for a better result than 1 win for the season. They had 1051 goals shot against them and scored only 591. The Saints have lost Bridget Hill, who has joined Euroa this season.
Echuca
Experience and youth combine at Echuca, where dual league b&f Ash Hare will go around again, as will Greta Pearson, Steph Vick and Belinda Lees. Goaler Rose Byrne is aligned to the Bendigo Strikers Reserves team (as its vice captain) and is expected to continue her improvement as the team’s main goaling option. Echuca lost 10 of their 18 games last year.
Euroa
No Olivia Morris (1000+ goals out the door) and no Hollie Reid this year. Add to this the unavailabiity of captain Kellie Davidson and the Magpies will be relying on new faces like Bridget Hill (stepping into Davidson’s defensive role) and Bec Colwell to keep it at the pointy end of the competition. Euroa shot 1153 goals last season and lost just two games in the home and away rounds.
Kyabram
Off season challenges haven’t managed to stop the Bombers from fielding an A grade team, but it has five new faces. No Abby Waasdorp, Tash Dodos, Jemma Hall, Ava Pell or Isla Carver in the line up on Saturday. Emma Quinn is determined to make it a
positive learning year for her young team and will lead from the front in the mid-court.
Mansfield
A couple of new faces for the Eagles, which won three of their last five games in 2025 and finished with four wins in 10 spot. th Alex Ball and Amy Dixon-Rielly are a proven scoring combination, while Lucy Ward will work with Naomi Fitzpatrick in defence to try and stop the best the GVL has to offer.
GVL NETBALL GVL NETBALL GVL NETBALL
Mooroopna
Last year’s best and fairest Dayna Williams leads a defensive team that includes up and combing star Rhani Hendy and always has newly crowned life member Ash Lancaster to call on in case of an emergency.
Coached by the league’s most experienced mentor in Di Hanslow and with veteran Bree Hanslow still playing at her peakMooroopna will be there when the whips are cracking. They are this year without Claudia Platfuss and Genevieve Ogier, but Hanslow is always ready to promote juniors into the senior ranks.
Rochester
Any team with Tia Webb in the goaling circle is a chance to play finals netball and while it has been some time since the yellow and black has featured in September, coach Kristy Roulston will be aiming to stop the rot. Jamie and Morgan Dingwall will operate at either end, while names like Cottam and Roulston will give the passionate Rochester netball followers hope.
Seymour
Elle McDonald returns to the Lions den and still has the likes of Allby Black and Ruby Martin in her ranks on which to build a successful 2026 season. Without Sarah Szczykulski in defence and missing other experienced players she will rely on the likes of Paige Cooper, Live Pearce and Sarah Thorpe to step up to the top GVL level.
Shepp Bears
Lily Byers and Zoe Montleone come into the reigning premier as starters while there are a couple of missing players, including state captain Mackenzie O’Dwyer. With Kim Borger and Sophie Harmer regarded as the best goaling duo in the competition, the Bears will start the season as flag favourites. Hannah Crawley and Keeley O’Dwyer complement the goaling duo with their defensive output.
Shepparton Swans
Harriet Gall’s return to the centre position is a huge win for the Swans, who will surround her with the experience of Kate Betson and Jana Riordan. Sophie Atkinson in goals and Gabby Moore in defence fill the key positions as the team aims to improvem on 6 spot last year. th
Shepparton United
Sophie Garner and Chloe Meulenmeesters are nice recruits for the team, as is Claudia Platfuss, meaning the options for Shinea Sali coming off the bench are much improved on lat season. The Demons won 7 games last year, but have the chance to improve with a defensive unit led by Grace McInneny.
Tatura
Will be just as strong as last year, led by Charlotte Gray and Julia Clarke in the goaling circle and with Jas Fraser, Molly Boyle and Ella Kightly forming a tight knit defensive unit.
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
A forgettable football season saw the Bulldogs lose 12 games by 100 points or more - their best game in a winless season against Echuca when they held the finals bound Murray Bombers to just four goals after half time.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
SENIOR COACHES 2025 FINISH PREDICTED
PREDICTED 2026 TEAMS
TOMCORSO
BENDARROU
COMANCHE
SEANJOHNS
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
MOST KICKS ANDREW CIAVARELLA
DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY SAM HYNES
MOST
RANKING
HIGHEST-RANKED PLAYER 2025*
*Minimum 10 games played Jack Lefroy (114.3 - played only 3 games)
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2026
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
NEW FACES
Look at the spine of the new look Bulldogs and you can’t help but be impressed - a new full back (190cm+ Finn Radley), a new centreman (Jimmy Bennett), and two new key forwards (Tommy Durward and Tom Sullivan). Then there is Keiran Andrew, a 3-time premiership player and a hard nut who will win his fair share of clearances.
Sean Jones and Oscar Willis will also make a difference, Johns a former Murray Bushrangers captain.
SCORING POWER NIGHT FOOTBALL 2025 HANGOVER
Jess Petherick led the goalkicking for Tatura last year with just 7 goals. Next best was Ben Darrou, who spent most of the year in defence, and Curtis Ryan (6 each for the year).
Durward and Sullivan will make a difference to this statistic, but Andrew Ciavarella will be looking for more Inside 50 entries than last seasoni’s Bulldogs average of 25.9 (by far the least in the cmopetition.
If the Bulldogs can get good at playing under lights then this is a major advantage - particularly if they want to start the season on a positive note. They play three of their first four night games under lights, two of them on their home ground. They do have to content with three of the top teams in the league thoughEchuca in Round 1, Kyabram in Round 3 and the Tigers in Round 4.
When you have lost most of your games by 100 points of more in the preceding season it may be a challenge for coach Ciavarella to instill enough confidence in his team to believe they can compete. Last year they scored only 505 points in total (481 points behind the 11 ranked team). There is a big threat that the Bulldogs may have forgotten how to win. th
INS OUTS
*Among others
LIGNED
ALIGNED
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
Despite finishing with just three wins (and in 10 spot on the ladder) there were a number of positives, including the fact the Demons had the 8 most productive attach. They go into the season with momentum after finishing with two winsagainst Mooroopna and Euroa - and with several new faces.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
SENIOR COACHES 2025 FINISH
FOOT PREDICTED 2026 TEAMS NETBALL
MITCHELL
MOST KICKS JESSE CUCINOTTA
DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY DAE SZYDLIK
MOST MARKS LIAM SERRA
MARKS INSIDE 50 KYLE CLARKE
INSIDE 50S JESSE CUCINOTTA
CONTESTED POSSESSIONS JOEL SERRA
INTERCEPT MARKS FRASER HICKS
CONTESTED MARKS LIAM FIORE
RANKING POINTS JESSE CUCINOTTI HANDBALLS JACK MCARTNEY HANDBALL RECEIVES SHELDON BOGDAN
GROUNDBALL GETS RILEY ONLEY
SPOILS DECLAN NEWBOUND
REBOUND 50S FRASER HICKS
FORWARD 50 TACKLES JORDAN LOVERSO
HIT OUTS SAMUEL JACKSON HIT OUTS TO ADVANTAGE SAMUEL JACKSON
SEASON GOALS KYLE CLARKE
BEHINDS KAEDYN NAPIER
SHELDON BOGDAN TACKLES (GENERAL PLAY) SHELDON BOGAN
*Minimum 10 games played
DYNAMIC DUO STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS A 50+ GOALKICKER
Jesse Cucinotta and Joel Serra were as effective as just about any other 1-2 punch in the GVL last season. Together they averaged almost 60 disposals a game. They now have a bit of support with the arrival of VFL and SANFL star Zavier Maher, Dookie’s Connor Hayes, Angus Hicks (now full time with the Demons) and experienced KDL premiership player Leigh Wellington. Not to mention the fact that they will have the occasional appearance from Micahel Barlow and VFL star Stuart Horner.
Liam Serra (27 goals) and Kyle Clarke (29 goals) played their roles, but the club could do with a 50+ goal performance from one of its new arrivals. United managed 100+ points in just one game last year (against Tatura) and despite being ranked 8 for offence they struggled to match that performance defensively. th
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2026 INS OUTS
BOOKENDS FOR 2026 USING THE BALL WELL
Brodie Newman and Matt Casey arrive at the club as potential book ends for the new look Demons. Then there is the chance that Stuart Horner, a leader of the Box Hill Hawks, will appear in the red and blue when not playing with the Hawks in the VFL. It will take the pressure off Declan Newbound and release leading goalkicker Liam Serra further up the ground to create havoc.
United was one of 8 GVL clubs to go at less than 70 per cent disposal efficiency. When it came to Inside 50 efficiency the Demons were ranked 11 . They had enough of the ball inside 50, but probably overused the handball and apart from Clarke and Liam Serra had few other avenues to goal. Next on the goalkicking was Kaedyn Napier with 23, but only 2 other players kicked more than 10 goals for the year .
ALIGNED
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
Coach Linc Sullivan has a habit of getting the best out of his playing personnel, but he goes into 2026 without two of the GVL’s stars from last season - Marc Kovacevic and Nathan Hrovat. He will also face the challenge of having several VFL aligned players, which is a pointer to the strong Swans list.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
SENIOR COACHES
FINISH
PREDICTED 2026 TEAMS FOOTBALL NETBALL
MOST KICKS NATHAN HROVAT
DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY MASON REEVES
MOST MARKS ANDREW RIORDAN
INSIDE 50S MITCHELL GRUMLEY
CONTESTED POSSESSIONS NATHAN HROVAT
INTERCEPT MARKS LUKE DAVIES MARKS INSIDE 50 HARPER SIMPSON
CONTESTED MARKS STEELE SIMPSON
RANKING POINTS NATHAN HROVAT HANDBALLS NATHAN HROVAT
GROUNDBALL GETS JACK LEFROY
HANDBALL RECEIVES OLIVER WARBURTON
SPOILS LUKE DAVIES
REBOUND 50S HUGH MASON
HIT OUTS MARC KOVACEVIC HIT OUTS TO ADVANTAGE MARK KOVACEVIC
SEASON GOALS JAMES AULD BEHINDS NATHAN RACHELE FORWARD 50 TACKLES JAMES AULD
*Minimum 10 games played
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
MARKING
INSIDE 50
When the Shepp Swans get the ball inside their forward 50 they are as dangerous as any other team in the competition. Last year James Auld kicked 42 goals in 17 games, with support from Nathan Rachele (28 goals), Steele Simpson *(also 28), and Andrew Riordan (20 goals).
The Swans took the second most inside 50 marks, but also kicked the second most behinds for the season. They were a top four disposal team, hence the amount of opportunities in attack, but had a significant focus on sharing the ball by foot. They were ranked second for kicks and 2 last for kicks. nd
LOSS OF STARPOWER
Losing two players ranked in the top 20 players in the competition is a headache for any team - when they are you ruck and rover that is even more dangerous. WIthout the Kovacevic-Hrovat partnership the Swans will be hoping that the VFL doesn’t come calling too consistently for the services of Oliver and Ethan Warburton, Mitch Grumley and Max Clohesy. They have a number of stars aligned to VFL clubs, which is a credit to the club’s development program - it is also a bit of a challenge to come up with replacement sfor these stars on a weekly basis.
ALIGNE
HOME GROWN TALENT STAYING STRONG
The Swans pride themselves on developing home grown talent. This year they will be relying on that to produce the sort of results that have them back in the top six. Last year they started the year with seven wins on the back of some terrific performances from club juniors at the top level.
After those first 7 wins the Swans won only half of their remaining 11 games, but surged into the finals with their best win of the season - a 34 point victory against eventual premier Kyabram in the final home and away game of the year. They had 8 scores of 100+ last season, showing their scoring power.
ALIGNED
OUTS
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
Xavier Stevenson and Jason Wells will be hoping to avoid the roller coaster that was season 2025. The Bears won their first 4 games, lost the next 5 and then finished with a rush with wins in 7 of their last 9 games. This is a club that is never far away and a couple of nice off-season additions will have them in the mix.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
SENIOR COACHES
FINISH
REDICTED 2026 TEAMS FOOTBALL NETBALL
MOST KICKS MITCHELL BRETT
DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY TED LINDON
MOST MARKS LEWIS MCSHANE
CONTESTED POSSESSIONS LUKE SMITH
POINTS
GROUNDBALL GETS NED BYRNE
REBOUND
SEASON GOALS
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2026
FIRST USE OF BALL STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
League medallist Ash Holland gave his mid-field unit first use of the ball more often than he didn’t. The Bears were ranked first for hit outs (66.2 a game) and 2 for hit outs to advantage (14.8). nd They did, however, only rank fourth for clearance and it will be a big focus of the team to ensure they match it with teams ike Kyabram and Echuca, as well as grand finalist, Rochester when it comes to clearing the ball from stoppages.
ROLLER COASTER
Ned Byrne, Jacob Watts, Xavier Stevenson and Adam Decicco are great ball winners and hard nosed mid-fielders who can turn a game. Last year when they were hot the Bears were very tough to stop, but when they were not the team suddenly became vulnerable. Stevenson is a star, averaging 121.3 ranking points a game and one of only 10 players who produced games that exceeded 200 ranking pointsthe golden mark for any mid-fielder in the GVL.
ALIGNED
STAR POWER IN ATTACK STAYING STRONG
Luke Smith and Lewis McShane kicked 100 goals between them last year, but they are much more than goalkickers. The pair won their share of clearance, laid tackles and when they are firing the Bears are a team that can challenge any defence to keep them under control.
For a six week period from Round 5 until Round 11 the Bears had just one win and didn’t top the 100 point mark in a single game. While they recovered they only managed 62 points in the final against Mansfield and were bundled out of the finals in the openng week.
ALIGNED
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
Clever recruiting in the off-season by Ben Davey and Jack Murphy has seen the addition of a highly credentialled ruckman, a bull mid-fielder and the full time availability of star forward Riley Mason. With Jack Peris a 18-week Lion the club looks set for a return to finals action after just missing in 2025.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
SENIOR COACHES
FINISH
PREDICTED 2026 TEAMS FOOTBALL
MOST KICKS JACK MURPHY
DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY LACHLAN BEATTIE
MOST MARKS RILEY MASON (5 GAMES)
MARKS INSIDE 50 RILEY MASON
INSIDE 50S JACK PERIS
CONTESTED POSSESSIONS NIC QUIGG
INTERCEPT MARKS COOPER HOLDSWORTH-ROSE
CONTESTED MARKS RILEY MASON
RANKING POINTS JACK MURPHY HANDBALLS JACK PERIS HANDBALL RECEIVES RICKY SCHRAVEN
GROUNDBALL GETS NIC QUIGG
SPOILS LACHLAN BEATTIE
REBOUND 50S LUCAS CAVIGAN
SEASON GOALS RILEY MASON BEHINDS RILEY MASON FORWARD 50 TACKLES RORY KENNEDY
*Minimum 10 games played
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2026
BALL WINNERS STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
Jack Murphy and Nathan Beattie were stand out players in the GVL last year. Cocoach Murphy averaged 33.9 disposals and the hard tackling Beattie averaged 30.3 disposals. They didn’t always have the two players who act as wonderful support bases for them in the centre of the ground - Nick Quigg and Jack Peris - but this year Peris will be full time with the Lions. Expect there to be three players averaging 30+ disposals with him being a weekly fixture in the VFL. What will also matter is how many goals they kick as mid-fielders.
FOCAL POINTS
Last year RIley Mason played five games with the Lions and kicked 27 goals (winning the club goalkicking with that total). Next best on the goalkicking table was Nathan Fowler with 24 and then came coach Murphy with 21. Having Mason back in the team full time this year will be a key to the Lions returning to the finals, having finished the season seventh on the ladder with 10 wins from 18 games. Having Mason in the line up will release a couple of the other strong marking Lions to half forward.
WINNING THE RUCK HOLDING TEAMS
Seymour relied on Jesse Brock and Seamus Feery in the ruck last year. They finished 12 for hit outs (just 35.9 a week) and were also bottom for hit outs to advantage. th Despite this they finished 8 for clerances and with new ruckman Tom Stapleton in the line up the Lions can expect to rise significantly in this area. It should also influence their 7 ranking in the Inside 50 stakes - giving Mason more opportunities. th th
The Lions gave up 100+ points in all three of their games to start 2025. They did rally and for the next 8 weeks kept their opposition to under 100 pointsbefore a 136 point Kyabram total broke that run. They will be looking to be as defensively strong as they were for that period in 2026, relying on winning the ball at the source to reduce the pressure on their defenders.
ALIGNED ALIGN
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
The best defensive team in the competition has added some terrific stocks to its already impressive line-up. They will be looking to improve on the forward output where they were only the 6 best team. Four walk up starts to their senior team leaves few weaknesses in an already grand final worthy line-up.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
COACHES
SENIOR
FINISH PREDICTED
PREDICTED 2026 TEAMS FOOTBALL NETBALL
MOST KICKS DYLAN GORDON INSIDE 50S DREW LLYOD
DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY ANDY HENDERSON
MOST MARKS WIL HAMILTON
CONTESTED POSSESSIONS MITCH TREWELLA
INTERCEPT MARKS ANDY HENDERSON
MARKS INSIDE 50 MITCHELL CRICELLI (4-5 GAMES) CONTESTED MARKS MITCHELL CRICELLI
RANKING POINTS MITCH TREWHELLA HANDBALLS MITCH TREWELLA
GROUNDBALL GETS MITCH TREWELLA
SPOILS RYAN O’KEEFE
REBOUND 50S DYLAN GORDON
SEASON GOALS HUGH HAMILTON BEHINDS MITCHELL CRICELLI FORWARD 50 TACKLES HUGH HAMILTON 7.7 13.8
*Minimum 10 games played
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2026
TIGHT UNIT STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS KICKING GOALS
Ash Watson strikes me as a wonderful man manager. The club and the town has been through a lot in recent years and it appears to be destiny that they will one day (very soon) have another GVL premiership to put on the mantlepiece at Moon Oval. They last won the title in 2008 and have lost two grand finals to their Round 1 opponent Kyabram since that game.
High Hamilton and his brother Will kicked 111 goals between them last year, the former ending up as the league’s leading goalkicker with 66 for the year. Neither is expected to play in Round 1, but they will again be a key to the success of the team. Watson has added Felix Fogarty and Ryley Ferguson (both standing 195cm+) to the team and they could provide support for the Hamilton boys.
BUILD AROUND MITCH INJURIES
If there is a player that Rochester can build its team around it is the rugged and skilful number 2 - Mitch Trewhella. But, just like a horse that has had a lot of starts in the Spring, he is coming straight off a NTFL premiership winning season and into a GVL year that will see him get plenty of attention from opposition negators. If anyone is up to it, Mitch Trewhella is.
Last year the Tigers lost two of its defensive pillars - Dylan Gordon and Andy Henderson. They still finished the year as the best defensive unit in the competition, on the back of Ryan O’Keefe, Matt Kellett and the supporting cast that saw the Tigers as the only team to keep oppostion forwards to less than 100 points in all but one game (against Kyabram) last year.
INS OUTS
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
One of only two clubs not to score 1000 points for the season, they did defend well (ranked 9 ) and despite finishing 11 will have high hopes with two competition stars walking back in the door - the Betson brothers. Well coached and despite losing their last seven games in 2025 will be buzzing with excitement.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
SENIOR COACHES 2025 FINISH PREDICTED
INTERCEPT
REBOUND
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2026
NIGHT FOOTBALL
OVERUSE OF HANDBALL
RETURNING STARS STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS KEY DEFENDERS
Much has been made of the retuning Betson brothers - and any wonder. The statistical evidence alone of the impact the Cats can expect them to have on the disappointing 11 place finish from last year is enormous. th Couple that with a few more appearances from VFL aligned player Jack Johnston and the continued form of reigning best and fairest Jed Woods - and John Lamont has a recipe for climbing a few rungs on the ladder and improving on the three wins.
With Jack Johnston required as a key position player for his VFL club Port Melbourne and Mac Calleja playing in a key defensive post for the Murray Bushrangers there is a lack of size in defence, which will mean the Cats big man stocks are again stretched. At ground level they run hard, but don’t have the size to compete with big bodied opposition - as evidenced by their ranking as the 11 team for contested possessions. th
Two games under lights might suit the Cats, who were not big scorers last year. In fact, they were one of only two teams not to top the 1000 point mark from their 18 home and away games. They will be looking to kick more, last for kicks in 2025 and therefore 2 last for Inside 50 entries for the season. nd
While the Cats did not kick it that much last season, they were the 2 most prolific hand balling team in the competition (10 for overall disposals). nd th They had several players in the leading 20 for hand ball receives - including ball magnet Kai Madgwick and Isaac Dowling.
ALIGNED
INS OUTS
Ben Hicks, Jed Woods, Kai Madgwick, Dom Gugliotti
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
Bowed out of the finals after drawing with Rochester and beating the eventual premier Kyabram in the last four rounds of the season. Didn’t lose again (at least not in the home and away season) after a Round 7 loss to Echuca. All the interest is in their being two sons of Collingwood guns in the team.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
SENIOR COACHES 2025 FINISH
PREDICTED 2026 TEAMS FOOTBALL NETBALL
MOST KICKS MATHEW KING
DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY MATT KING
MOST MARKS DIRK KOENEN
INSIDE 50 BEN
50S CALLUM BROWN
CONTESTED POSSESSIONS NICK GRAY
INTERCEPT MARKS DIRK KOENEN
& BILLY HOGAN CONTESTED MARKS DIRK KOENEN RANKING POINTS CALLUM BROWN HANDBALLS CALLUM BROWN HANDBALL RECEIVES HARRY MOHONEY
GROUNDBALL GETS CALLUM BROWN
SPOILS DIRK KOENEN
REBOUND 50S MATT KING
SEASON GOALS BILLY HOGAN BEHINDS WILLIAM HOGAN FORWARD 50 TACKLES WILL FOSTER
*Minimum 10 games played
WINNING AT THE SOURCE STRENGTHS
Brett Mahoney (pictured below) is just one of the star Mansfield midfielders who have the amazingly ability to win the hard ball. With reigning league medallist Callum Brown leading the pack and hard nosed leader Jayden Howes in support it is one of the strengths of the Eagles. This allowed the Eagles to have the second most entries inside 50 of any team in the league, giving opportunist forwards the chance to kick a winning score.
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2026
WEAKNESSES
LOSING TOP TACKLER
Nick Gray’s absence will be felt by the team, as he was one of the top tacklers in the league. The Eagles ranked only 9 when it came to tackling, particulalry lowly ranked when it came to Forward 50 tackles. th The team did do its best work in the air, however, where it was Top 5 for contested marks, Marks Inside 50 and for intercept marksthe last one thanks largely to the brilliant season of Dirk Koenan (expected to miss early) and the exprienced Adam Boshevski.
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
FAST START ON OFFER HISTORY COUNTS
If last season’s rankings count for anything than the Eagles draw should hold it in good sted to get out of the blocks well. They play five of the teamsin their first six games - that missed the finakls last year. They also have both grand final teams before the general bye (on May 23) to even out the ledger.
Mansfield has not played in a GVL grand final since 2009, when they won only their second league title (the first came in 2004) with a 21 point win against Kyabram. Last year they had an amazing run to the finals (winning - and drawing once - every game from Round 7 until the end of the home and away season).
INS OUTS ALIGNED
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
Has an embarrassment of riches in the mid-field and two of the best big men in the league - Zac Norris and Aidan Robinson. When Coby McCarthy is probably the fourth highest rated midfielder in your team, you know you are going very well indeed. Without big Tom Holman in the square will create some interest.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
SENIOR COACHES
FINISH
PREDICTED 2026 TEAMS FOOTBALL
MOST KICKS KAINE HERBERT INSIDE 50S KAINE HERBERT
DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY COOPER VICK
CONTESTED POSSESSIONS MICK MATTINGLY
MOST MARKS CHARLIE BARNETT
INTERCEPT MARKS JASON MORGAN MARKS INSIDE 50 ANTHONY DEPASQUALE
CONTESTED MARKS ANTHONY DEPASQUALE
RANKING POINTS MICK MATTINGLY HANDBALLS MICK MATTINGLY HANDBALL RECEIVES KAINE HERBERT
SPOILS AIDAN ROBINSON
REBOUND 50S BRAD WHITFORD
GROUNDBALL GETS MICK MATTINGLY GOALS CHARLIE BARNETT BEHINDS ANTHONY DEPASQUALE
TACKLES
PRESSURE MICK MATTINGLY TACKLES (GENERAL PLAY) MICK MATTINGLY
*Minimum 10 games played
STAR
STUDDED STRENGTHS
When Murray league medallist Coby McCarthy is forced to play part of his game at half forward it is an indication of how strong the Bombers are in the mid-field. He was one of the league’s leading on-ballers in his one season wirth Mooroopna and I have a feeling he will want to reclaim his ranking as one of the GVL’s best ball winners. Expect McCarthy to have a big say in this year’s Kyabram mid-field after missing much of last year with injury. Then there is Jack Russell, Kaine Herbert and Mick Mattingly
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2026
WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES
TOO MANY CHOICES
Knowing where to play a versatile player might not seem like a problem, but Aidan Robinson was used in attack, in the ruck and in the last line of defence last year. His unselfish nature probably cost him being a dominant player in one position. If that is a weakness, it is probably a good one to have
THREATS
RETUNING STARS KEEPING THE HUNGER
Aaron Hayes and Rhys Clark were among the best players on the ground in the 2016 Kyabram premiership win. Funnily enough the Bombers beat the same time they look likely to battle it out with again this yearRochester - in that game. Expect the experienced pair to have a say again in this season, 10 years after that victory.
ALIGNED
Kyabram managed to finally conquer its nemesis, Echuca, after three years of falling short of the mark. Are they still hungry, after winning flags in 2016 and 2017 (both undefeated years) and 2019. Most players now have a premiership medal, so reinventing the will to achieve is a major challenge.
INS OUTS
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
Didn’t win their first game until Round 5 last year, but ran Rochester to within three points and was involved in one of the most interesting games of the season - a 24-26 loss to Kyabram in the big wet. Has a couple of mid-field stars that will need to perform at their peak for the Magpies to play finals.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
SENIOR COACHES
FINISH
PREDICTED 2026 TEAMS
FOOTBALL
PAUL
LACHLAN HILL
LACHLAN HILL MOST
PAUL INTERCEPT
COHEN PAUL
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2026
HARD NOSED STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
Euroa was a top six team for contested possessions last year and that is the brand that will no doubt be enhanced by Brad Gleeson’s coaching style. The Magpies were a high hand balling team, as a result of this in close style of play, but will no doubt want to improve their outside game and present more scoring opportunities for the likes of Jett Trotter. They were 9 for inside 50s th last season and had the same ranking for marks inside 50.
RELYING ON A ‘JETT’
Jett Trotter kicked 35 goals last season, from his 18 games, but spent a lot of time up the ground in a big to offer an avenue from the mid-field into the scoring zone. Next best goalkicker for the Magpies was their primary ball winner and courageous midfield generalLachlan Hill. He kicked 14 goals from 18 games.
BIG MAN ARRIVES KICKING A SCORE
Whenever a player stands 200+ centimetres there are some heads turned and that’s what Hugh Bailey (pictured below) will do with the Magpies. Last year the team faced challenges in the ruck, despite the very brave performancesweek in and week out - of undersized ruckman Jack McKernan. Bailey will be a big plus, despite being comparatively new to senior football.
Last year the Magpies started the season with scores of 57 and 50 points. Their next two weeks were less than 10 goals and it wasn’t until Round 8 against Tatura that they kicked their first 100 point plus score. They posted three figures in only two of their remaining 8 games. This will be a focus, as well as maintaining their defensive capability.
ALIGNED
INS OUTS
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
Chalk 2025 up to bad luck - really bad luck. Long term injuries to a number of stars meant they used more senior players in their top team than any other club. Angus Byrne’s return makes them a big threat in attack, particularly if his brother Hugh is not on VFL duties - best 1-2 punch in the league.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
SENIOR COACHES
FINISH
PREDICTED 2026 TEAMS FOOTBALL NETBALL
MOST KICKS JACK EVANS
DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY JOE GUINEY
MOST MARKS HUGH BYRNE
50S MITCH WALES
CONTESTED POSSESSIONS BEN REID
INTERCEPT MARKS CURTIS TOWNROW
MARKS INSIDE 50 HUGH BYRNE CONTESTED MARKS HUGH BYRNE
REBOUND
CURTIS TOWNROW
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2026
RETURNING PLAYERS STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS HARD TO FIND
Injuries decimated the powerhouse team in 2025Cooper Barber played just 7 games, Jack McHale just 6, Ben Reid only 2, Kane Morris 11 (including 2 finals), Jack Evans 9 and several others missed at regular intervals. While Ben Reid is retired, there is enough returning starpower to make the Murray Bombers a big threat to the likes of Kyabram and Rochestermaking the return of rivalry rounds even sweeter as these top teams face each other twice during the year.
There aren’t too many when the club has all its players available. They are well coached and feature prominently in most of the contested football categories. At some stages, if they need to bring Cam Valentine forward (like they did last year) there can be a little bit of a question mark when Curtis Townrow is left down back to fend for himself.
OPTIONS IN ATTACK NEW SURROUNDS
Any team with the Byrne brothers and Liam Tenace as marking options in their forward line can be a handful for anyone. Whether or not we will see Hugh and Angus Byrne in the forward line at the same time will be a major interest for opposition defrenders. As for Tenace, if he starts the year how he finished the last look out.
Playing on the unfamiliar Echuca South Oval may present a challenge as the well drilled and prepared Echuca team has treated Victoria Park like a fortress in recent seasons. The professional nature of the club - I am sure - will overcome any challenges in regotiating the different size oval.
INS OUTS
2026 SEASON PREVIEW
New coach Nick Pearson has left no-one wondering, pouring plenty of energy into the pre-season and into recruiting. They look like they will be quick, but goalkicking will be a concern. Outside of Nathan Wright’s 64 goals (2 in the league) the next best return was 15 from former leader Jarrad Waite.
’25 FOOTBALL RANKINGS
SENIOR COACHES
PREDICTED 2026 TEAMS
FOOTBALL NETBALL
MOST KICKS CHRISWELSH
DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY WILL O’DONOGHUE
MOST MARKS NICK WARNOCK
INSIDE 50S CHRIS WELSH
CONTESTED POSSESSIONS CHRIS WELSH
INTERCEPT MARKS NICK WARNOCK
MARKS INSIDE 50 NATHAN WRIGHT CONTESTED MARKS JARRAD WAITE
RANKING POINTS CHRIS WELSH HANDBALLS CHRIS WELSH
SPOILS NICK WARNOCK
HANDBALL RECEIVES DAVID MENNEN
REBOUND 50S ETHAN MANEY
GROUNDBALL GETS GUS BARNES SEASON GOALS
*Minimum 10 games played
S.W.O.T ANALYSIS 2026
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
UMPIRES FAVOURITES
With four players in the top dozen for free kicks paid, the Saints just need to sharpen up on a few other areas of their game and let the men in green go about their business as usual. Ball players like Chris Welsh, Nathan Wright and Mark Marriott make it easy for the umpires to see things the way of the Saints - by name and nature in this particular instance.
ONLY ONE TARGET
Nick Pearson will be hoping that Michael Mummery can take some of he pressure off last season’s 2 ranked GVL goalkicker Nathan Wright. nd Benalla had the 10 worst attack (scoring wise) and managed 100 points in only three of their 18 games for 2025. th With strength in the middle of the ground and defence this will no doubt be a focus for the team.
RISING STAR LEARNING HOW TO WIN
Ryley Ely has the potential to become one of the stars of the competition if he can repeat his last five rounds from last season. He only topped 100 points in two of his first 13 games, but then finished with two games of 150 ranking points or more - including a 34 touch game where he had 7 Inside 50s and 7 clearances. Finished as one of the GVL’s Rising Stars for 2025.
In the last three years the Saints have won just 11 of 53 games. They will need to learn how to win again, but with some new faces in the team they may be able to put the recent record behind them and with premiership winning coach Pearson at the helm could be in a chasing pack of four or five times hoping to be improvers in 2026.
